Sourdough Carrot Cake Bread

by
Sourdough carrot cake bread with carrots and spices on a wooden table

Sourdough Carrot Cake Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of carrots and spices. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional carrot cake, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert. The bread features a moist texture and a rich flavor profile, thanks to the addition of raisins, pecans, and warm spices. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice, following this straightforward recipe will lead to a delicious homemade loaf that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240g) Sourdough Starter
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Water
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Maple Syrup
  • 3 cups (360g) Bread Flour
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) Salt
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Raisins
  • 1/2 cup (60g) Pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup (120g) Carrot, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) Nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) Ginger
  • 1/4 cup (50g) Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60g) All Purpose Flour

Directions:

  1. Pre Mix Autolyse: Weigh out the sourdough starter, water, and maple syrup. Mix them together in a bowl. Add in the bread flour and salt. Use a spatula to combine. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 1 hour.

  2. Forming Up Your Dough: After the autolyse, stretch the dough into a smooth ball. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes.

  3. Stretch & Fold: Add raisins, pecans, and shredded carrot during the stretch and folds. Perform 4 sets of stretch and folds, resting for 15 to 30 minutes between each set.

  4. Bulk Ferment: Allow the dough to bulk ferment at room temperature. In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour.

  5. Shaping Your Dough: After bulk fermentation, stretch the dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly across the surface. Fold and roll the dough like a burrito. Place it in a banneton to rise.

  6. Cold Ferment: Refrigerate the dough for at least 5 hours, but no more than 12 hours to develop flavor.

  7. Preparing to Bake Your Sourdough: Preheat your oven to 230C/450F. Preheat your Dutch oven for 1 hour.

  8. Baking Your Sourdough: Remove the sourdough from the fridge. Place it on a piece of baking paper, score the bread, and transfer it to the hot Dutch oven. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on at 230C/450F, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at 210C/410F.

  9. Finishing Your Bake: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

How to serve Sourdough Carrot Cake Bread

Sourdough Carrot Cake Bread is best enjoyed freshly baked. Slice it and serve it warm or at room temperature. This bread pairs beautifully with a pat of softened butter or a drizzle of honey. You can also enjoy it toasted with cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack. This versatile bread is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful bread!