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Rustic Fruit & Nut Sourdough Loaf

Rustic Fruit & Nut Sourdough Loaf: A Hearty, Wholesome Delight for Every Occasion


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: ~12–14 hours (including rising/proofing)
  • Yield: 1 large loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

The Rustic Fruit & Nut Sourdough Loaf is a variation of traditional sourdough bread. While classic sourdough is known for its tangy flavor from the natural fermentation process, this recipe takes it up a notch by adding dried fruits and nuts, creating an even more complex flavor profile. The result is a loaf that has a balance of chewy, nutty, and sweet elements, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or any time of the day.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 80g sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 200g whole wheat flour
  • 260g water
  • 8g salt

Add-ins:

  • ⅓ cup dried figs, chopped
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  • Mix starter, flours, and water in a large bowl until no dry spots remain.
  • Cover and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).

2. Add Salt & Knead

  • Sprinkle in salt and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes, then knead again briefly.

3. Bulk Fermentation

  • Stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
  • During the first fold, add figs, raisins, walnuts, and seeds.
  • Cover and let rise until nearly doubled (2.5–3 hours).

4. Shape the Loaf

  • Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a tight ball.
  • Roll the top in extra seeds if desired.
  • Place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or bowl.

5. Final Proof

  • Cover and let rise at room temp for 3–4 hours, or refrigerate overnight.

6. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
  • Flip dough onto parchment, score the top, and place in Dutch oven.
  • Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 20 minutes until golden brown.

7. Cool

  • Let cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

This hearty sourdough loaf is packed with chewy dried fruits and crunchy nuts, making it perfect for breakfast with a smear of butter, paired with cheese, or enjoyed simply on its own. Its rustic flavor and texture make it a wholesome treat for both everyday meals and special gatherings

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus fermentation & proofing time)
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Artisan / European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: None

Keywords: Fruit and Nut Sourdough Bread, Nutty Sourdough Loaf, Rustic Sourdough Bread