Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Naturally leavened with sourdough starter
- Filled with colorful rainbow sprinkles
- Perfect for birthdays and celebrations
- Delicious vanilla cake flavor
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Fun recipe for the whole family
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 300g bread flour
- 120g whole milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 50g granulated sugar
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5g salt
Funfetti Add-Ins
- ½ cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles (avoid nonpareils)
Optional Topping
- Extra rainbow sprinkles
- Coarse sugar
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Active sourdough starter
- Milk
- Egg
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
Add bread flour and salt.
Mix until a rough dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Add softened butter gradually while kneading.
Continue kneading for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover and allow it to rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until noticeably puffy.
The exact time will depend on the strength of your starter and room temperature.
Step 4: Add the Sprinkles
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently flatten into a rectangle.
Sprinkle the rainbow jimmies evenly over the dough.
Fold and knead gently until the sprinkles are distributed throughout.
Avoid overworking the dough to prevent color bleeding.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Shape the dough into a loaf.
Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cover loosely.
Step 6: Final Proof
Allow the dough to rise until it reaches about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
This may take 2–4 hours depending on temperature.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the top with egg wash.
Sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles and coarse sugar over the surface if desired.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches approximately 190°F (88°C).
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.
Step 9: Cool
Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Funfetti Sourdough Bread
- Use active, bubbly sourdough starter for the best rise.
- Choose rainbow jimmies instead of nonpareils to prevent color bleeding.
- Avoid overmixing after adding sprinkles.
- Allow adequate proofing time for a light texture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for better dough development.
- Cool completely before slicing to preserve the loaf structure.
Fun Variations
Birthday Cake Sourdough
Add:
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Vanilla glaze after baking
White Chocolate Funfetti Bread
Fold in:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Funfetti Cinnamon Swirl
Add:
- Cinnamon sugar filling before shaping
Cream Cheese Funfetti Loaf
Swirl sweetened cream cheese into the dough before baking.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Funfetti Sourdough Bread?
It’s a sweet, enriched sourdough loaf flavored with vanilla and colorful rainbow sprinkles, inspired by funfetti cake.
Can I use sourdough discard?
For best results, use active starter. Discard can be used, but the bread may require commercial yeast for proper rising.
Why use jimmies instead of nonpareils?
Jimmies hold their color better and prevent the dough from becoming streaked.
Can I make this without a loaf pan?
Yes. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and bake on a baking stone or baking sheet.
What can I serve with Funfetti Sourdough Bread?
It’s delicious with butter, cream cheese, jam, vanilla glaze, or transformed into French toast.
This Funfetti Sourdough Bread combines the wholesome goodness of homemade sourdough with the playful sweetness of birthday cake. Soft, colorful, and bursting with vanilla flavor, it’s a joyful loaf that’s perfect for celebrations or whenever you want to brighten your day.
