Easter is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and what better way to celebrate than with an adorable Sourdough Bunny Bread? This fun and festive loaf is not only a showstopper at your Easter table, but it also boasts the delicious flavor and texture of homemade sourdough.
Using a Dutch oven, you’ll achieve a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Follow this step-by-step guide and watch your Easter bunny come to life!
Ingredients
- 300g (1 1/4 cups) water
- 2g (1/2 tsp) instant yeast
- 400g (3 1/3 cups) bread flour
- 6g (1 tsp) salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, add 300g of water and sprinkle 2g of instant yeast on top. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until dissolved.
2. Add 400g of bread flour and 6g of salt, then mix with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
3. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flour to hydrate.
4. After resting, knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Bulk Fermentation & Stretch-and-Fold
1. Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
2. Perform a stretch and fold: Grab one edge of the dough, pull it up, and fold it over toward the center. Repeat this on all four edges.
3. Cover and let it rest for another hour.
4. Continue this stretch-and-fold process every hour for 3 more hours. This builds strength in the dough and ensures a beautiful rise.
Step 3: Shaping the Bunny
Now comes the fun part—shaping your bunny!
Watch the step-by-step video for guidance on forming the bunny’s body, head, ears, and tail using simple dough shaping techniques. Be sure to let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes before baking.
Baking in the Dutch Oven
Step 4: Preheat the Dutch Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Place your Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven and heat for 15 minutes—this step traps steam, giving your bread that signature crispy crust.
Step 5: Bake Your Bunny Bread
1. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven.
2. Use parchment paper to lift the dough and transfer it into the Dutch oven.
3. Score the dough gently with a razor blade or sharp knife to create slashes on the bunny’s body, ears, or face—this helps with oven spring.
4. Cover with the lid and bake for 25-30 minutes to trap steam and promote rising.
5. Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy Your Easter Bunny Bread!
Let your sourdough bunny cool before slicing—if you can resist! Serve it with butter, jam, or alongside your Easter feast. This adorable and delicious loaf is sure to impress family and friends!
Happy Easter & Happy Baking! 🐰🥖
