Golden Crumb Sourdough Bread

24 hours

medium

2 loaves

🌿 What’s in the Golden Crumb Blend?

Baking sourdough always feels like quiet therapy to me—whether I’m processing the day, reflecting on something bigger, or just knowing I’ll be sharing a loaf with a friend. There’s comfort in the slowness. A kind of peace in the folds, the rise, the warmth. I bake sourdough for that quiet space it gives me to breathe and feel present.

This particular loaf was inspired by a recipe from Chef Julia, my sourdough guide and kitchen cheerleader 💛 She’s the one who introduced me to Barton Springs Mill, and wow — their flours totally changed my baking game.

Her original recipe called for:

  • 300g Tam 105 00 – soft, earthy, and grounding

  • 400g Yecora Rojo 00 – bold, nutty, and full of golden soul

  • 300g King Arthur Bread Flour – adds strength and softness for easy slicing

Of course, I accidentally used the whole wheat versions of the Barton Springs flour instead (because… me 😅), but the result was still something special. The rise wasn’t quite as lofty, and the crumb a bit tighter than I’d hoped—but I realize now that 700 grams of whole wheat just needs a little more attention. It’s a thirstier flour and can be a little heavier, especially when you’re still new to the sourdough game.

But the flavor?
It didn’t disappoint. Rich, warm, nutty, and full of heart—the kind of loaf that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

Despite the rustic texture, it was still soft enough for jam, butter, or honey. Cozy, humble, and full of whole-grain goodness, it’s now officially on repeat in our house—especially for my husband (a.k.a. Mr. Squeeze), who lives for a good sandwich and firmly believes the bread makes the meal. His afternoon turkey sandwich moment? It depends on soft, flavorful slices—and this loaf delivers.


Next time, I’ll follow the recipe and use the 00 flours like Chef Julia intended…
But honestly? Half the fun of sourdough is the experimenting—even when it’s completely by accident. 🙃

What started as a mix-up turned into something more than just a loaf.

It had heart. It had soul. And somehow… it had a name.

Read the full Golden Crumb story here »


Why You’ll Love & Benefit from These Ingredients 🍵✨

🌾 Yecora Rojo Whole Wheat – Bold, nutty, and full of character; adds depth and color to your loaf.
💛 Tam 105 Whole Wheat – Soft, earthy, and beautifully balanced — perfect for everyday bakes.
🥖 King Arthur Bread Flour – Gives strength, rise, and that chewy sandwich-perfect texture.
Sourdough Starter – Naturally leavened, gut-friendly, and full of wild fermentation magic.
🌞 The Golden Crumb Blend – Hearty and tender with a rustic glow — made for slow mornings and cozy slicing.

Looking for more comforting, flavor-packed meals? Check out our [other recipes here]!

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Ingredients

Adjust Servings
200 g of active starter
750 (save 50g for salt) g filtered water
400g Yecora Rojo whole wheat flour (Barton Springs Mill)
300 g Tam Whole Wheat Flour (Barton Springs Mill)
300 g King Arthur Bread Flour
20 g fine sea salt
Flour to Feed Starter
50g Barton Springs Mill Butler's Gold Flour (certified organic) Whole Wheat
50 g King Arthur bread flour
100 g filtered water
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Nutritional Information

180 Calories
35g Carbs
6g Protein
0.5g Fat
2g Fiber

Directions

1.

Feed Your Starter (this recipe makes 2 loafs)

Combine 50g whole wheat flour, 50g king Arthur Bread Flour, and 100g water. Stir and let it double and becomes active.
To feed my starter, I use Barton Springs Mill: Butler's Gold Flour whole wheat and for the 50g of Bread Flour I use King Arthur Bread Flour. I always use filtered water.
Mark as complete
2.

Once Starter is Active - Mix the Dough (makes 2 loafs)

In a large bowl, mix 200g of your bubbly starter with 700g water until dissolved then combine the flours. Stir until no dry bits remain.
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3.

Cover & Rest - Autolyse

Rest for 30 mins
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4.

Add Salt & the saved 50g of water

Gently mix in 20g salt and the 50g water, ensuring everything is combined. Mix by hand until fully incorporated—this may take a few minutes and feel sticky, but it’s all part of the process.
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5.

Cover & Rest

Let it rest for 30 minutes
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6.

Bulk Fermentation

Over the next 4-5 hours, perform 3–4 sets of stretch and folds, spaced 30 minutes apart. Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature until puffy and slightly domed.
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7.

Divide & Preshape

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Divide if making two loaves. Preshape into loose rounds and let them rest for 20–30 minutes.
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8.

Final Shape & Banneton

Reshape into tight rounds or ovals. Place into floured bannetons seam-side up. Cover and refrigerate overnight. (8–12 hours) for a cold fermentation.
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9.

Preheat & Score

Heat oven to 450°F, Preheat oven with the bread pan inside for an hour. You want the bread pan HOT. Meanwhile, turn the dough onto parchment paper, dust lightly with rice flour.
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10.

Score It Like a Pro

Score like a pro—or a wanna-be pro! Hold your blade at a 45-degree angle to achieve that perfect golden ear. Get creative with your design!
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11.

Bake to Perfection

Bake 20 minutes covered, then 20-25 minutes uncovered for a deep, crackling crust.
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12.

Let It Rest & Crackle

Let rest on a wire rack at least 1 hour before slicing. The hardest part? Waiting. As tempting as it is to slice right in, that golden crust is still settling, and the crumb inside is finishing its magic. Cutting too soon could leave you with a gummy center! But trust me—if you let it rest, the reward is worth it.
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13.

Enjoy the Moment!

Congratulations! You made something beautiful. Let it cool, breathe it in, and be fully there for the first slice — butter ready, heart full. 🥖💛 However you enjoy it, savor slowly and celebrate the quiet magic of homemade sourdough. 🍞✨
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Notes

What started as a mix-up became one of my favorite loaves to date. I had meant to follow Chef Julia’s recipe exactly — but when I accidentally grabbed whole wheat Tam 105 instead of 00, I paused. And then I didn’t. I kept going. She encouraged me to flow with it, and I’m so glad I did. This bread may not have had the perfect rise… but it had something better: flavor, heart, and a moment I’ll remember. Lesson learned? You don’t always have to follow the recipe. Be open. Be curious. Let the light in. You just might discover a new family favorite. 💛