Same-Day Sweet Sourdough Challah (No Yeast)
Yes, you can have it all. This same-day sourdough challah is sweet, fluffy, and golden like your favorite bakery loaf, but it’s made with 100% sourdough starter and no commercial yeast. Even better? It’s ready to bake the same day.
Forget the tang, this challah has none. Thanks to an enriched dough and smart timeline, you get all the benefits of sourdough (better digestibility, natural fermentation, no additives) without the sour flavor.
The sugar-forward formula delivers a subtle sweetness in every slice, perfect for Shabbat. The morning after, it works on toast, French toast, or just tearing off a warm chunk with jam.
As you know, challah is my all-time favorite food. You can check out my yeasted recipes HERE. The pistachio is my most requested recipe by family and friends.
For the braiding. I used the 4-braid technique I saw in this video. They turned out gorgeous!
🕒 Timeline for Same-Day Sourdough Challah
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Feed starter (if not already active) |
| 11:30 AM | Mix the dough (use warm water). |
| 12:00 PM | Start bulk fermentation |
| 4:00 PM | Shape & braid |
| 4:15 PM | Final proof (warm spot) |
| 6:30 PM | Bake at 350°F |
| 7:15 PM | Cool & enjoy! |
🍞 Texture & Flavor
This challah bakes up light, airy, and soft, exactly what you want in a braided loaf. The sugar enhances browning and flavor without making it dense or overly heavy. It’s sweet enough to enjoy as-is or topped with a dusting of sugar or glaze.
🔄 Variations
- Add ½ cup of chocolate chips or raisins after kneading
- Make a cinnamon-sugar swirl by flattening strands and sprinkling before braiding
- Top with pearl sugar or sesame seeds for extra crunch
- Use the fillings from THIS recipe and THIS recipe
⚠️ Troubleshooting
- Dough not rising? Make sure your starter is very active and bubbly before mixing.
- Not puffy before baking? Give it more time. Warm proofing is essential for same-day success.
- Braids spreading? Try proofing on parchment in a loaf pan for extra structure.
💡 Why Use Sourdough (Even in Sweet Challah)?
Even without the tang, sourdough offers huge benefits: improved digestibility, a naturally longer shelf life, and a deeper, more complex flavor. Plus, it’s just fun to make bread that’s entirely naturally leavened, and still soft and sweet!
Same-Day Sweet Sourdough Challah (No Yeast)
Ingredients
- 175 grams active sourdough starter
- 500 grams bread flour
- 120 grams granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk save egg white to brush challah on top
- 75 grams vegetable oil
- 8 grams salt
- 140 grams warm water (85-90 F)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl of a stand mixer, add all the ingredients
- Knead in the mixer (6–8 min) or by hand (10 min) until dough is smooth and elastic
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and bulk ferment for 4 hours in a warm spot (75–78°F)
- Once dough has puffed up, divide into 3–6 pieces, roll into ropes, and braid
- Place braid on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and final proof for 2–2.5 hours until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Brush loaf with the reserved egg white and sprinkle sesame seeds or pearl sugar, if desired
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, rotating halfway, until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 190°F.
- Cool at least 45 minutes before slicing
- Enjoy!!
Nutrition
You may also like:
Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Homemade Challah Bread (yeasted)
Mine didn’t turn out as pretty but it was delicious! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome Monica!
Made them for the Jewish holidays and they were delicious! Jag Sameach
Jag Sameach Janet! Glad your family enjoyed it