Can I make challah with sourdough starter and no yeast?

Yes! This recipe uses only sourdough starter (no commercial yeast) and still rises beautifully the same day with a soft, fluffy texture.

Does sourdough challah taste sour?

Not this one. Because it's a same-day bake, the flavor stays mellow and sweet with no noticeable sourness.

How do I get my sourdough challah to rise quickly?

Use a very active starter, warm liquids (85–90°F), and proof the dough in a warm space around 75–78°F.

Same Day Sourdough Challah

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!

No overnight proofing, no refrigeration, and no sour taste. Just a beautiful braid with a pillowy soft crumb, same day.

Soft, fluffy, same-day sourdough challah with no yeast and no sour taste. Sweet bakery-style flavor with all the benefits of sourdough.

🕒 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)

Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet sourdough challah made without yeast, bakery-style flavor with a same-day rise. Perfect for holidays or everyday

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 )

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!!

Bread

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same day sourdough challah, sweet challah no yeast, sourdough challah sugar only

Same Day Sourdough Challah

Same-Day Sweet Sourdough Challah (No Yeast)