This sourdough crispbread is one of the most rewarding things you can make with discard. Dark rye flour and a long fermentation give it a bold, salty tang and a satisfying crunch that holds for weeks.

“I made these on a Friday night and let them ferment overnight, and by Saturday afternoon I had the crunchiest, most flavorful crackers I have ever made at home! The dough rolled out so thin and even, and they stayed crisp on the counter for nearly two weeks. Absolute keeper! I can’t wait to experiment with toppings” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Margot

If you’re craving a crisp, crunchy rye cracker with a delightful sourdough tang, this is the recipe for you. My favorite version uses a long-fermented sourdough discard for big, bold flavor and a dough that’s surprisingly easy to roll paper-thin. The result is a shatteringly crisp bread that’s worlds above anything from a box.

These are the kind of crackers I put out with cheese and call it dinner, and no one complains. If you love rye-forward baking, my Swedish knäckebröd is the closest cousin to this recipe and worth making side by side, or you can try this easy rieska recipe or these sourdough discard crackers!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Dark Rye Flour: This is the backbone of the recipe, giving the crispbread its hearty, slightly nutty flavor and helping create a genuinely crisp texture. If you love baking with rye, you should try this sourdough rye bread next! If you substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour, the crackers will bake up with a noticeably milder flavor and a different crumb structure.
• Sourdough Discard: Flat, unfed discard is what you want here. It adds bold tang and, interestingly, gives the dough a slight elasticity that makes rolling it paper-thin much easier than you might expect. Using active, bubbly starter instead of discard will produce a milder flavor. For more on keeping your starter healthy between uses, my guide on how to feed sourdough starter covers everything you need to know.
• Kosher Salt: Kosher salt seasons the dough evenly without overpowering the rye or the tang from the discard. If you only have table salt, use a smaller amount since it is finer and more concentrated.
• Milk: A small amount of milk adds just enough richness to bring the dough together smoothly and soften the tang slightly. Substituting water will produce a crisper crispbread with a little less depth of flavor.
• Softened Butter: Brushed on just before baking, the butter helps the crispbread brown evenly and adds a subtle richness to the finished cracker. Use it soft so it spreads easily without tearing the rolled dough.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top before baking, flaky sea salt like Maldon adds a satisfying crunch and a bright pop of salinity in every bite. Kosher salt works in a pinch, but the flake texture makes a real difference. You can find other fun topping inspirations in my [sourdough crackers]!

Variations for sourdough crispbread (knackebrod)

• Seeded Topping. Press sesame seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, or caraway into the rolled dough before baking. Any seed works, but caraway is the most traditional and leans into the rye flavor.
• Herb and Garlic. Mix a teaspoon of dried or fresh rosemary or thyme directly into the dough before resting. The fermentation time draws out the aromatics and they bake into every bite. Just know that when adding inclusions to the dough, it can cause the crackers to tear if rolled thin.
• Spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the dough. The heat stays subtle but gives the finished crispbread a little warmth that works well with soft cheese.

Professional Tips for Perfect sourdough crispbread (knackebrod)

• Roll thinner than feels right. The single most common mistake with sourdough crispbread is stopping the rolling pin too soon. If the dough looks translucent and feels almost too delicate to handle, you are in the right place. Thicker dough bakes up chewy in the center no matter how long it stays in the oven.
• Do not pull them early. The crispbread should be a deep golden brown throughout before it comes out of the oven. If the edges look done but the middle feels soft when you press it lightly, give them another 2 to 3 minutes. Underbaking is the number one reason these turn soggy after cooling.
• Keep pieces small and consistent. Pieces larger than about 3 by 4 inches are difficult to bake through evenly, since the edges will start to darken before the center dries out. Cutting them to a similar size also means you can pull a full tray at once without some pieces overbaking while others lag behind.
• Let the long ferment do the work. Rolling the dough after just an hour produces a mild cracker. Letting it rest at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours builds the sharp, tangy flavor that makes these worth making, like I do whenever I have the time. For a broader look at what tools and setups support long sourdough fermentation well, essential sourdough tools for baking is worth a read before you get started.

How to Make sourdough crispbread (knackebrod)

Use these instructions to make paper-thin, deeply tangy knackebrod with a satisfying crunch. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Mix the Dough

Step 1: Add the dark rye flour, sourdough discard, kosher salt, and milk to a large bowl. Mix with a large fork or spatula until the mixture looks shaggy and the flour is mostly incorporated, then knead briefly in the bowl with your hands until it comes together into a ball. The dough will feel quite stiff and just a little sticky, which is completely normal. (photos 1-3)

Rye flour has very little gluten, so this is not a dough that smooths out into something silky. It should feel dense and firm, almost like a stiff clay.

Rest and Ferment

Step 2: Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature. For same-day crispbread, 1 to 2 hours is enough. The dough will not puff or rise dramatically the way a yeasted dough does. A slight softening and a faintly sour aroma are the signs that fermentation is working. (photos 4 & 5)

For the best flavor, let the dough ferment at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours before rolling and baking. That longer ferment is my favorite approach because it really amplifies the sourdough tang and gives these crispbreads their most distinctive flavor. The overnight or multi-day ferment is not required, but it is worth planning for if you can. The discard’s slight elasticity also develops further with time, which actually makes the dough easier to roll paper-thin later.

Step 3: Prepare to Roll and Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (no fan). Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and keep them covered with plastic wrap so they do not dry out while you work. Working with one piece at a time keeps the rest from forming a dry skin, which is the enemy of clean, thin rolling. (photo 6)

Roll the Dough

Step 4: Place one piece of dough on a sheet of parchment paper and begin rolling. Press the rolling pin away from your body while holding the parchment steady with your free hand — it is basically acting as a human dough sheeter, and that steady anchor is what lets you get real thinness without the dough sliding around. If the dough starts sticking to the rolling pin, lay a second sheet of parchment on top and continue rolling through it (photos 7 & 8).

Step 5: Roll Thinner and Split. Roll until you have a rough rectangle about 7 to 8 inches across, then remove the top parchment and cut the piece in half. Separate the two halves on the parchment, replace the top sheet, and keep rolling both pieces until they are as thin as you can possibly get them (photo 9).

Roll the dough as thin as you can manage — this is the secret to crisp, not chewy, crackers.

Dock and Cut

Step 6: Dock, Cut, and Top. Using a fork in each hand, poke the dough all over with the tines. This docking keeps the crispbread flat and promotes even baking. Then use a pizza wheel or sharp knife to cut the crackers to your preferred size, about 1 inch by 4 inches works well, and nothing much larger than 3 inches by 4 inches, or the centers tend to stay chewy while the edges finish. (photos 10-13)

Step 7: Trim and Season. Trim any ragged edges for clean lines. Separate the pieces slightly on the parchment, brush each one lightly with softened butter, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt (photos 14-16).

Bake

Step 8: Slide the parchment onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the crispbread is golden brown and crisp throughout. Pull one piece and snap it — if it bends rather than breaks, it needs more time. Do not pull the pan early; underbaking leads to a soggy texture instead of that satisfying crunch. Transfer the finished crispbread to a wire rack and cool completely before storing (photo 17).

Step 9: Repeat and Cool. Continue with the remaining dough pieces, repeating the rolling, docking, cutting, and baking process. If you have extra baking sheets and oven space, you can run multiple trays at once. Once fully cooled, store the crispbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. (photo 18)

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If sourdough crispbread has earned a permanent spot in your kitchen, there is plenty more to explore. Browse our Bread Recipes or make this sourdough pretzel recipe next!

A recipe for tender, moist blueberry bread using fresh or frozen blueberries. The bread has a balanced sweetness with a touch of cinnamon.

“I made this with frozen blueberries straight from the freezer and it sliced perfectly with a serrated knife after cooling. The cinnamon is subtle but you would definitely miss it if it were gone. I will be making your strawberry next so good!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Priya

This blueberry bread is perfect because I can make it year-round! It is a moist, soft loaf studded with blueberries, with a hint of cinnamon. Made completely by hand, making it super easy for your kids to help!

This bread fits perfectly alongside a cup of coffee in the morning or sliced warm as an afternoon snack. If you love easy quick breads, my vegan banana bread uses a similar one-bowl method and is just as weekday-friendly.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil keeps this loaf moist and tender while blending smoothly into the wet ingredients. Vegetable oil works as a substitute, though you will lose the subtle coconut flavor.
• Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda for lift and contributes to the bread’s soft, tender texture. Regular milk will reduce both the rise and the tenderness, so stick with buttermilk if you can. If you are a buttermilk baker like I am, my buttermilk pancake recipe is another place it really shines.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work together, with baking soda relying on the buttermilk’s acidity to do its part. Altering the amounts will affect both the rise and the texture, so measure carefully.
• Ground Cinnamon: A small amount of cinnamon adds warmth and depth without announcing itself. Omitting it will not break the recipe, but the flavor will feel a little flatter.
• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries go straight into the batter with no prep beyond rinsing and drying. If using frozen, keep them frozen and toss them in about 2 tablespoons of additional flour right before folding them in. That small step traps their released moisture and keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf just like in this strawberry bread!
• White Sparkling Sugar: This optional finishing touch creates a lightly crunchy, sparkly top crust. Skip it if you do not have it on hand, which is fine!

Variations for Blueberry Bread

• Zest Addition. Add the zest of an orange, lemon, or key lime to the sugar and let it sit while you scale the remaining ingredients. The citrus brightens the blueberry flavor and plays especially well with the cinnamon.
• Muffin Format. Divide the batter evenly among a standard 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes. If you love that format, my Coffee Cake Muffins uses a similar quick batter and bakes up just as easily.
• Add some chocolate! I will always accept the addition of chocolate! This loaf would be divine with milk, white, bittersweet, or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Add a crumble: You can add a streusel or crumble before baking! Use the topping from these raspberry crumble bars or from this apple streusel bread!

Professional Tips for Perfect Blueberry Bread

• Use a serrated bread knife for clean slices. A serrated knife glides through the crust and crumb without dragging or compressing the loaf. A straight-edged knife will tear the top crust and leave you with ragged slices, especially while the loaf is still slightly warm.
• Do not rotate the loaf before 45 minutes. The center crumb needs time to mostly set before you jostle the pan. If you rotate earlier, the center can sink and stay sunken even after the loaf is fully baked, as I learned after one unfortunate early rotation.
• Stop whisking the moment the batter comes together. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated and the batter looks smooth, put the whisk down. Overmixing develops too much gluten and produces a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one.
• Flour your frozen blueberries right before folding. Keep them frozen until the last possible second, then toss them in about 2 tablespoons of additional flour and fold them straight into the batter. This traps their released moisture, keeping them suspended in the loaf rather than sinking to the bottom. My blueberry drop biscuits use the same principle with fresh berries!

How to Make Blueberry Bread

Use these instructions to make a moist, tender blueberry bread with a crunchy sparkling sugar top and juicy jammy fruit in every slice. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F conventional and spray a standard 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside while you mix the batter.

Make the Batter

Step 2: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Set aside. (photos 1& 2)

Step 3: Add the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and warm coconut oil to a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. The batter will look glossy and uniform. If your coconut oil is too cool and starts to seize into little white specks when it hits the cold eggs, just keep whisking and it will smooth out. If it was too cool it might not emulsify back in so make sure it’s slightly warm. (photo 3)

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until a smooth batter forms, then stop. Overmixing after this point develops too much gluten and can make the bread tough, so as soon as the last streak of flour disappears, put the whisk down. (photos 4-6)

Step 5: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter using a flexible spatula. Use slow, deliberate strokes from the bottom of the bowl up and over the top, turning the bowl as you go. You want the berries distributed evenly without breaking them open and bleeding blue into the whole batter. A few gentle folds is all it takes. (photos 7 & 8)

It sounds fussy, but I always scrape the fruit-heavy bottom of the batter into the pan first, then make sure the final spoonfuls going on top carry plenty of blueberries. If most of the fruit lands at the bottom of the pan, it sinks further during baking and your top slices end up nearly berry-free, even with the flour coating doing its job.

Step 6: Dollop the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the sparkling sugar over the top if using. The batter will be thick, like a very full, dense cake batter, and that is exactly right. (photo 9)

Bake and Finish

Step 7: Bake the loaf for approximately 55 minutes, but start checking at 45 minutes. At that point, rotate the pan 180 degrees in the oven.

The center crumb needs that initial 45 minutes to mostly set before you jostle it around. Rotating too early risks a sunken center even in a fully baked loaf, so hold off until then even if it smells incredible and you are tempted to peek.

Step 8: Check for doneness at 55 minutes by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with just a few clinging crumbs, not wet batter, and when you lightly press the center of the loaf with your fingertip it should provide a little resistance and spring back rather than feeling soft and yielding. If it still feels squishy or the tester comes out wet, return the loaf to the oven and check again in 5 minute intervals. (photo 10)

Step 9: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Running a thin spatula or offset knife around the edges first makes this easier. The loaf will feel fragile and very moist right out of the oven, so give it the full 10 minutes in the pan before attempting to unmold.

Step 10: Slice using a serrated bread knife for the cleanest cuts. The sparkling sugar on top will have baked into a satisfying, crackly crust, and you will see the blueberries suspended throughout the crumb rather than pooled at the bottom. Serve warm or at room temperature. (photo 11)

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If this blueberry bread earned a spot in your regular rotation, there is plenty more waiting for you. Browse our Breakfast & Brunch Recipes or check out this sourdough banana bread if you want to see how discard behaves in a quick bread!

This whole wheat pizza dough is 100% whole wheat and still bakes up airy and chewy. It is the kind of crust that makes you want to skip the delivery order for good.

“I was skeptical that 100% whole wheat dough could stretch this thin without tearing, but after the cold proof it was incredibly extensible and easy to shape. The crust baked up with great chew and my kids didn’t even notice the swap.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Monica

Pizza night in my house almost always starts with this dough. I make the boules the night before, and by the time I pull them from the refrigerator the next evening, they are pillow-soft, fragrant, and incredibly easy to stretch.

If you already love working with whole wheat flour, this dough follows the same principles as my whole wheat bread recipe, so the process will feel familiar from the first mix. Might I also suggest this whole wheat pita bread for easy personal pizzas!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Active Dry Yeast: This is what leavens the dough and gives the crust its airy, open structure. If you use instant yeast instead, skip the blooming step and add it directly with the dry ingredients, and expect the dough to rise a little faster. Looking for a set it and forget it pizza dough? Make this no-knead pizza dough.
• Whole Wheat Flour: This is the only flour in the recipe, and it delivers the nutty, earthy flavor and chewy texture that make this crust worth making.If you love baking with whole wheat, my whole wheat sourdough bread follows the same whole-grain principles and is a great next project.
• Granulated Sugar: A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast during blooming and helps the dough develop a touch of sweetness that balances the earthy bran flavor.
• Warm Water: The warm water activates the yeast and hydrates the flour. Too hot and it kills the yeast; too cold and fermentation stalls. Looking for a fun alternative to water, try my beer pizza dough next!
• Kosher Salt: Salt strengthens the gluten structure and sharpens the overall flavor. If you use table salt, reduce the amount slightly since it is finer and more concentrated.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and richness, contributing to a tender, pliable dough that stretches without fighting you. Swapping it for a neutral oil like canola will keep the texture the same, but you will lose the subtle flavor olive oil brings.
• Semola Flour, for Shaping: Semola is finely ground durum wheat that is coarser than all-purpose flour but finer than traditional semolina. It keeps the shaped dough from sticking to the peel or work surface without making the bottom gummy, which is exactly what you need when you are launching a stretched, thin-bottomed pizza onto a hot stone.
• *See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.*

Variations for Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

• Herbed Dough. Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning directly into the flour before combining with the wet ingredients. The herbs bloom during the cold ferment, and the flavor comes through in every bite. You can use fresh herbs. I suggest blooming them in oil before adding them to the dough.
• Garlic Oil Base. Instead of plain olive oil in the dough, use garlic-infused olive oil. The dough takes on a subtle savory depth that is especially good with a white pizza.
• Prep a personal pan pizza. Instead of stretching the dough thin, press the dough into an oiled cast-iron skillet or baking pan. Let rise at room temp for 30–60 minutes, then bake for a thick-crust pizza. It’ll turn out more similar to my no knead focaccia!
• Go crazy with your topping! You can pile on roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and a generous ladle of sauce, and this crust will hold. The dough stretches thin without tearing, which means more toppings and a crust that does not go soggy in the center.

Professional Tips for Perfect Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

• Match your pizza size to your equipment before you start. The dough can stretch to 18 inches, but only make a pizza that fits your peel and stone. Trying to launch an oversized pizza onto an undersized stone will cost you the whole thing; I learned that the hard way!
• Room temperature proofing before shaping. Cold dough is tight and fights back when you stretch it, and you will tear through the bottom before you reach a workable size. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours after pulling it from the refrigerator; it should feel pillowy and relaxed before you touch it.
• Stretch the bottom crust as thin as you can without tearing it. A thicker bottom stays doughy in the center and shrinks your pizza. Work from the inside out, pressing and rotating gradually, and only pick the dough up to use your knuckles and gravity once it begins moving freely.
• Always shake the peel before you open the oven. If the dough does not slide freely, it will stick mid-transfer and fold over itself on the stone. Dust any spots that cling with more semolina flour, and work quickly once toppings are on, since moisture from the sauce will start bonding the dough to the peel.

How to Make Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Use these instructions to make a chewy, whole-grain pizza dough with a crisp bottom and a puffy, well-developed edge. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Make Dough

Step 1: Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer or in a small bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. You are looking for a foamy, fragrant surface, The yeast should visibly bubble and puff. (photo 1)

If the mixture stays flat and cloudy after 5 minutes, the yeast may be old or the water was too hot or too cold, aim for around 110°F. It is worth starting over before building the rest of the dough on top of it.

Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, and mix until a rough, shaggy dough forms. Whether you are mixing by hand or using a stand mixer on low, the dough will look ragged and uneven at this stage; that is completely normal! Whole-wheat dough often feels stiffer and drier than white-flour dough at the start because the bran in the flour absorbs water more slowly. Resist the urge to add more water. (photos 2 & 3)

If mixing by hand, make a well in the center of your flour-and-salt mixture, then pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir together with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. If you are mixing in a stand mixer, add the flour, salt, and oil directly to the bowl with the yeast mixture.

Step 3: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. If you are working by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. If you are using a stand mixer, increase the speed to medium-high and knead for about 3 and a half minutes. Either way, you are looking for a dough that has gone from rough and shaggy to soft, cohesive, and slightly tacky but not sticky. It will spring back gently when pressed with a fingertip. (photos 4 & 5)

Divide and Proof

Step 4: Decide how many pizzas you want to make. This recipe makes 2 large pizzas (about 335g each), one extra-large, or 3 smaller ones. Divide the dough accordingly, then shape each portion into a boule: fold each corner of the dough underneath itself and place it seam-side-down on the work surface. Gently cup the dough in your hands and pull it toward your body, rotating a quarter turn, then pulling again. Keep repeating this motion until the dough ball feels taut and no longer slouches against the table. If the surface starts to tear, stop, you are done. Over-tightening does more harm than under-tightening here. (photos 6 & 7)

Step 5: Place the shaped dough balls on a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish lightly coated with olive oil. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. The cold proof develops flavor and makes the dough easier to stretch later. (photo 8)

Step 6: About 2 to 3 hours before you want to bake, pull the tray from the refrigerator and leave it out at room temperature to finish proofing. The dough will relax, puff slightly, and become noticeably softer and more pliable.

Letting it come to room temperature all the way through is what gives you a thinner bottom crust and a fluffier edge once it hits the oven.

Shape

Step 7: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat the oven to 450°F with a pizza stone on the center rack if you have one. The stone needs at least 30 to 45 minutes to heat through fully. A cold stone is one of the most common reasons a whole wheat crust comes out soft and pale on the bottom. If you do not have a pizza stone, slide a metal baking sheet onto the center rack about 5 minutes before you are ready to bake.

Step 8: Stretch the Dough. Generously dust your work surface with semola flour and place one dough ball in the center. Lightly dust your hands with semola as well, then press your fingers into the dough about half an inch from the edge, working your way around the entire perimeter. This defines the outer crust and keeps it tall and puffy while the center stretches thin. (photo 9)

Semola flour is more finely ground than standard semolina. The smaller grain size lets the dough slide freely on the peel and stone without adding gritty texture to the bottom of the crust.

Step 9: Use the fingers of both hands to gently press and stretch the center of the dough flat, working inside the border you just defined. Rotate the dough as you go, pressing and stretching gradually outward. Once the dough begins to give more easily, you can pick it up and let gravity do some of the work, draping it over your knuckles and slowly pulling your hands apart. Either method works, stay on the surface if the dough feels fragile, or go airborne once it relaxes. Each dough ball stretched to about 18 inches across before baking for me, which is as large as my pizza stone can accommodate. (photo 10)

Especially with whole wheat dough, stretch the bottom crust as thin as you can without tearing it. A thinner center means a better-proportioned slice and a bigger pizza overall. Keep the surface well dusted with semola throughout.

Add Toppings and Bake!

Step 10: Top and Transfer. Transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel. Spread on some pizza sauce, sprinkle on some mozzarella cheese (a mixture of fresh and low-moisture), and any other desired toppings. Then give the peel a gentle shake. The pizza should slide freely. If any part sticks, lift the edge and dust a little more semola flour underneath before you open the oven. Working quickly from this point helps prevent sticking. (photos 11 & 12)

Step 11: Bake. Open the oven carefully and position the peel over the stone. Get the pizza almost into place, then quickly push the peel forward and pull it back sharply, letting the forward momentum carry the pizza onto the stone while the peel slides out from underneath. Close the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You do not want to overbake the whole wheat crust, or it will become crunchy and dry, pull it when the edge is deep golden and the cheese is bubbling. If you are baking on a sheet pan instead of a stone, check doneness by lifting one edge: the center should hold its shape and not flop or collapse downward. (photo 13)

Step 12: Finish and Serve. Slide the pizza peel under the finished pizza and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut and serve with a Tuscan kale salad!

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If this whole wheat pizza dough has you excited about cooking from scratch, there is plenty more waiting for you. Browse our lunch & dinner recipes or you can make this bacon turkey bravo made with this homemade tomato basil bread!

This gluten free chocolate banana bread is deeply chocolatey, tender, and made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Oat flour keeps the crumb soft and light without any gummy texture.

“I made this on a Sunday afternoon with three very ripe bananas that were about to go to waste. The batter came together in under 15 minutes and the loaf baked up beautifully, with a crackly top and a genuinely moist crumb all the way through. Gonna make them into muffins next for my next brunch!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Margot

This bread has become my go-to when I have overripe bananas on the counter and want something that feels a little more special than a plain loaf. The batter comes together in about ten minutes, and the smell coming from the oven while it bakes is genuinely hard to resist.

It is wonderful sliced thick and eaten as an afternoon snack, but it also works as a casual dessert. If you love the combination of banana and chocolate and want something richer and more indulgent, my chocolate banana bread should be your next stop! For more decadent quick breads, you should make this date nut bread or this fig bread! For another gluten free dessert try these gluten free lemon bars!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Ripe Bananas: Lightly speckled bananas bring the most natural sweetness and moisture, and they help bind the batter in place of eggs. Just like when making this cookie butter banana bread!
• Oat Flour: This is the structural base of the bread, and it keeps the crumb soft and tender without any gummy quality you sometimes get from gluten free baking. Do not substitute a different flour without expecting significant changes in texture and flavor. If you love baking with oat flour, my oat flour banana bread is a great companion recipe to have on hand.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil adds richness and keeps the crumb moist without weighing it down. Use it while it is still warm so it blends smoothly into the wet ingredients without seizing. If you substitute another neutral oil, choose one with a similar fat content for comparable results.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers the deep chocolate flavor throughout the entire loaf. For a more chocolate quick breads make this chocolate bread next!
• Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: Folded into the batter, they create pockets of melted chocolate in every slice. Use vegan chocolate chips if you want the full loaf to be plant based.

Variations for Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Bread

• Muffin Format. Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. This is a great option for grab-and-go portions, and it works just as well as these banana bread muffins for using up ripe bananas.
• Extra Banana Topping: Slice a banana lengthwise and press the halves, cut side up, into the batter before baking. The banana softens and caramelizes slightly on top, adding visual appeal and a little extra sweetness to every slice.
• Mix-ins: Fold in some white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, walnuts or pecans! You could also add a peanut butter swirl or chopped peanuts just like with my peanut butter banana bread!
• Sugar the pan! One of my new favorite ways to bake banana bread is to coat the loaf pan in granulated sugar, like in my chocolate chip banana bread! It creates the best crust every time!

Professional Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Bread

• Use conventional, not convection. Convection circulates hot air and will over-brown the outside of this loaf while the center is still raw. Set your oven to 350°F on the conventional bake setting and let the longer bake time do the work.
• Learn to read your toothpick. Chocolate chips melt into the crumb as the bread bakes, which means a toothpick can come out streaked and still look underdone. Look closely: a wet, glossy smear is melted chocolate and is fine, while an opaque, dull streak is unbaked batter and means the loaf needs more time.
• Line the pan with parchment. Spray the pan first, then lay a strip of parchment across the long side so it extends past the rim like handles. This makes lifting the loaf out clean and easy, especially since the crumb is quite moist and tender, like I do with almost every quick bread, including this sourdough banana bread.
• Do not rush the cooling time. The loaf needs 8 to 10 minutes in the pan before you turn it out, and it should be fully cool before slicing with a serrated knife. Cutting into it warm will compress the crumb and give you ragged, gummy slices rather than the clean, tender texture this bread is known for.

How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Bread

Use these instructions to make a soft, fudgy loaf with deep chocolate flavor and a tender, moist crumb. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F conventional (not convection). While the oven heats, spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line the long sides with a strip of parchment paper that extends past the rim. That overhang is your handle for lifting the loaf out cleanly later.

Step 2: Mash your bananas thoroughly in a large bowl before adding anything else. Once mashed, add the maple syrup, warm melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture looks glossy, cohesive, and fully emulsified, with no streaks of oil floating on top.(photo 1)

You want a smooth, nearly lump-free paste rather than chunky mashed banana, since any large pieces will create uneven pockets in the finished loaf.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the cocoa is evenly distributed and there are no visible clumps. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined and smooth. (photos 2-5)

Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula using gentle strokes, just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If you want, scatter a few extra chocolate chips or sliced banana pieces across the surface before it goes into the oven. (photos 6-8)

Step 5: Bake and Cool. Bake the loaf for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The top will feel set and spring back lightly when pressed, and the edges will have pulled away slightly from the sides of the pan. (photo 9)

Step 6: Cool the loaf in the pan for 8 to 10 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment overhang and transferring it to a wire rack. The loaf is very soft and moist when hot, so do not try to slice it straight from the oven or it will fall apart. Once it has cooled completely, slice with a serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion for the cleanest cuts.

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If this gluten free chocolate banana bread earned a spot in your regular rotation, there is plenty more waiting for you. Browse our quick bread recipes, or you can make this chocolate chip zucchini bread next!

The best buttermilk pancake recipe! Precise measurements for light, fluffy pancakes every time. They have just a hint of sweetness and a light buttermilk tang.

“I have made so many pancake recipes over the years and this one finally got the texture right. Mine came out tall and fluffy and they held up even after sitting on the plate for a few minutes. My kids asked for a second batch immediately!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Renata

There is something about a stack of pancakes on a slow Saturday morning that makes everything feel a little more manageable. I have tested and tweaked this recipe over the years, and the version here is the one I come back to every single time.

Serve them warm with maple syrup and a pat of cinnamon butter, or keep it simple with whatever you have on hand.If you love a fun weekend breakfast, try this brioche French toast recipe or this Belgian waffle recipe next!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Granulated Sugar: Adds a light sweetness and helps the pancakes develop that golden-brown color in the pan. Reducing it will affect both the color and the flavor, so adjust carefully to taste.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work as a team. Baking powder delivers a consistent rise, while baking soda reacts directly with the buttermilk’s acidity for extra lift. Do not reduce either one.
• Buttermilk: This is the ingredient that makes these pancakes what they are. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create bubbles throughout the batter, producing a light, tender crumb with a subtle tang. Low-fat buttermilk produces the tallest, fluffiest results. If you do not have buttermilk on hand, whole milk is the closest substitute, though the pancakes will not be quite as tall or tender. Alternative milks and low-fat milk work in a pinch but will reduce both height and tenderness. If buttermilk is a staple in your kitchen, this best buttermilk biscuits recipe and buttermilk bread are worth making!

Variations for Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

• Add fruit! After pouring the batter into the pan, scatter fresh or frozen blueberries, strawberries, or bananas directly onto each pancake before the bubbles form. Adding them to the bowl before cooking will deflate the batter, so wait until the batter hits the pan.
• Spiced Pancakes. Whisk 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warmer, cozier flavor. The sugar and buttermilk tang balance the spice without changing the batter’s behavior. Or you could make these gingerbread pancakes!
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Scatter a small handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips onto each pancake after pouring, or mix them into the batter, but be sure to stir each time you ladle, just like with these oatmeal chocolate chip pancakes. You could also try dark chocolate or even M&M’s! I’ve also made some funfetti pancakes with rainbow sprinkles, and the kids absolutely love them!

Professional Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

• Cook in butter or ghee spray, not neutral oil. Butter and ghee create that golden, slightly crisp edge that makes these pancakes worth making. Neutral oil works technically, but the flavor and color are noticeably flatter. A countertop griddle is a great option if you are cooking for a crowd and need more surface area.
• Always cook a tester pancake first. The first pancake is not a failure; it is how you calibrate the pan. It allows the heat to even out across the surface, and it tells you whether to raise or lower the flame before you commit the rest of the batter.
• Adjust the heat as you go, not just at the start. If the pancake browns before bubbles pop in the center, lower the heat. If the batter is still wet after 3 minutes, nudge it up slightly. The pan temperature shifts throughout the cook, so treat it as an ongoing adjustment rather than a one-time setting.
• Do not flip early. The bubbles forming across the surface are your cue, not the clock. Wait until they appear and pop in the center before flipping, then cook another 1 to 2 minutes on the second side until the pancake springs back lightly when touched. Flipping too soon is the most common reason pancakes deflate.

How to Make This Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

Use these instructions to make light, fluffy, golden-edged buttermilk pancakes with a tender crumb. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Make Pancake Batter

Step 1: Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined, then set aside. (photos 1& 2 below)

I took a page from my pumpkin pancakes and reduced the buttermilk in my long-time standard recipe. This produced super thick and fluffy pancakes and they were more tender because I could whisk them less. Win win.

Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. The mixture will look thin and slightly glossy. (photos 3 & 4)

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Stop whisking the moment you no longer see dry streaks of flour. (photos 5 & 6)

Step 4: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat with a small pat of butter or a generous spray of ghee cooking spray. Let the pan warm for a couple of minutes before you pour anything in.

Cook Pancakes

Step 5: Cook a tester pancake first. Scoop or pour about ½ cup of batter into the center of the pan. Watch the surface carefully: cook until bubbles appear and pop in the center of the pancake, then flip with a flat spatula and cook another 1 to 2 minutes on the second side, or until the pancake springs back when you press it lightly. Both sides should be a lovely golden brown.

Part of the tester pancake process is allowing the pan to heat evenly and then settle at a consistent temperature. You will almost certainly need to adjust the heat after this first round. Lower it if the bottom browns or burns before the bubbles pop. Nudge it slightly higher if the batter still looks wet and unset after 3 minutes. Watch the pancake, not the clock.

Step 6: Cook the Remaining Pancakes. Spray the pan with ghee cooking spray or add a fresh pat of butter, then scoop about ½ cup of batter into the pan in 3 places if you are working in a 12-inch sauté pan. A medium 8 to 10-inch pan will fit 1 to 2 pancakes at a time. Alternatively, you can use a countertop griddle. I don’t have one, but I’m jealous that you do. (photos 7 & 8)

Step 7: Cook this round the same way you cooked the tester, but expect them to move a little faster now that the pan is fully up to temperature. Watch the surface for bubbles to appear and pop in the center of each pancake, then flip with a flat spatula. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes on the second side, until the pancake springs back when you press it lightly and both sides are a lovely golden brown.

Step 8: If you are adding fruit, like blueberries, scatter them onto each pancake right after you pour the batter into the pan. Adding them before you pour means they sink and drag the batter down. Adding them after the bubbles start forming will work, but they will slightly deflate the pancakes, so the earlier in the cook the better.

Step 9: Continue cooking in batches, adjusting the heat as needed between rounds, until all the batter is used. Serve warm in a giant stack with maple syrup and cinnamon butter. Ok, or just regular butter! (photo 9)

Before You Go

If this Buttermilk Pancakes recipe earns a spot in your regular rotation, there is plenty more where that came from. Browse our breakfast & brunch recipes or make these sourdough crepes next, or use the rest of your buttermilk to make these buttermilk ranch biscuits!

This Belgian Waffle Recipe is exactly what a weekend brunch deserves: crispy on the outside, impossibly light on the inside, and developed overnight so all the work is done before you wake up.

“I was nervous about making waffle batter with yeast and letting it rest overnight, but Oh my goodness these were the best waffles I’ve ever made! The waffles came out with the crispiest edges I have ever gotten from my iron. I will never go back to a quick mix.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Renata

These yeasted waffles were my go-to for brunch service when I was a pastry chef in Manhattan restaurants, and now they’re a staple in my home kitchen. Their crisp, crunchy edges and soft, airy interiors are unmatched, thanks to a slow overnight rise and real butter. Prep them the night before and wake up to mind-blowing waffles with minimal morning effort!

These are equally at home on a brunch spread or a weeknight dinner plate alongside something savory. If you love restaurant quality for your weekend breakfasts, my brioche French toast recipe and these sourdough crepes belong in your regular rotation too.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Dry Active Yeast: This is the ingredient that sets these waffles apart, creating the lift, crunch, and open interior that baking powder cannot replicate. Do not substitute with instant yeast, as it will alter the proofing time and the final texture.
• Warm Water and Whole Milk: Together, these provide the liquid base that activates the yeast and gives the batter its body and creaminess. Substituting with lower-fat milk will result in less rich waffles.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor and contributes to the light, non-greasy texture of the finished waffle. Do not substitute with oil; the result will be greasy rather than buttery and tender.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: You can use vanilla extract if that’s what you have on hand.
• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure the batter needs to puff and hold its shape in the waffle iron. Using whole wheat or another flour will change the texture and may require adjustments to the liquid. For a gluten free waffle try these coconut flour waffles!

Variations for Belgian Waffle Recipe (Yeasted)

• Chicken and Waffles. Skip the maple syrup and serve these with crispy fried chicken, hot sauce, and honey butter. The waffles are sturdy enough to hold the weight, and their lightly sweet, buttery flavor balances the heat.
• Freezer Waffle Sticks. Cool the finished waffles completely, slice into strips, and freeze in a single layer. Reheat straight from the freezer in a toaster for quick breakfasts all week.
• Savory Herb Waffles. Whisk two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives or thyme into the batter before the overnight rest. These pair especially well with eggs and smoked salmon, and make a nice alternative to a buttermilk pancake recipe if you want something more substantial on a savory brunch plate. You could even top them with this everything bagel seasoning!
• Add some spice! Add some cinnamon, apple pie spice or this pumpkin spice recipe to the waffles for an added flavor.

Professional Tips for Perfect Belgian Waffle Recipe (Yeasted)

• Use a Belgian waffle maker, not a standard round iron. A good Belgian waffle maker gets hot enough to puff the batter immediately and has deep wells that allow steam to escape, which is what produces the crispy exterior and open interior this recipe is built for. My go-to is the Breville Square Waffle Maker, though the lower-cost option works if you don’t mind waffles that are less deep and airy. If you do not own one, this is the recipe worth borrowing one for.
• Heat the iron longer than the ready light suggests. I always let mine continue heating about 10 minutes past when the machine signals it is ready. An iron that is not fully up to temperature will steam the waffle instead of crisping it, and you will lose that shatteringly crisp exterior entirely.
• Do a test waffle before filling all the sections. You want enough batter that it puffs immediately and makes contact with both the top and bottom plates. Too little batter produces a thin, pale waffle; too much makes it dense and wastes batter, which is the last thing you want after an overnight proof.
• Trust the visual cue over the timer. Waffle iron cook times vary widely between machines, and the built-in indicators are not always reliable. Lift the lid carefully and look for an even golden brown across the surface before removing. If you love fermented batter recipes that reward patience, my sourdough pancakes should be your choice for your next brunch!

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If yeasted waffles have earned a permanent spot in your weekend rotation, there is plenty more where that came from. Browse our breakfast & brunch recipes or make these homemade bagels next!

This strawberry bread is moist, tender, and loaded with fresh berries in every slice. A hint of cinnamon and a crunchy exterior make it just as good for breakfast as it is for an afternoon snack.

“I made this with strawberries from my garden and could not believe how moist the crumb was. The crunchy top was my favorite part, and my family finished the whole loaf the same day.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Renata

This strawberry bread has become my go-to loaf when fresh strawberries are at peak season! I have tested this recipe many time so trust that the balance of sweetness and fruit is genuinely exceptional.

It works just as well for a slow weekend morning as it does sliced and tucked into a lunchbox. If you love a fruit-forward quick bread, my strawberry muffin recipe, sourdough blueberry muffins, and this apple bread follow the same technique and are perfect to keep in the freezer for an easy treat!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the loaf, providing bursts of juicy sweetness throughout every slice. If you substitute frozen strawberries, let them defrost and drain off any excess liquid. Tossing the diced berries in flour right before folding them in is the key step that keeps them suspended rather than sinking.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil adds moisture and richness, contributing directly to the soft, tender crumb. Butter or a neutral oil can be substituted if needed, though the flavor and texture will shift slightly.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk keeps the crumb tender and adds a mild tang that balances the strawberries’ sweetness. If you love baking with buttermilk, my buttermilk cornbread is another great way to use the rest of the carton.
• Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener in the loaf, it balances the tartness of the strawberries and helps create that beautifully golden, slightly crisp crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: The bread’s main structure comes from all-purpose flour, used both in the batter and as a light coating for the strawberries. Whole wheat flour can be substituted, but the loaf will be denser, and you may need to adjust the liquid content. Or you could make this chocolate chip zucchini bread, fig bread, or these strawberry muffins.
• White Sparkling Sugar: An optional finishing sprinkle that creates a crackly, golden top. Skip it if you prefer a plainer loaf, which is fine!

Variations for Strawberry Bread

• Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk with a splash of apple cider vinegar. For a proven dairy-free base, my vegan banana bread and these cherry muffins use a similar swap and show exactly how the texture holds up without eggs or dairy.
• Lemon Strawberry: Add the zest of one lemon to the wet ingredients before whisking. The citrus sharpens the berry flavor and gives the loaf a brighter, more fragrant quality. You could also add strawberries to these lemon poppy seed muffins!
• Mixed Berry: Swap half the strawberries for blueberries or make this blueberry bread recipe or try it with raspberries. Toss all the berries in flour together and fold them in as directed. If you love a mixed berry treat, make sure you try this berry cream cheese coffee cake next!
• Add a crumble: You can add a streusel or crumble before baking! Use the topping from these raspberry crumble bars or from this apple streusel bread!

Professional Tips for Perfect Strawberry Bread

• Use a serrated knife for clean slices. A serrated bread knife cuts through the soft crumb and fruit pockets without compressing or tearing. A straight-edged knife drags through the moist interior, and the slices fall apart.
• Leave the excess flour in the strawberry bowl. When you scoop the floured berries into the batter, tilt the bowl and spoon the fruit in carefully. Adding the loose flour sitting at the bottom of the bowl disrupts the liquid ratio and can leave you with a dense, gummy center.
• Do not rotate the loaf early. The batter needs about 45 minutes in the oven before the center crumb has enough structure to handle being moved. Rotating before that point can cause the middle to sink and never fully recover.
• Load the pan strategically. It sounds fussy, but I always scrape the fruit-heavy bottom of the batter into the pan first, then make sure the final spoonfuls going on top carry plenty of strawberries. If most of the fruit lands at the bottom of the pan, it sinks further during baking and your top slices end up nearly berry-free, even with the flour coating doing its job.

How to Make Strawberry Bread

Use these instructions to make a moist, tender strawberry quick bread with a crunchy, sparkling sugar top and juicy bursts of fruit in every slice. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Strawberries. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside. Rinse your strawberries and dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then remove the stems and cut them into a small dice, about 1 centimeter cubed.

Dry strawberries release less moisture into the batter. Any extra liquid left on the fruit will work against the texture you’re going for.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and warm melted coconut oil. Vigorously whisk the wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified. It should look uniform and slightly thickened, not streaky or separated. (photo 1 & 2 below)

Add the wet ingredients in this order: buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and then the warm coconut oil last. If the oil looks like it is pooling or separating, keep whisking. It will come together.

Step 4: Combine: Dump the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk just until a smooth batter forms. Stop whisking as soon as you no longer see dry streaks. (photo 3 above)

Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries. Toss the diced strawberries with the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in their bowl, coating them evenly. Scoop the floured strawberries into the batter, being careful to leave behind any excess loose flour sitting at the bottom of the bowl. Gently fold the strawberries into the batter until they are evenly distributed. (photos 4, 5 & 6)

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Top with Sparkling Sugar. Dollop the strawberry batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the sparkling sugar evenly over the top if using. (photo 7)

The flour will keep the strawberries from sinking to the bottom but not if you put most of the batter with the fruit on the bottom! I make a point to scrape the batter from the bottom of the bowl into the pan early on then make sure I add batter with lots of strawberries on the top. I know it sounds crazy, but it is just one of those things that we all do when filling a loaf pan with batter!

Step 7: Bake and Rotate. Slide the pan into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes total. The loaf is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out with just a few clinging crumbs and the very center of the top gives a little resistance when you press it lightly rather than feeling soft and sunken.

At the 45-minute mark, rotate the pan 180 degrees to encourage even browning, but not before then. The center crumb needs that uninterrupted time to mostly set before you jostle the pan.

Step 8: Cool and Slice. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. For the cleanest slices, use a serrated bread knife.

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If this strawberry bread earned a spot in your regular rotation, there is plenty more where it came from in my quick bread recipe or head right over to this strawberry cake to really round out your strawberry baking!

No knead whole wheat bread that is 100% whole grain, soft enough to slice cleanly, and ready in about 3 hours with almost no hands-on effort. Maple syrup keeps the crumb tender without tipping into sweet.

“I have made plenty of whole wheat loaves that turned out dense and dry, but this one genuinely surprised me. The crumb was soft and the loaf held together beautifully when I sliced it the next morning. No kneading and only a handful of ingredients, it is now my go-to weekly bread for my family!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Renata

There is something quietly satisfying about pulling two golden whole wheat loaves from the oven, knowing you never touched a stand mixer. I tested this recipe multiple times and kept coming back to how approachable the whole process feels, even on a busy weekend.

This bread is perfect for sandwiches or for toasting in this cinnamon toast recipe! It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that makes a perfect addition to a weekday lunch. If you love baking with whole wheat flour, my whole wheat bread recipe, whole wheat pizza dough, and this whole wheat pita bread should be your next stop.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Flour: The backbone of this bread, whole wheat flour gives the loaf its earthy, nutty flavor and hearty character. If you love baking with whole wheat flour and want to try a naturally leavened version, my whole wheat sourdough bread uses a similar whole grain base with a longer, slower fermentation.
• Warm Water: Warm water activates the yeast and speeds up gluten development, which matters in a no-knead dough that relies on time and folds rather than mechanical mixing. Cold water will slow yeast activity significantly and push your proof times well beyond what the recipe calls for.
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup feeds the yeast and adds a subtle earthy sweetness that the notes describe as something you can sense in the background but not actually taste. Honey works as a direct swap and keeps the loaf just as moist, though the flavor shifts toward something a little more floral.
• Canola Oil: Oil tenderizes the crumb and keeps the loaf soft for days. Another neutral oil, such as vegetable or sunflower oil, will perform the same way. Olive oil also works, adding a gentle, savory note that pairs well with the whole wheat.
• Active Dry Yeast: Leavens the dough and creates an open, tender crumb. Because this recipe uses the straight-dough method, in which all ingredients go into the bowl at once, the yeast hydrates and activates on its own without a separate bloom step. Instant yeast can be used in the same amount and may shorten your proof times slightly, so watch the dough rather than the clock.
• Kosher Salt: Salt controls fermentation speed and sharpens the overall flavor of the loaf. If substituting table salt, use about three-quarters of the amount called for, since table salt is finer and packs more densely by volume.

Variations for No Knead Whole Wheat Bread

• Mix in some dried fruit or nuts. Flavor this whole wheat sourdough with dried fruit, as I did in this cinnamon raisin sourdough bread, or use fresh, chopped herbs, like in this rosemary garlic bread. You can also use a combination of both, like in this cherry sourdough!
• Seeded Top. Before brushing with egg wash, press a handful of sesame seeds, rolled oats, or sunflower seeds across the top of each loaf. The seeds toast as the bread bakes and add a nutty crunch to every slice, like with my multigrain bread.
• Shape into dinner rolls: Follow the steps in my whole wheat dinner roll recipe. I would bake these in a baking dish rather than as free rolls, since it is no-knead and will need a bit of support in the oven.

Professional Tips for Perfect No Knead Whole Wheat Bread

• Bake one loaf in a pan and one in a Dutch oven. You can also shape these loaves into a boule (round) and bake them in a Dutch oven. There are times when the baking method makes little difference in the final product, like with my rye bread recipe; however, it produced loaves with superior texture. The crunchy, caramelized crust contrasted with the soft, almost buttery crumb was fantastic and like something you would get at a fancy steakhouse.
• Do not skip the series of folds. The folds are listed as optional, but they are what separates a loaf that rises tall with an open crumb from one that bakes up denser. Three sets of folds take about 90 seconds of active effort and make a real, visible difference in the final loaf. If you choose not to do the fold I recommend doing a preshape like I do in sourdough sandwich bread.
• Apply the egg wash with a feather-light hand. The dough is fully proofed and fragile when you brush it, and pressing down with a loaded pastry brush will deflate what took an hour to build. Use a very soft brush, barely loaded with egg, and stroke across the surface without any downward pressure.
• Watch the dough, not the clock. Proof times in this recipe are based on specific kitchen conditions, and a cooler home can push the final proof to 90 minutes or longer. The loaf is ready to bake when the dough has clearly risen above the edge of the pan and jiggles gently when you nudge it.

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If no knead whole wheat bread earns a regular spot in your weekly rotation, there is plenty more waiting for you. Browse our bread recipes or head right over to this no knead focaccia!

A professional sourdough pretzel recipe that yields perfect soft pretzels using only sourdough as leavening or a combination of sourdough discard and commercial yeast. I walk you through all my secrets for the best homemade pretzels.

“I was nervous about the lye bath but followed the instructions exactly and the pretzels came out with the most incredible dark, crackly crust. The dough was beautifully smooth and easy to shape after the overnight rest.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Margot

Testing this recipe was one of the more hands-on projects I have done on this site. I ran four separate test batches at once, comparing lye versus baking soda, peak starter versus older discard, same-day baking versus overnight retarding, and the results genuinely surprised me! So, know this recipe is the very best version of sourdough pretzels!

These pretzels are the kind of thing I want at a party, torn apart and eaten warm with mustard on the side. If you are new to working with sourdough and want to build some dough confidence first, my easy sourdough bread recipe or sourdough dinner rolls are a great place to get comfortable.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• High-Gluten Flour: Its high protein content builds strong, elastic gluten strands, and substituting all-purpose flour will produce a noticeably softer, less chewy result.
• Sourdough Starter: You can use sourdough discard with commercial yeast, or use the starter at its peak for this recipe. This does assume that you have an active sourdough starter; if you are lost or just beginning your journey, start with my sourdough starter recipe and learn how to feed sourdough starter. If you don’t have sourdough starter, head over to my soft pretzel recipe instead!
• Malt Syrup: Malt syrup is responsible for that deep, savory sweetness and the characteristic color of a real pretzel. It is far more concentrated than any other liquid sweetener, and its texture is closest to that of a thick salted caramel sauce. I have tested this recipe with honey and maple syrup, and both work, but the flavor shifts noticeably toward a bagel rather than a pretzel, especially when paired with a baking soda bath instead of lye.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds fat and helps make the pretzels tender and chewy on the inside. Using unsalted butter helps control the salt content of the dough.
• Kosher Salt: Salt controls fermentation and seasons the dough from the inside out. The amount here is calibrated for the low-hydration dough, so measure by weight rather than volume if you can. Different brands of kosher salt have very different crystal sizes, and a tablespoon of one is not the same as a tablespoon of another.
• Active Dry Yeast (Optional): Adding yeast shortens the final proof from roughly 2 hours down to about 45 minutes. There is no need to bloom it in warm water first, since this is a straight-dough method and it will hydrate quickly enough once everything is combined. If using the commercial yeast, you can make this recipe with sourdough discard.
• Lye Solution (or Baking Soda Solution): The dipping solution is what transforms shaped dough into a pretzel. A 4% lye solution produces the deep mahogany color, soft skin, and quintessential flavor that baking soda simply cannot replicate. Baking soda works, but the result is golden rather than dark brown, and the skin turns crunchy instead of soft.
• Pretzel Salt: Pretzel salt does not dissolve during baking the way table salt or flaky salt does. It holds its shape even at 450°F, which is why it is the right salt here and not a substitute.

Variations for Sourdough Pretzel Recipe

• Pretzel Bites: Divide the rolled ropes into 1-inch pieces instead of shaping full pretzels. They prove faster and are easier to serve in a crowd. It would be perfect with some mustard, melted cheese, or this reuben dip
• Overnight Retard: After shaping, wrap the baking sheets tightly and refrigerate overnight instead of doing a same-day final proof. I found the overnight-retarded doughs were the easiest to handle during dipping, and the longer fermentation deepens the sour note without changing the final bake time.
• Seeded Tops: Skip the pretzel salt and press sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning onto the surface immediately after dipping. The alkaline coating from the dip helps the seeds adhere better than they would on plain dough.
• Cinnamon sugar! After the pretzels come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and coat them in cinnamon sugar! You can use the ratios from my snickerdoodle cookies or these apple cider donuts!

Professional Tips for Perfect Sourdough Pretzel Recipe

• Never use aluminum with a lye solution. Lye reacts with aluminum, discoloring your bakeware and leaving an off-putting taste on the pretzels. Use stainless steel, plastic, or glass for the dipping setup, and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. At bread school, we baked on large, seasoned cast iron sheets, and the results were breathtaking, but parchment on a steel pan works beautifully at home.
• Do not rush the bench rest. I worked through three test batches simultaneously, and every batch that waited the full 30 minutes shaped more cleanly and stretched more evenly than the ones I tried to roll early. The intensive mix tightens the gluten considerably, and the dough simply will not roll to two feet without tearing if it has not had time to relax.
• Degas the dough completely as you roll. Pressing firmly is not optional here. Large bubbles trapped in the rope will burst during baking, leaving the surface looking cratered. Pop any that persist rather than rolling over them and hoping for the best.
• Choose lye if you want a real pretzel. The visual and textural difference between a lye-dipped pretzel and a baking soda-dipped one is striking. The lye produces that perfect deep mahogany color and a soft skin, while baking soda gives you a golden, crunchy exterior. If you are comfortable working with lye safely, it is the version worth making.

How to Make Sourdough Pretzel Recipe

Use these instructions to make chewy, golden sourdough pretzels with a deeply flavored crumb and that signature pretzel crust. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1:Build the sourdough 12 to 18 hours ahead. Combine 113g all-purpose flour, 113g water, and 11g sourdough starter in a jar or bowl and stir until no dry flour remains. Leave it at room temperature overnight. It is ready when it has doubled in volume and looks bubbly and slightly domed across the surface. (photo 1)

Make the dough:

Step 2: Combine all dough ingredients. Add all the dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment: high-gluten flour, warm water, sourdough starter, malt syrup, butter, kosher salt, and active dry yeast, if using. Mix on the lowest speed until everything has incorporated and a rough, shaggy dough forms, about 2 to 3 minutes. If your butter was cold, you may see unincorporated pieces still clinging to the dough at this stage, and that is completely normal. You do not need to wait for it to fully disappear before moving on. (photo 2)

This is a lower-hydration dough, and the windowpane will look different from that in a brioche loaf or soft enriched dough. Expect it to be a bit stiffer and less translucent. What you are looking for is stretch without tearing, not a paper-thin membrane.

Step 3: Develop the gluten: Increase the mixer speed to medium (speed 6 on a KitchenAid 5-quart) and develop the dough for approximately 6 minutes. After a few minutes, you will notice it pulling cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. (photo 3)

Test for the windowpane (when the dough stretches thin and nearly translucent without tearing) by pulling a small piece between your fingers. It will be slightly more opaque and less dramatic, but it should still hold without ripping. If it tears immediately, mix for another minute or two and test again. (photo 4)

Step 4: Turn the developed dough out onto a clean work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces, each roughly 100g. To preshape, take one piece and stretch it gently into a small rectangle. Fold each short side toward the center, then perform two sets of thumb folds as you would when shaping a loaf (as shown in my rye bread recipe.) Once you have a little rope, roll it gently to seal the edges completely, then extend it as far as it will go. Tuck the piece under plastic and move on to the next. Continue until all 12 are preshaped. (photos 5-10)

The pieces are small, so it will feel a little awkward, but you can still fold the top over your left thumb and seal it with your right thumb rather than the heel of your hand. Unlike when shaping a loaf, you do not need to control the length here. Let the dough lengthen naturally as you tighten and seal.

Step 5: Let all 12 pre-shaped pieces rest under plastic for 30 minutes before rolling and final shaping. The dough is tight from mixing and dividing, and skipping this rest makes rolling to length nearly impossible. After 30 minutes, the gluten will have relaxed, and the dough will feel noticeably softer and more extensible. (photo 11)

Step 6: Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll it out to about 2 feet long. Press firmly and evenly as you roll. Pop any persistent large bubbles. The rope should be even in thickness from end to end.

To shape, grab one end in each hand and pull the ends up and away from you along the bench, forming a U shape. Twist the two ends around each other once, then fold them down toward you and over the bottom of the U. The twist should now sit in the center of the pretzel like the middle of a heart. Overlap the ends over the bottom curve and press lightly to secure. Pick up the shaped pretzel and set it gently on the prepared parchment. You can fit 6 pretzels per sheet. (photos 12-18)

The shaping is similar to shaping each strand for a challah recipe, except you really want to encourage length and an even thickness. I do taper the ends for aesthetics by pressing more firmly as I roll to the end. Don’t rush the bench rest.

Step 7: Wrap both trays well with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to final proof. This will take approximately 2 hours for pretzels leavened with sourdough only, or about 45 minutes if you added the active dry yeast. The pretzels are ready when they are visibly risen and very soft to the touch. Press one lightly with a fingertip and it should feel pillowy, almost delicate. (photo 19)

If you are not using any added commercial yeast, proof in a warm spot and then refrigerate the wrapped trays for 30 minutes before dipping. The cold firms the dough just enough to make it much easier to handle in the dipping solution.

Chill and Prep:

Step 8: Once the pretzels have finished proofing, place the wrapped trays in the refrigerator for 30 minutes while you prepare your dipping solution and preheat the oven to 450°F. The chill firms the dough so the pretzels hold their shape during dipping and do not stretch or distort when you transfer them.

To prepare a 4% lye solution: Add 1,670 g (about 2 quarts) of cold water to a large glass or stainless steel bowl, then add 70 g of food-grade lye and stir gently until fully dissolved. Do not use any aluminum bowls, pots, or utensils. The lye reacts with aluminum, ruining both your equipment and your pretzels.

To prepare a baking soda solution: Combine 1 quart of water and 4 teaspoons of baking soda in a pot and bring to a rolling boil. A vigorous boil matters here. On one of my test batches, the solution was not at a full boil, and the pretzels did not develop properly.

Set up a dipping station before you pull the pretzels from the fridge. Pretzels on the left, dipping solution, then a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to catch drips, and finally the parchment-lined baking sheet you will bake on. Keep the pretzel salt close by so you can salt immediately after each dip.

Dip and Salt:

Step 9: Working quickly and carefully, dip the pretzels one at a time.

With the lye solution, place 1 to 2 pretzels top side down in the solution for 30 seconds. Flip using a slotted spoon or spider, then transfer to the wire rack and let drip for 10 to 15 seconds before moving to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle immediately with pretzel salt. The surface stays damp a little longer with lye, so you have a small window to work with each pretzel before salting. (photos 21 & 22)

With the baking soda solution, place 1 pretzel top side down in the boiling liquid for 5 seconds, then flip and transfer directly to the baking sheet. Salt after every 2 to 3 pretzels rather than one at a time, because the surface dries out faster than you expect with the baking soda bath.

Bake:

Step 10: Bake in the preheated 450°F oven for 18 minutes, rotating the pans after the first 10 minutes. Lye-dipped pretzels will bake to a deep, even brown with a soft, slightly yielding skin. Baking soda-dipped pretzels will be golden brown with a crunchier exterior. Both are done when they are richly colored across the entire surface and feel set when you gently shake the pan. Adjust bake time up or down for pretzels larger or smaller than 100g. Allow to cool for a few minutes before eating. (photos 23 & 24)

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If this sourdough pretzel recipe has you hooked on baking with sourdough, there is plenty more where that came from. Browse The Ultimate Guide to Sourdough Discard, but might I suggest making these sourdough cinnamon rolls next!

These sourdough English muffins have a crunchy cornmeal crust, a soft open crumb, and all the deep nooks and crannies that hold butter the way you want!

“I was nervous about the pan-frying step but it went perfectly thanks to using both butter and oil. The dough was soft and easy to handle after the second proof, and the nooks inside were exactly what I was hoping for.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Margot

There is something genuinely satisfying about splitting open a homemade English muffin and finding a springy, open crumb beneath a golden, cornmeal-crusted bottom. I tested this recipe with multiple leavening combinations, and each batch taught me something new about how a simple final proof can change everything.

These are used in many different ways in my house, from a simple toasting with butter to a person’s pizza! If you have made homemade English muffins before without sourdough, this version builds directly on that foundation, adding the depth that only a starter can bring. If you don’t have a starter yet, head over to my sourdough starter recipe, and then you can also make these sourdough discard bagels!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Active Sourdough Starter: This is the primary leavening agent and the source of the mild tang and open crumb in these muffins. It works equally well at peak activity or straight from the refrigerator as discard. If you are new to maintaining a starter, how to feed sourdough starter walks through exactly what you need to know before baking.
• Whole Milk, Warmed: Warm milk hydrates the flour and enriches the dough, which contributes to a soft, tender crumb. If you substitute a non-dairy milk, the texture may differ slightly, and you may need to adjust for hydration.
• Unsalted Butter: The small amount worked into the dough adds richness and flavor. Use it at room temperature so it incorporates smoothly rather than clumping.
• All-Purpose Flour: This gives the dough enough structure for a good rise and a light, open crumb without making the muffins dense.
• Kosher Salt: Salt strengthens gluten and controls fermentation, but it is deliberately added after the initial mix. Delaying the salt lets the milk fully hydrate the flour and begin developing gluten first. If you add salt at the start with everything else, the dough will look impossibly dry and take roughly twice as long to come together, which is fine if you forget, but not ideal!
• Active Dry Yeast: This is listed as optional but recommended, and I mean it. The added yeast gives an extra rise boost that produces a more consistently open crumb, especially when using discard that is not at peak activity. Without it, the muffins will take longer to proof and tend to be denser. If you want to understand the full range of leavening combinations I tested and why this one came out on top, the easy no-knead sourdough bread post covers how natural versus commercial leavening interact in a sourdough context.
• Cornmeal: Dusted on the baking sheet, the cornmeal clings to the sticky cut rounds and travels with them into the pan, where it toasts and contributes the slightly crunchy, nutty bottom that is a signature of English muffins. Do not skip it. Flour will not give you the same result.
• Vegetable Oil and Unsalted Butter, for the Pan: The combination of both fats is intentional. Butter provides flavor, and oil raises the smoke point, so the butter does not burn before the muffins are cooked through. Wipe out the pan between batches to keep the color even.

Variations for Sourdough English Muffins

• Overnight Refrigerator Proof. Cut the rounds, place them on the cornmeal-dusted sheet pan, wrap the pan well, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them proof in a warm spot for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This method requires added commercial yeast, so it is not recommended for a starter-only version. The muffins will be too dense and nearly doughy without the extra lift.
• Starter-Only, No Added Yeast. You can omit the active dry yeast entirely if you prefer a fully natural fermentation. Expect a noticeably longer final proof and a slightly denser crumb with less dramatic nook-and-cranny structure. And be sure to make these the same day just like this same day sourdough bread recipe!
• Herb and cheese: Press finely chopped chives or rosemary and a handful of shredded sharp cheddar into the dough during the final minute of mixing. The cheese melts into the crumb during baking, and the herbs come through in every bite. If you love this flavor combo, make this cheddar biscuit recipe next!

Professional Tips for Perfect Sourdough English Muffins

• Use both butter and oil in the pan, and wipe it out between batches. Butter provides the flavor you want on the crust, and oil raises the smoke point so the butter does not burn before the muffins are cooked through. If the butter starts to brown before you have even added the muffins, your heat is too high. Wipe the pan clean between rounds to maintain an even, deep golden color on every batch. But if you love brown butter, you should make these sourdough chocolate chip cookies!
• Do not skip the final proof. This is the step most bakers rush, and it is the one that matters most for an open crumb. The cut rounds should visibly double in height and look puffed before they go into the pan. If you cook them too soon, the crumb will be tight, and the muffins will be dense, no matter how well everything else went just like when making this sourdough pretzel recipe.
• Watch the pan temperature before you commit. Proof times and pan temperatures vary more than any clock can account for. A medium heat setting on one stovetop runs hotter than on another, so use the butter as your guide: if it melts and foams gently without browning, you are ready. The same principle of using visual cues over strict timing applies across all my sourdough bakes. For more in-depth cues on sourdough, head over to my sourdough bread recipe for beginners.

How to Make Sourdough English Muffins

Use these instructions to make light, nook-filled sourdough English muffins with a classic cornmeal bottom and an open, tender crumb. Further details and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Mix the Dough. Combine the warm milk, butter, flour, active sourdough starter, and optional active dry yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on low speed until a rough but cohesive dough forms. The dough will look shaggy and uneven at this stage. (photo 1)

Delaying the salt helps the milk hydrate the flour and begin developing gluten. Otherwise, the salt competes with the flour for hydration. You can add everything together, but it will look like dry dough, and you will need to incorporate it for about twice as long.

Step 2: Develop the Dough. Add the salt and increase the speed to medium-high. Mix until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl, about 6 minutes on medium-high speed. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. (photos 2 & 3))

Step 3: First Bulk Proof. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot and let it proof for 30 to 40 minutes. The dough will look slightly puffed but will not yet be doubled. (photos 4 & 5)

Step 4: Degas and Finish the Proof. Flip the dough over in the bowl and degas it by folding the edges in toward the center and pressing down firmly, or simply press down across the surface if you prefer. Re-cover the bowl and return it to the warm spot to finish proofing until the dough has clearly doubled in size, which should take about 30 to 40 more minutes. When it is ready, the dough will look puffy and feel airy when you gently press into it. (photos 6 & 7)

Proof times vary depending on your kitchen temperature and the activity level of your starter. A cooler kitchen can push either proof stage significantly longer. Trust the visual cue of a fully doubled, airy dough rather than the clock.

Step 5: Shape the Dough. Turn the dough out onto a smooth, unfloured work surface and press out any remaining air with your hands. Using your fingers, press and spread the dough out into a flat circle about ¼ inch thick. Cut out 2½-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or circular cookie cutter, then lift each round and place it directly onto a half-sheet pan generously dusted with cornmeal. (photos 8 & 9)

Pressing out and cutting the dough on an unfloured surface helps you achieve the right thickness without it shrinking back instantly. This makes the bottoms sticky, which is why you traditionally place them on a cornmeal-dusted surface. The cornmeal adheres to the bottom of the pan and will also cook in the pan, adding to the classic English muffin flavor.

Step 6: Handle the Scraps. Gather any remaining scraps and knead them back together into a smooth ball. Place the ball in a bowl, cover it, and let it bulk proof for an additional hour before pressing and cutting a second batch the same way you did the first. Skipping this extra proof will leave the scrap muffins noticeably denser, so the wait is worth it.

Step 7: Final Proof. Wrap the sheet pan tightly with plastic wrap and let the cut rounds proof at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you made the dough without added commercial yeast, plan for at least an hour, possibly longer, depending on how warm your kitchen is. You are looking for rounds that are visibly puffed and roughly double in height before you move on. (photo 10)

Step 8: Preheat the Oven and Pan. While the rounds are finishing their proof, preheat the oven to 350°F conventional (no fan). Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and place it in the oven, or line a flat baking sheet with parchment if your rack is not oven-safe. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat with approximately 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1½ teaspoons of unsalted butter until warm but not smoking.

Step 9: Pan-Fry the Muffins. Add the proofed English muffins to the preheated pan, cornmeal side down, working in batches, so you do not crowd the pan. Cook until golden brown on the first side, about 1½ to 2 minutes, then flip and cook the second side until golden brown, about 1 minute. The first side typically takes a little longer than the second. If the butter begins to brown before you have added the muffins, your heat is too high. Pull the pan off the burner briefly and let it cool down before continuing. Transfer the cooked muffins to the rack set inside the baking sheet. (photos 11 & 12)

Wipe out the pan between batches to keep each round an even, dark golden brown.

Step 10: Bake to Finish. Slide the rack of pan-fried muffins into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool before splitting. To get the best nooks and crannies, fork-split rather than cutting with a knife; a knife compresses the crumb, and you will lose those open pockets.(photo 13)

Recipe FAQs

Before You Go

If these sourdough English muffins earned a spot in your regular rotation, there is plenty more waiting for you. Browse our sourdough recipes or head right over to this no kead sourdough bread.