There’s something quite special about baking a loaf of Sultana Artisan Bread at home. The moment it comes out of the oven—golden, round, and fragrant—it feels as though the kitchen has been transformed into a cosy little bakery. This bread, with its rustic round shape and sweet scattering of sultanas, carries a charm that no shop-bought loaf can ever quite match. Each slice holds tiny bursts of fruity sweetness, soft crumb, and a crisp crust that speaks of simple, traditional baking.
What makes Sultana Artisan Bread so delightful isn’t just the taste—it’s the process itself. Mixing, kneading, and shaping the dough by hand brings a sense of calm and creativity. There’s a quiet rhythm to breadmaking that feels almost therapeutic. You start with humble ingredients—flour, yeast, water, sugar, and sultanas—and end with something that looks and smells truly special. The dough, once silky and pliable beneath your hands, bakes into a loaf that’s light yet hearty, with just enough chew to make each bite satisfying.
As it bakes, the aroma is irresistible. The kitchen fills with the warm scent of yeast and caramelising fruit, the kind of smell that makes the house feel instantly homely. It’s impossible not to hover near the oven, peeking through the glass as the loaf slowly turns a deep golden brown. When it finally emerges, slightly crackled on top and glowing with warmth, you’ll find it difficult to resist cutting into it straight away.
One of the loveliest things about Sultana Artisan Bread is how versatile it is. Fresh out of the oven, a slice spread with butter is sheer comfort. The butter melts into the bread, mingling with the sweetness of the sultanas and creating a taste that’s both rich and simple. Toasted, it takes on a whole new character—crisp on the edges, with the fruit turning even sweeter as it warms. A drizzle of honey or a swipe of marmalade adds a delightful contrast. Whether for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a quiet evening snack, it fits every moment perfectly.
Sultana Artisan Bread also makes a thoughtful, heartfelt gift. There’s something deeply personal about giving a loaf of handmade bread, still warm, wrapped in parchment and tied with a bit of string. It’s a gesture that says care, patience, and love—all qualities that go into a good bake. In many homes, Sultana Artisan Bread evokes fond memories of family gatherings, cosy kitchens, and weekends filled with the comforting scent of baking.
Despite the “artisan” title, this bread isn’t about perfection—it’s about character. Every loaf is unique, from the way the crust cracks to the way the sultanas nestle unevenly within. That’s what makes it beautiful. Unlike mass-produced bread, each handmade loaf tells its own story—shaped by the baker’s hands, the warmth of the kitchen, and the patience of time.
The combination of the slightly chewy crumb and the sweetness of the sultanas makes this loaf endlessly enjoyable. It’s wholesome enough for everyday eating, yet special enough for a treat. A slice in the morning with tea sets the tone for a calm day, while a piece in the evening feels like a quiet indulgence after a long one.
Sultana Artisan Bread isn’t just something you bake—it’s something you experience. It brings warmth, aroma, and a sense of contentment that only homemade bread can provide. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when given care and time, can create something truly beautiful. In every slice, you taste patience, tradition, and the joy of doing something by hand.
In a world that moves too fast, Sultana Artisan Bread reminds us to slow down—to savour the process, the scent, and the first bite while it’s still warm.
Sultana Artisan Bread
Ingredients
- 500 g strong white bread flour
- 7 g dried yeast 1 sachet
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1½ tbsp caster sugar
- 300 ml warm water
- 40 g unsalted butter melted
- 150 g sultanas
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently, then leave it for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy on top. This shows the yeast is active and ready to use.7 g dried yeast, 300 ml warm water, 1½ tbsp caster sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture along with the melted butter.500 g strong white bread flour, 1½ tsp salt, 40 g unsalted butter
- Mix together until a soft dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. As you knead, add the sultanas a handful at a time, working them evenly through the dough.150 g sultanas
- Place the dough into a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp tea towel or cling film and leave it in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the air.
- Shape it into a smooth, round ball and place it onto a lightly floured baking tray or in a round proving basket. Cover again and let it rise for another 45 minutes, or until puffed up and nearly doubled.
- While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) or 400°F. Place a small ovenproof dish of water on the bottom rack—this helps create steam for a lovely crisp crust.
- Once the loaf has risen, lightly dust the top with flour and, if you like, score a small cross or decorative slash on top using a sharp knife.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Transfer the baked Sultana Artisan Bread to a wire rack and let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm with butter, or toasted the next day with jam or honey.
18 comments
This bread toasted beautifully; the sultanas caramelised slightly and tasted amazing.
Loved how the crust turned out crisp while the inside stayed fluffy and tender.
One of the best homemade fruit breads I’ve ever tried—highly recommend.
This recipe is a keeper—simple, reliable, and utterly delicious.
Ideal for breakfast with a cup of tea; it feels both hearty and indulgent.
The dough rose beautifully, and the final loaf had a perfect artisan look.
I loved the chewiness of the crumb and the crispy crust combination.
A rustic, homely loaf that looks impressive on the table.
Such a comforting loaf; the aroma alone is worth making it!
Absolutely gorgeous loaf—soft, lightly sweet, and perfect with butter.
The sultanas are dispersed really well and don’t sink to the bottom.
Not too sweet, not too plain—just a perfectly balanced fruit bread.
A wonderful artisan-style bread that tastes like something from a bakery.
Very easy to make and incredibly rewarding—tastes fantastic.
The sultanas give just the right pop of sweetness in every slice.
Beautiful texture and flavour—this will be a regular bake for me.
Such a delicious loaf; sweet, soft, and perfect for toasting.
My family finished the loaf in one sitting, which says it all!