Sultana Artisan Bread

Sultana Artisan Bread is a beautiful round loaf filled with plump, juicy sultanas. It’s golden on the outside with a soft, slightly sweet crumb inside. Perfect served warm with butter or toasted the next day with a drizzle of honey or marmalade.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Rising Time 2

Total Time 2 55

Servings slices

Ingredients

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.

Notes

This Sultana Artisan Bread is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With its soft, fragrant crumb and bursts of sweetness from the sultanas, it’s a simple bake that feels timeless and comforting.

Nutrition