Soft, Fluffy & Naturally Colored Sourdough Muffins
If you’re looking for a fun and creative sourdough recipe, these Colorful Sourdough English Muffins are the perfect choice. Made with natural ingredients like beetroot, sweet potato, pumpkin, pandan leaves, butterfly pea flowers, and squid ink, these muffins are not only beautiful but also incredibly soft and flavorful. Whether you choose a same-day bake or an overnight cold fermentation, this recipe delivers delicious homemade English muffins with a light texture and wonderful sourdough flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally vibrant colors
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Flexible same-day or cold-retard method
- Great way to use sourdough starter or discard
- Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or snacks
Ingredients
- 600g bread flour
- 380g liquid (milk and natural juices)
- 150g active sourdough starter (or one-week-old discard)
- 40g honey or sugar
- 11g salt
- 1 egg
Natural Colors
- Purple: Sweet Potato
- Red: Beetroot
- Orange: Red Pickled Plum
- Black: Squid Ink
- Green: Pandan Leaves
- Yellow: Pumpkin
- Blue: Butterfly Pea Flowers
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, liquid, sourdough starter, honey, salt, and egg. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Step 2: Stretch and Fold
Perform 4 sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes. This helps strengthen the dough and improve texture.
Option 1: Same-Day Bake
After the final stretch and fold, let the dough rise for about 2 hours at room temperature (25°C/77°F) or until noticeably puffy.
Option 2: Cold Fermentation
Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days. This method develops deeper flavor and improves digestibility.
Shaping the Muffins
- Divide the dough into 100g portions.
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Coat lightly with flour.
- Place on parchment paper or a floured tray.
- Let rise for about 2 hours until doubled in size.
You should get approximately 12–13 English muffins.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the muffins into the pan.
- Cover and cook for 4–8 minutes.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Transfer to an oven or air fryer.
- Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 4–6 minutes to ensure the centers are fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these colorful sourdough English muffins with:
- Butter and jam
- Cream cheese
- Eggs and bacon
- Avocado spread
- Honey or Nutella
Storage Tips
Slice the muffins in half and store them in zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Simply toast before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
Final Thoughts
These Colorful Sourdough English Muffins are a beautiful way to bring creativity into your baking. The natural colors make them eye-catching, while the sourdough fermentation gives them a rich flavor and soft texture. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or sharing with family and friends.
Happy Baking! 🌈🥯✨
