Taylor Swift “Funfetti” sourdough interpreted by Anya Ptacek.
So does Taylor Swift really bake sourdough bread and is it legit? I am one of those who admires her as a role model and for her social stances without actually listening to her music, but when it comes to baking we hold people to a higher standard. And I was skeptical after running across this recipe for “Blueberry Sourdough Bread à la Taylor Swift” in which the leavening agent is… baking powder.
But then I learned that her fiancée Travis Kelce had given her a bread slicer for Christmas and, considering he could have just as easily given her an island in the Caribbean, thought this was pretty hard core. (Presumably we are talking about one of those devices with vibrating wires like you see in commercial bakeries, not something like this gizmo from Amazon). So let’s dig deeper and give Taylor Swift a second chance (yes, that’s a song title from her upcoming album).
A lot of misdirection is not her fault and comes from people who are more fans than bakers. Exhibit one: an article in Real Simple that links to this quick bread recipe for a blueberry loaf. Looks potentially tasty but it’s not sourdough. The article also cites this cinnamon bread recipe which looks decent but gets its leavening from yeast with sourdough once again in a supporting role.
The biggest challenge in workshopping (her phrase) sourdough to give it the Taylor Smith treatment is “Funfetti”, which allegedly has sprinkles folded into a regular sourdough to delight her future nieces, the Kelce girls. I am grateful to Anya Ptacek who sensibly adds sugar and vanilla extract for flavor balance and advises holding back the sprinkles till the third stretch and fold so they don’t dissolve in the dough.
Of course, these days we are supposed to use AI rather than doing our own research. I googled “Taylor Swift Sourdough Bread Recipes” and got the following:
Taylor Swift’s “sourdough era” went viral after she shared her passion for baking during an appearance on the New Heights podcast. While she hasn’t released a formal cookbook, fans and food creators have developed specific “Taylor’s Version” recipes based on the flavor rotation she described.
Taylor’s Favorite Flavor Rotation
Swift revealed several creative variations she has been “workshopping” or regularly baking:
• Blueberry Lemon: Widely reported as Travis Kelce’s favorite.
• Funfetti (Sprinkles): A colorful version she developed for Jason Kelce’s daughters.
• Cinnamon Swirl & Cinnamon Raisin: Sweet, spiced loaves perfect for breakfast.
“Taylor’s Version” Sourdough Recipes
Bakers have translated her flavor descriptions into these popular community recipes:
• Funfetti Sourdough Loaf: This sweet loaf uses a standard sourdough base but adds rainbow sprinkles during the final fold to create a “celebration cake” effect.
o Base: 1 cup active starter, 1 cup warm milk, 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp sugar, 3 cups flour, 1 tsp salt.
o The Magic: Add ½ cup rainbow sprinkles gently after the first rest.
o Bake: 425°F for 30–35 minutes.
• Blueberry Lemon Sourdough: An artisan-style loaf featuring fresh or freeze-dried blueberries and citrus zest.
o Key Inclusions: Zest of 1 lemon, 1 cup blueberries, and often ¼ cup sugar to balance the tartness.
o Pro Tip: Some versions use Trader Joe’s lemon curd during shaping for a gooey center.
• Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: A “standard” sourdough base (e.g., 500g flour, 350g water, 100g starter) rolled with a cinnamon-sugar paste.
o The Swirl: Stretch the dough into a rectangle, spread the cinnamon-sugar mix, and roll tightly before placing in a banneton for a cold proof.
Taylor’s Sourdough Tips
Based on her public comments and fan-tracked “sourdough adventures”:
• Embrace the “1700s” Vibe: Swift categorizes sourdough as a slow, methodical hobby that rewards patience over perfection.
• Sharing is Key: She is known for gifting loaves to friends, complete with punny notes like “Are you bready for it?”.
• The Right Kit: Creators suggest using a Dutch Oven and a bread lame for scoring decorative designs—like an “M” or “TS”—on the crust.
Are you a/already baking your own TS-version sourdough b/intrigued by the crossover of celebrity and traditional baking c/thinking this is all a load of hooey? Answer in the comments please.
