Sourdough Cravings: 2 Home Bakers, 1 Passion for Real Bread

Welcome to Sourdough Cravings, a place where everyday bakers find joy, confidence, and real results — one loaf at a time.

We’re Emily Dawson and Olivia Baker — two home bakers turned recipe creators, brought together by a shared love for slow baking and soulful simplicity. Whether you’re curious about making your first starter or exploring bold, creative loaves, you’ll find everything you need right here.

Meet Emily – From Finance to Fermentation

I came from a world of deadlines and numbers — finance meetings by day, toddler chaos by night. Life was nonstop, and baking felt like a distant dream.

Emily Dawson smiling at her kitchen table with a jar of sourdough starter and an open recipe book — About 10

Then one quiet evening, I tried making a simple loaf.

That first attempt? A total flop. But something about it pulled me in. Every stretch, every rest, every rise brought unexpected calm. Working with wild yeast slowed me down and helped me rediscover joy in the everyday.

Now, through Sourdough Cravings, I help home bakers like you skip the overwhelm and start baking with confidence. Whether you’re new to baking or coming back to it, I’m here to make sourdough feel possible — and truly satisfying.

Why I Fell in Love with Baking with Sourdough?

This blog began as a personal journal — and grew into a supportive space for anyone learning to bake naturally leavened bread at home.

At Sourdough Cravings, you’ll discover:

Easy, step-by-step recipes made for real kitchens
Clear guidance for beginners working with sticky dough and rising times
Creative variations for when you’re ready to add flavor and fun

Close-up of sliced artisan sourdough bread with butter dip — About 12

Freshly Sliced Sourdough Bread with Dipping 2025 — About 13

Everything here is tested by hand, not just theory. Whether you’re a total beginner or coming back after a few baking flops, our goal is to help you feel confident, capable, and excited to bake with sourdough.

Emily’s Favorite Sourdough Recipes

These are the recipes I return to over and over — the ones that bring comfort, surprise, and smiles around the table.

Best sourdough inclusions with seeds and herbs in a banneton

Best Sourdough Inclusions: From Sweet Swirls to Savory Folds

Crusty garlic herb sourdough loaf with rosemary and garlic on wood board

Garlic Herb Sourdough: Fresh, Roasted & Dried Flavor Ideas

A freshly baked cranberry walnut sourdough loaf sliced in half on a wooden board, showing its golden crust and airy crumb studded with cranberries and walnuts, styled with a soft gingham towel and a blurred basil plant in the background.

Cranberry Walnut Sourdough: Tart, Crunchy & Toast-Worthy

Laminating parmesan into sourdough dough - Garlic Parmesan Sourdough

Garlic Parmesan Sourdough: Savory, Cheesy & Crust-Loving

If you’re just getting started or ready to try something new, these sourdough favorites are a great place to begin your journey.

A Bit More About Emily

I bake from my cozy kitchen in Austin, Texas 🇺🇸, surrounded by family, flour, and the smell of something delicious in the oven.

Since starting this journey, I’ve helped over 1,200 home bakers gain confidence with naturally leavened bread — especially that tricky first sourdough loaf.

I believe in real food, slow mornings, and butter on everything.
Favorite combo? Brown sugar cinnamon swirl… with a second slice.

Text: Emily Dawson smiling while holding a basket filled with artisan bread loaves, outdoors in soft sunlight — About 14

Meet Olivia – Flavor-First Baker & Recipe Developer

Hi, I’m Olivia — a self-taught baker near Portland, Oregon, with a passion for bold flavors and playful combinations.

While Emily focuses on approachable, everyday bakes, I lean into the unexpected. From roasted garlic to za’atar, I love bringing a twist to every loaf.

You’ll see that in recipes like Garlic Parmesan, Everything Bagel, and my favorite: Best Sourdough Inclusions.

Olivia smiling in her kitchen, wearing an apron – sourdough baker portrait

For me, sourdough is more than bread — it’s a creative outlet. A way to tell stories through flavor, texture, and a beautifully golden crust.

Olivia’s Sourdough Philosophy

My motto? Let the flavor lead.

From fresh rosemary to za’atar or even dark chocolate, I believe bread should be bold, expressive, and full of character.

To me, each bake is more than just technique — it’s a creative act. No two loaves look exactly alike, and that’s the fun of it.

If you’re ready to explore new textures, seasonal twists, and flavor-packed combinations, this is your space to play, learn, and fall in love with sourdough all over again.

Why We Created Sourdough Cravings

We started this blog because baking at home shouldn’t feel intimidating — it should feel welcoming.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving bread another try, you deserve recipes that make sense and actually work.

This space was built for home bakers who want both guidance and creativity. We test every recipe by hand — from simple loaves to bold, flavor-packed creations.

Together, we bring two different styles with one shared mission: helping you grow, bake with joy, and feel proud of your journey with sourdough.

Let’s Stay Connected

Join my email list for exclusive tips & seasonal recipes
Follow on Pinterest for visuals and step-by-step boards
Watch my behind-the-scenes on Instagram
Check my latest recipes here

Got a Question?

Email me anytime at [email protected] — I read every message.

Thanks for stopping by. Let’s make something delicious with sourdough.