There’s something magical about a loaf of bread that’s both hearty and good for you, don’t you think? This Kefir Bread is a simple, super tasty recipe that’s become a favorite in my house—my husband even called it “liquid candy” the first time I made it, asking for seconds right away! The overnight soak in kefir makes it a breeze to digest while packing in serious nutrition, which is perfect for midlife women like us looking to nourish our bodies with intention. Top it with a drizzle of raw honey for a sweet treat, or warm it up with a pat of butter or yogurt cheese for a savory bite. Let’s dive into why this bread is so special, explore its ancestral roots, and get baking with a recipe that’ll warm your heart and soul!

The Magic of Kefir Bread

What makes this bread a standout? It’s all about the kefir and the fermentation process, paired with the wholesome goodness of spelt flour. Kefir, a fermented milk drink similar to yogurt, is a probiotic powerhouse. It’s loaded with beneficial bacteria and yeast that support gut health, which is crucial for midlife women dealing with hormonal shifts, slower digestion, or bloating. The probiotics in kefir help balance our gut microbiome, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and even supporting mood—because a happy gut means a happier you! Plus, kefir is rich in calcium, B vitamins, and protein, making it a fantastic way to nourish our bones and energy levels as we age.

Spelt flour is another star here. An ancient grain, spelt is easier to digest than modern wheat for many of us, thanks to its lower gluten content. It’s packed with fiber, magnesium, and iron—nutrients that midlife women need to keep blood sugar stable, support heart health, and fight fatigue. I love how spelt gives this bread a nutty, hearty flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

The real magic happens with the overnight soak in kefir. Fermenting the flour with kefir breaks down phytic acid—an “anti-nutrient” that can block the absorption of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc in our gut. For midlife women, who are at higher risk for mineral deficiencies and bone loss, this step is a game-changer. It also makes the flour easier on our digestion, reducing bloating and discomfort. The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, so our bodies can actually soak up all that goodness. It’s like giving your gut a VIP pass to nourishment, and I’ve felt the difference in my energy and clarity since making this a staple.

A Nod to Our Ancestors

Fermented breads like this one have deep roots in our history—our wise and wild ancestors knew a thing or two about working with nature’s bounty! Ancient cultures, from the Egyptians to early European communities, often soaked or fermented their grains before baking. This wasn’t just about taste—it was about survival. Fermentation preserved food, made it easier to digest, and unlocked nutrients in a time when every bite had to count. I love knowing that when I make this kefir bread, I’m tapping into a tradition that’s been nourishing people for centuries, honoring how God designed our bodies to thrive with real, whole foods.

Kefir Bread Recipe

This recipe is as simple as it gets, but the results are anything but ordinary. The kefir soak gives the bread a slight tang and a tender texture, and the toppings make it a treat you’ll look forward to. Let’s get baking!

Makes: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk organic kefir (homemade is best!)
• 4 cups organic spelt flour
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 Tbsp raw honey
• 1 Tbsp butter or tallow (plus extra for greasing)

Prep:

In a food processor, combine the kefir, spelt flour, sea salt, raw honey, and butter or tallow. Process until a sticky dough forms. Grease a large loaf pan (or baking dish) with additional butter or tallow, then dust with a little spelt flour to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough to the pan, cover with a clean cloth, and leave it on the counter for 24 hours to ferment.

Directions:

1. After 24 hours, preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cover the loaf pan with an oven-safe lid or dome aluminum foil (make sure the foil doesn’t touch the dough). Bake for 45 minutes.
3. Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get a golden crust.
4. Let the bread cool slightly, then slice and enjoy! Top with a drizzle of raw honey for a sweet treat, or warm it with a pat of butter or a smear of yogurt cheese for a savory bite.

Tips (The Wise & Wid Way)

• If you don’t have milk kefir, you can use homemade yogurt with live cultures, though kefir’s higher probiotic content makes it ideal for fermentation.
• This bread freezes beautifully—slice it up, wrap individual pieces, and pop them in the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack.

Print the recipe: click here for the recipe and enjoy your first loaf!

Join the Journey

This Kefir Bread is just one of the many recipes I share in my Cook with Confidence program—a journey designed to help midlife women nourish their bodies with whole foods while honoring how God made us. If you love this recipe and want more ways to fuel your days with energy and joy, check out SPBTV—your Wholistic Living Network.

Get more gut-healing recipes straight to your inbox by signing up for my newsletter, And tune into Sharise Uncut where I spit the truth about health, life and everything in between.

To your health—and a life that’s as real as it gets!