Let’s get this bread: Dough Divas brings sourdough baking to Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Ever wanted to make sourdough bread but have no idea what you’re doing with that mysterious jar of starter?

Dough Divas is hoping to change that.

The Cape Coral bakery is giving beginners a chance to get their hands in the dough during a fun, hands-on sourdough baking class designed to make baking bread feel a little less intimidating.

Dough Divas started as a pre-order bakery, but Brianna Zwaan has since expanded the business into a weekly bake stand and sourdough classes. On Friday mornings, customers can stop by the Dough Divas Bake Stand at 2533 NW 7th Terrace in Cape Coral for sourdough, bagels, cookies and other freshly baked treats.

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While Zwaan loves baking, she also wanted to share that passion with other people.

“It was always in the back of my mind because my cousin runs a micro-bakery and teaches people how to bake. She always has the best time, so I just really wanted to bring that here to Cape Coral,” Zwaan said.

Now, she is doing just that.

Dough Divas has teamed up with Penny’s Coffee Bar to host sourdough classes where participants can learn the process from start to finish.

“I started my sourdough classes because I fell in love with baking and wanted to make sourdough feel less intimidating and more fun,” Zwaan said. “In class, I teach you the basics of feeding and maintaining your starter, plus tips and techniques while we make a loaf together.”

And this isn't a class where you simply sit back and watch someone else bake.

Participants get hands-on experience mixing their dough, learning how to care for a sourdough starter and making their own loaf. Zwaan and her mother, Lisa Watson, guide bakers through the process and share tips they can use when they head back to their own kitchens.

There is also plenty to enjoy while the dough is doing its thing.

The class includes a small personalized charcuterie board and a beverage from Penny’s Coffee Bar, making it part baking lesson and part laid-back morning experience.

For Zwaan, the goal is to keep things simple.

“It’s very hands-on and laid-back with snacks and coffee as well. There are no crazy ‘rules.’ I’m just there to guide you, have fun and help you feel confident baking at home,” Zwaan said.

So whether you're already obsessed with sourdough or still trying to figure out what a starter actually is, Dough Divas is giving Cape Coral bakers a chance to roll up their sleeves, grab some dough and give it a try.