Sourdough Strawberry Quick Bread with Strawberry Glaze (Easy Discard Recipe)
Honestly, strawberries are always a good idea in the summertime…but they are truly special when they are folded into a loaf of bread and then baked. Suddenly the whole kitchen smells like a cottage core baking day, warm, sweet, and soft in its own quiet way while it waits on the counter to cool.
This sourdough strawberry quick bread is soft, tender, and lightly sweet with juicy pockets of fresh strawberries throughout. It is made with sourdough discard, which gives it a subtle depth and helps keep the crumb extra moist all while following simple steps.
The real finishing touch is a simple strawberry glaze made with homemade strawberry syrup that turns a classic vanilla icing into something a little more unique and fun.
If you have been searching for a sourdough discard strawberry quick bread recipe or an easy way to use up discard in sweet bakes, this one is simple, forgiving, and deeply satisfying.
*This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, love, and would share with a friend.
Why You Will Love This Sourdough Strawberry Quick Bread
This is not one of those fussy sourdough recipes that takes all day or requires perfect timing.
This is a stir it together and bake it while the house smells like strawberries and vanilla kind of recipe.
You will love it because:
- It uses sourdough discard so there is no waste baking
- It is a moist strawberry quick bread with buttermilk
- The crumb stays soft for days
- It works beautifully as a breakfast, snack, or dessert loaf
- The strawberry syrup glaze makes it feel bakery worthy without extra effort
- It tastes even better after the first day
How I Created This Easy Summer Recipe
There is a certain kind of baking day that does not start with intention. It starts with “I need to use this up.”
That is how this loaf came to be.
I had sourdough discard sitting in the fridge and a carton of strawberries that were begging to be baked into something warm and sweet. I looked to find the right sourdough strawberry quick bread recipe online but I was surprised at the lack of recipes for this creation. I pulled a recipe for regular strawberry quick bread from Sally’s Baking Addiction and made some of my own tweaks to make it with sourdough discard and also a little touch of “Bri.”
So I started mixing.
While the bread baked, I whipped up some of my strawberry simple syrup with the leftover strawberry “tops” and this recipe started to feel like something I would want to make again. I am talking not just once, but pretty much every strawberry season!
Ingredients for Sourdough Strawberry Quick Bread
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (I used freshly milled soft white wheat)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sourdough discard (100% hydration)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature (I reconstituted some powdered form I use for my ranch seasoning)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries (if making the strawberry syrup, don’t throw away the tops!)
- 1 tablespoon flour for tossing strawberries
How to Make Sourdough Strawberry Quick Bread
1. Prep your pan
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×4 loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to use freshly milled soft white wheat flour processed in my Nutrimill grain mill.
3. Mix wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk egg, sugars, sourdough discard, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in strawberries
Toss strawberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then gently fold into batter.
6. Bake
Pour into loaf pan and bake 55 to 70 minutes. Cover loosely with foil halfway through if needed to prevent burning the top.
Let cool in the pan for 1 hour, then transfer to a wire rack.
Strawberry Simple Syrup Glaze
This is what takes the bread from really good to I need another slice right now.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons homemade strawberry simple syrup
Instructions:
Whisk everything together until smooth.
Add the strawberry syrup slowly, a 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency. It should drizzle but still hold its shape slightly on top of the loaf.
You can omit the strawberry syrup but it really elevates the taste.. trust me. Plus you can use the leftover strawberry syrup on pancakes or waffles, in water kefir, or even in milk for a delicious drink for the kiddos!
It has become a staple in my home and I know that it could in yours too.
Sourdough Strawberry Quick Bread with Strawberry Glaze (Easy Discard Recipe)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour I used freshly milled soft white wheat
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 Large Egg Room Temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sourdough discard 100% hydration
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup avocado oil or coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp flour to toss with the strawberries
Strawberry Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus more if needed
- 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp homemade strawberry simple syrup optional, but recommended!
Instructions
How to Make Sourdough Strawberry Quick Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- In another bowl, whisk egg, sugars, sourdough discard, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Toss strawberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then gently fold into batter.
- Pour into loaf pan and bake 55 to 70 minutes. Cover loosely with foil halfway through if needed.Let cool in the pan for 1 hour, then transfer to a wire rack.
Strawberry Simple Syrup Glaze
- Whisk everything together until smooth and drizzle ready.
- Add the strawberry syrup slowly, a 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency. It should drizzle but still hold its shape slightly on top of the loaf.
Notes
Tips for the Best Strawberry Quick Bread
- Do not skip flouring the strawberries so they do not sink
- Use ripe but not overly mushy strawberries
- Do not overmix the batter so the crumb stays soft
- Let the bread cool before icing so it does not melt
- The flavor actually improves the next day
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 to 6 days.
If you are anything like me, it rarely lasts that long. 😅
Can You Taste the Sourdough?
Not really. The sourdough discard adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps keep the bread moist, but it does not make the loaf taste sour. The fresh strawberries, vanilla, and sweet glaze are the flavors that shine through most. Even people who are not sourdough bakers would likely never guess there is discard in this recipe. It is a great way to nourish your gut while enjoying a yummy treat!
Why I Love Baking with Freshly Milled Flour
A quick little side note before you go.
If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve fallen completely down the freshly milled flour rabbit hole. What started as simple curiosity turned into one of my favorite parts of baking from scratch.
There is definitely a learning curve when you first start baking with freshly milled flour, but once you get the hang of it, it opens up a whole new world. The flavor is richer, the aroma is incredible, and there is something deeply satisfying about taking whole wheat berries and turning them into flour right in your own kitchen.
I use my NutriMill grain mill regularly and absolutely love it. If you’ve ever been curious about how to mill your own flour at home, this is the grain mill I personally use and recommend.
I’m working on a full guide to baking with freshly milled flour, but for now, just know that it has completely changed the way I think about homemade bread, baked goods, and from-scratch cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strawberry bread without sourdough discard?
Yes! If you do not have sourdough discard on hand, replace the 1/4 cup discard with an additional 1/4 cup buttermilk. The bread will still be soft, moist, and delicious.
What does sourdough discard do in strawberry quick bread?
Sourdough discard adds a subtle tangy flavor and helps create a tender, moist crumb. It is a great way to use up extra discard without making a traditional sourdough loaf.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries always work best in this recipe, but frozen strawberries can be used if needed. Thaw them first and gently pat away excess moisture before folding them into the batter.
How do I keep strawberries from sinking in quick bread?
Tossing the chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter helps suspend the fruit throughout the loaf and prevents most of it from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Can I make the glaze without homemade strawberry syrup?
Absolutely. The bread is delicious with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract. The strawberry simple syrup simply adds extra berry flavor and a beautiful pink tint.
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes. Active starter and sourdough discard can generally be used interchangeably in quick bread recipes like this one. Either will work well.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If you see wet batter, continue baking and check again every few minutes.
How should I store sourdough strawberry quick bread?
Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The glaze may soften slightly as it sits, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Can I freeze strawberry quick bread?
Yes. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Why is my strawberry bread dense or gummy?
Overmixing the batter or adding too much liquid can create a dense texture. For the best results, mix just until the ingredients are combined and measure the strawberries, buttermilk, and sourdough discard carefully.
What can I serve with sourdough strawberry bread?
This loaf is delicious served with coffee, tea, fresh whipped cream, softened butter, or even a little strawberry jam. It makes a lovely addition to a summer brunch or afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes when you cannot find what you are looking for, you create your own. That is exactly how this recipe came about and I am so thrilled with the results!
Soft crumb, juicy strawberries, a hint of sourdough depth, and a strawberry glaze that melts slightly into the top of the loaf.
The kind of bake that does not last long on the counter because everyone keeps cutting just one more slice. I really hope that you enjoy this bread as much as we did. I would love to know your thoughts in the comments!
Happy Summer Baking, Friend!
XO, Bri
More Cozy Summer Baking Recipes
One of my favorite parts of summer is finding little ways to use the season’s freshest ingredients. If you enjoyed this sourdough strawberry quick bread, you might also love these other homemade summer recipes featuring fresh fruit, seasonal flavors, and simple ingredients. They are perfect for slow mornings, afternoon coffee breaks, and sharing with family and friends.
More Sourdough Discard Recipes You’ll Love
If you are always looking for new ways to use up sourdough discard, here are a few more you should try! These are some of my favorite recipes that help reduce waste while bringing something homemade and delicious to the table.
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you enjoyed this recipe, I would love to connect with you beyond the blog! For more seasonal recipes and homemaking ideas, homestead inspired living, and cozy homemade food recipes, follow me on my other platforms! I can’t wait to show you some of our life behind the scenes while we create this little dream life of ours!
