If you love the idea of combining tangy sourdough with sweet bursts of fresh strawberries and melty white chocolate, then this Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This loaf is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the tender crumb infused with cinnamon and vanilla, to the delightful pockets of creamy white chocolate and juicy strawberry pieces. It’s a wonderfully moist, slightly tangy bread that feels like a hug in every bite, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread Recipe plays an important role, whether it’s enhancing the flavor, ensuring a tender texture, or adding visual appeal. These simple yet thoughtful ingredients all come together to create something truly special.
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly): Provides natural fermentation that adds a nuanced tang and improves the bread’s texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overwhelming the natural flavors.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth and richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings a creamy richness and tender crumb to the loaf.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds aromatic warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread’s structure.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works with the acidic starter to create lift and lightness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice complementing the strawberries.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced: Provide juicy bursts of fresh fruit flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Bring creamy sweetness that melts into delicious pockets throughout the bread.
- 1/4 cup white sugar (for sprinkling): Optional for a sweet, crunchy topping that adds an inviting texture.
How to Make Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9Ă—5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for that easy release later. This simple prep step guarantees your bread will come out perfectly shaped and ready to impress.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the active, bubbly sourdough starter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix until smooth and well incorporated—this blend creates the rich, flavorful base of your bread.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in another bowl. This step helps evenly distribute your leavening agent and spices so that every bite is consistent in flavor and texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Components with Sour Cream
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream or buttermilk. Starting and ending with the dry ingredients, gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bread tender and soft.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and White Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips. The key here is to be gentle so you keep the strawberries intact and evenly distributed, which ensures each slice has lovely chunks of fruit paired with creamy chocolate.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle white sugar on top for a delightful crunch if you like. Bake for about 55-65 minutes, keeping a close eye towards the end. If the top starts browning too fast, tent the bread loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the insides finish baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s done.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set perfectly for slicing and prevents it from crumbling. Now you’re ready to dive into this irresistible treat!
How to Serve Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To take this bread to the next level, try topping slices with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a light smear of cream cheese. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of strawberry glaze can also add a lovely touch for visual appeal and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. If you’re serving it as a dessert, some fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream make wonderful companions. Fresh fruit on the side echoes the strawberry notes and keeps the experience bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, slice the bread into thin pieces and arrange on a beautiful platter with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips sprinkled around. You could even layer slices with cream cheese and whole strawberries for a mini sandwich twist. This Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread Recipe is versatile enough to shining in many creative serving styles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover sourdough strawberry bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and moist for 2-3 days, perfect for snacking without losing its charm.
Freezing
To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place slices in a freezer bag. This method helps protect it from freezer burn and preserves flavor. Frozen bread can last up to 3 months, ready for when you’re craving a sweet, fruity treat.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven set to low heat. This refreshes the texture, melts the white chocolate slightly, and brings out the aroma of the strawberries. You’ll feel like you just baked it fresh again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Frozen strawberries can be used, but it’s best to thaw and drain them very well first to avoid extra moisture that could make the bread soggy. Fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor.
Do I have to use sourdough starter?
The sourdough starter adds unique flavor and improves texture, but if you don’t have one, you could substitute with an equivalent amount of yogurt or buttermilk and adjust the leavening accordingly. Keep in mind, the bread won’t have quite the same tangy depth.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes! Use a non-dairy butter alternative and swap the sour cream with coconut or almond yogurt. Just make sure the substitutions are unsweetened to maintain the right balance of flavors.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. You can also look for a golden brown top and that the edges begin to pull away slightly from the pan.
Can I add nuts to this bread?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch and pair wonderfully with strawberry and white chocolate. Add about 1/2 cup when folding in the fruit and chips.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread Recipe. It’s a heartwarming mix of tangy, sweet, and fruity flavors that feels like something special out of a bakery but made in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to baking with sourdough or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and happy memories with every slice. Go ahead and give it a try—you deserve a delicious slice of homemade comfort today!
Print
Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 (9×5-inch) loaf
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sourdough White Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread combines the tangy flavor of a bubbly sourdough starter with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and creamy white chocolate chips. Moist, flavorful, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a charming dessert treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the active sourdough starter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the diced fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. Be gentle to avoid crushing the strawberries and to evenly distribute the chips.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the white sugar evenly on top for extra sweetness and a crunchy finish. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this delicious sourdough bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best rising and flavor.
- Fresh strawberries work best; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- The white sugar sprinkled on top is optional but adds a lovely crunch and sweetness.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
