If you’re ready to fall in love with a unique twist on a classic favorite, the Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the tangy depth of sourdough blended seamlessly with sweet, juicy chunks of fresh strawberries, baked into perfectly golden, tender bagels that are soft inside with just a slight chew. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, bringing the essence of strawberry shortcake into a handheld, everyday treat that’s both comforting and surprising. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a special snack, these bagels deliver a burst of freshness and warmth that will brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, lending flavor, structure, or that perfect touch of sweetness that makes these bagels so memorable.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Sourdough starter: Adds a naturally tangy flavor and helps the bagels achieve that signature rise.
- Sugar: Balances the sourdough with a gentle sweetness that complements the strawberries.
- Whole milk: Moisturizes the dough and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth and enhances the fruity flavors.
- Baking powder: Works alongside the sourdough to ensure a nice rise and lightness.
- Salt: Highlights all the flavors and keeps the dough perfectly seasoned.
- Chopped strawberries: Fresh, juicy bursts that give each bite the strawberry shortcake vibe.
- Egg: For the egg wash, delivering a glossy, golden finish.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, prepare your baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bagels won’t stick and will have a clean underside after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the base that will support the flavors of sourdough and strawberries while helping your bagels develop a lovely tender crust and a soft bite.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the milk, sourdough starter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a cohesive dough forms. This is when the magic starts, with the sourdough adding that signature tang and the vanilla layering in depth.
Step 4: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, taking care not to crush them too much. These juicy pieces provide bursts of natural sweetness throughout the dough, making each bite a delight.
Step 5: Shape Your Bagels
Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form the classic bagel shape. This step is fun and satisfying as you see your strawberries peeking through the dough.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash
Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with a beaten egg to create a glossy, golden crust once baked. This finishing touch brings that bakery-quality shine straight to your kitchen.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bagels turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The smell of baking strawberries and vanilla combined with sourdough tang is absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your bagels cool just enough to handle them comfortably. They’re wonderful straight from the oven but equally delicious with a smear of cream cheese or butter. The strawberry chunks and sourdough flavor make each bite memorable.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly delightful experience, top your bagels with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese and a few fresh strawberry slices. A light drizzle of honey or strawberry jam can also enhance the flavors without overpowering the natural fruitiness.
Side Dishes
Pair these bagels with fresh fruit salads, a warm cup of tea, or your favorite coffee blend. They also go wonderfully alongside a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a balanced brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your bagels horizontally and using them as the base for mini strawberry shortcake sandwiches with mascarpone cheese and mint leaves. Or serve them alongside a chilled glass of sparkling rosé for a beautiful brunch or afternoon treat presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Proper storage ensures they retain moisture and remain soft while preserving the fresh strawberry flavor.
Freezing
To enjoy the bagels later, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. This locks in freshness and stops the strawberries from degrading.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored bagels by toasting them lightly or warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked texture with a warm strawberry aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your dough.
Do I have to use sourdough starter?
The sourdough starter is key to achieving the signature tang and texture of this recipe, but if you don’t have one, you could experiment with yeast, though the flavor will differ.
Can I make these bagels vegan?
You can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg wash with a brush of plant-based milk or maple syrup to achieve a similar shine and color.
How long do these bagels stay fresh?
These bagels are best enjoyed within two days of baking for optimal flavor and texture, but properly stored leftovers can last up to a week in the fridge.
Can I add other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries or raspberries can be wonderful alternatives, but keep in mind their moisture content might affect the dough consistency slightly.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe is like inviting a burst of springtime sweetness into your kitchen. It’s a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional bagels that feels both nostalgic and surprising. Once you make a batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for these bagels again and again, whether for a special weekend breakfast or a charming brunch centerpiece. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful recipe and watch it become a treasured go-to in your baking repertoire.
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Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels, combining the tangy depth of sourdough with sweet, fresh strawberries. Soft yet chewy, these bagels are perfect for breakfast or a fruity snack, offering a unique twist on traditional bagels with a hint of vanilla and a golden egg-wash finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the milk, sourdough starter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overwork.
- Fold in strawberries: Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the dough, taking care not to crush them to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and stretch slightly to form the classic bagel ring shape.
- Prepare for baking: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each bagel to give a shiny golden finish when baked.
- Bake the bagels: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the bagels are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bagels to cool a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite cream cheese or butter.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are chopped finely to prevent large chunks breaking the dough structure.
- The egg wash is key for achieving a glossy, golden crust on the bagels.
- Use active and bubbly sourdough starter for best results in texture and flavor.
- These bagels are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk alternative.
