If you love baking with your sourdough starter and have a soft spot for sweet, fruity twists on rustic breads, this Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia – A Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe to Love will be your next favorite bake. It brings together the tangy charm of a traditional sourdough focaccia with juicy bursts of fresh strawberries for a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this recipe, the essential ingredients and tools you’ll need, and an easy step-by-step method with serving ideas to make your baking experience both fun and rewarding.
Memories of a Summer Bake and the Joy of Fresh Strawberries
It was one of those golden summer mornings when the kitchen windows were open, a gentle breeze carried the scent of ripe fruit, and baking seemed less like a task and more like a celebration. That was the day I first experimented with strawberries on a sourdough focaccia base—a Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe that surprised me with its balance of flavors. The slightly tart undertone of the sourdough starter met the natural sweetness of sun-warmed berries, creating something entirely new.
As the bread baked, the strawberries softened and released their juices, tinting the crust with pink streaks and filling the house with a comforting aroma that hinted at both rustic bread and dessert. Sharing slices with friends over mugs of coffee quickly became a summer ritual. I discovered that this Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe was not just about flavor—it was about connection and joy.
Every time I bake it, I’m reminded of laughter in the kitchen and hands dusted with flour, of spontaneous brunches and lazy afternoons when baking was the highlight of the day. The contrast between the crisp edge of the focaccia and the juicy fruit topping makes this Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe a memorable treat for anyone who wants to experience the pleasure of baking something both simple and indulgent. Whether you’re baking solo or with family, the magic truly lies in that first whiff of warm bread mingling with roasted strawberries—a scent that practically defines homemade comfort.
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Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia – A Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe to Love
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This sourdough strawberry focaccia combines a tangy sourdough base with fresh strawberries and a honey-sugar glaze for a sweet, fruity twist on classic focaccia, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Combine warm water and active sourdough starter in a large bowl and whisk until cloudy
2. Add bread flour and mix with a spatula until no dry bits remain
3. Cover and rest the dough for 30 minutes for autolyse
4. Sprinkle salt, sugar, and honey over the dough and drizzle with half the olive oil
5. Perform four stretch and fold sets at 30 minute intervals
6. Cover and bulk ferment the dough for 6–8 hours or overnight until doubled
7. Line a baking pan with parchment and brush with olive oil
8. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch to fit without deflating
9. Dimple the dough with oiled fingertips and arrange sliced strawberries on top
10. Sprinkle raw sugar or sliced almonds if desired and rest for 30–45 minutes
11. Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden
12. Brush the warm focaccia with diluted honey for a shiny glaze and cool slightly before slicing
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Keywords: sourdough, focaccia, strawberry, sweet bread, fruit focaccia, sourdough bread recipe, dessert bread, breakfast bread
What Makes Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia Unique Among Fun Sourdough Bread Recipes
What sets Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia apart from other Fun Sourdough Bread Recipes is its beautiful blend of savory and sweet qualities. Traditional focaccia is known for its olive oil–rich crumb, dimpled texture, and salty finish, but this twist transforms it into something akin to a light dessert bread without being overly sugary. The naturally leavened dough gives it a chewy yet tender bite, while the strawberries lend moisture and vibrant flavor to every slice.
Using a live sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast brings natural depth. The slow fermentation coaxes gentle, complex notes that complement the fruit’s brightness. It’s a great recipe for bakers who want to take their starter beyond the usual sourdough boule or sandwich loaf and explore Fun Sourdough Bread Recipes that excite both the eyes and palate.
Moreover, the recipe is flexible. You can play with toppings—add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of raw sugar, or a handful of sliced almonds for extra crunch. It’s rustic and unfussy, yet the result always looks impressive enough to share. For new bakers, it’s a gentle entry into artisan-style baking: forgiving, creative, and always rewarding. Among the many Fun Sourdough Bread Recipes you might explore, this one stands out for its sheer joy factor—a bake that feels like sunshine captured in bread form.
Ingredients & Tools for a Perfect Sweet Sourdough Focaccia
Essential Ingredients for a Golden Sourdough Focaccia with Strawberries
Every great Sourdough Focaccia Recipe begins with high-quality ingredients and a little bit of planning. Because this bread leans gently to the sweet side, we balance the tang of the starter with natural sugars and tender fruit. Below is a simple ingredient guide sized for one sheet-pan focaccia—generous enough to share yet easy to mix by hand.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bread flour (or all-purpose) | 450 g (about 3 ½ cups) | Bread flour gives a chewy crumb; all-purpose makes it softer. |
| Active sourdough starter (100% hydration) | 100 g (½ cup) | Feed 4–6 hours before mixing for best rise. |
| Warm water | 325 g (1 ⅓ cups) | 80–85°F / 27–29°C helps fermentation start smoothly. |
| Fine sea salt | 9 g (1 ½ tsp) | Balances flavor and strengthens gluten. |
| Olive oil | 40 g (3 Tbsp + 1 tsp) | Adds moisture and richness. |
| Honey | 25 g (1 Tbsp + 2 tsp) | Enhances caramelization and sweetness. |
| Granulated sugar | 15 g (1 Tbsp) | Optional but boosts browning. |
| Fresh strawberries | 250 g (about 2 cups sliced) | Choose ripe yet firm fruit. |
| Optional toppings | to taste | Raw sugar, olive oil, or honey drizzle after baking. |
These proportions keep hydration high enough for the classic open-crumb focaccia while still easy to handle. Lightly oil your hands during mixing—it’s the easiest way to manage this Sourdough Focaccia Recipe without excess flour.
Ingredient tips: Bread flour yields a chewy interior perfect under juicy fruit. Honey and sugar don’t make it sugary—they enhance flavor and browning. Always use olive oil for that supple texture and golden crust. Keep everything at room temperature for even fermentation and the soft-yet-crisp finish every Sourdough Focaccia Recipe deserves.
Recommended Tools to Bring Your Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe to Life
Having the right tools turns this bake from tricky to effortless. You don’t need fancy equipment—just reliable basics to make your Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe shine:
- Kitchen scale: Measure by weight for precise hydration.
- Large mixing bowl: Gives space for stretch-and-fold movements.
- Dough scraper: Ideal for lifting sticky dough cleanly.
- Baking pan (9×13 in / 23×33 cm): Classic focaccia size for balanced crust and crumb.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Oven thermometer: Confirms a steady 400–425°F (200–218°C) bake.
- Pastry brush or small spoon: For glazing with olive oil or honey.
Before mixing, weigh ingredients and prep tools—organization helps you focus on the dough’s feel. Think of it as part of the calm preparation that makes a Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe enjoyable: relaxed, confident, and creative.
How to Make Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia Step-by-Step
Mixing and Fermenting the Dough Starter for Best Flavor
A Sweet Sourdough Focaccia Recipe succeeds or fails with the strength of its starter. Feed it several hours ahead so it’s bubbly and ready. In a large bowl, whisk 325 g warm water with 100 g active starter until cloudy, then add 450 g flour. Mix until combined and rest 30 minutes to hydrate fully.
Sprinkle in 9 g salt, 15 g sugar, and 25 g honey. Add half the olive oil and use stretch-and-fold motions: lift, stretch, fold toward the center, turning the bowl each time. Repeat every 30 minutes for two hours. The dough will smooth and strengthen, giving that airy texture symbolic of a great Sweet Sourdough Focaccia Recipe.
Cover tightly and ferment 6–8 hours (or overnight in cooler conditions) until doubled, bubbly, and slightly jiggly. Line a pan with parchment, brush with oil, and gently transfer the dough to preserve airiness. This careful handling is key to any successful Sweet Sourdough Focaccia Recipe.
Baking and Finishing – Topping, Baking, and Serving Ideas
Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the dough and dimple gently with your fingertips to make small wells. Arrange sliced strawberries evenly across the surface. Sprinkle a touch of raw sugar if desired. Rest for 30–45 minutes as the oven preheats to 425°F (218°C); this allows a light second rise that lifts the Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia.
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown and the strawberries bubble softly. Rotate the tray halfway through for even color. Check beneath the parchment—if the base is crisp and bronzed, the Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe is ready. Cool slightly, then brush with a honey‑water glaze for shine and gentle sweetness.
Serve warm, sliced into squares. Pair with ricotta or yogurt for breakfast, or dress it up with whipped cream or ice cream for dessert. On brunch tables, Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia pairs beautifully alongside cheeses and fresh fruit. Store leftovers covered for a day, or freeze and reheat briefly to restore crust crispness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for sourdough strawberry focaccia?
Yes. Frozen berries work well in a Sourdough Focaccia Recipe if you add them still frozen before baking. This keeps moisture from pooling and maintains defined jam‑like pockets of flavor.
Do I need to add sugar to the dough?
A touch of sweetener enhances flavor and browning, but you can halve it or substitute honey or maple syrup. The berries’ natural sweetness will still shine.
How long does the focaccia stay fresh?
Because it’s moist and fruit‑laden, it’s best eaten the same day. Keep lightly covered up to 24 hours, or freeze slices up to a month and reheat to revive the crust.
Can I make this with discard instead of an active starter?
Yes. Add ¼ teaspoon of instant yeast to compensate for reduced lift. Discard gives great flavor, resulting in a denser yet delicious focaccia.
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely. This Sourdough Focaccia Recipe adapts easily—try peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or figs, adjusting bake time for water content.
Conclusion
Every bite of Sourdough Strawberry Focaccia – A Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe to Love celebrates what makes sourdough baking special: patience, aroma, and the magic of simple ingredients becoming something memorable. The tangy crumb, bright fruit, and golden crust together make a loaf equally at home at weekend brunch or shared at dessert time.
Whether enjoyed plain, topped with cream, or eaten straight from the pan, this bread reminds us how joyful homemade baking can be. Gather your starter, fresh strawberries, and favorite people—it’s time to bake, share, and savor truly sweet sourdough comfort. Happy baking!
