Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe

If you’re craving something delightfully sweet but with a tangy twist, this Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bagels offer a unique fusion of the classic sourdough tang and the fresh, fruity brightness of chopped strawberries, creating a beautifully tender and flavorful treat. The combination of fluffy bagel texture with juicy bits of strawberry results in a one-of-a-kind baked good that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack. Sharing this recipe feels like passing along a little slice of joy that your taste buds will thank you for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these irresistible bagels, you’ll keep things simple with a handful of essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role whether it’s enhancing texture, adding subtle flavor depth, or bringing a burst of natural sweetness.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your bagels their structure and chew.
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter: Provides a gentle tang and aids in natural leavening, making these bagels wonderfully airy yet dense.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Adds the perfect hint of sweetness to balance the tartness of the sourdough.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Enriches the dough, keeping it moist and tender.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic note that accentuates the strawberries beautifully.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps give the bagels a gentle rise for an ideal bagel bite.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup chopped strawberries: The true star, these juicy, fresh strawberries infuse every bite with bursts of fruity goodness.
• 1 egg (for egg wash): Used to create that irresistible golden and shiny crust on your bagels after baking.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and either greasing a baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper. This will ensure your bagels release easily after baking and come out with a perfect crust.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the foundation that balances sweetness, saltiness, and helps give structure to the bagels.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Pour in the whole milk, sourdough starter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir everything just until a dough forms; overmixing can develop too much gluten and make the bagels tough, so keep it gentle.

Step 4: Incorporate Strawberries

Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries with a spatula or spoon. You want to distribute those sweet, juicy chunks evenly without smashing them, so go slow and steady here.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center, gently stretching the dough into a classic bagel ring shape. This step is pure fun and hooks you into the process just before the magic happens.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and brush each generously with beaten egg. This gives them a stunning golden-brown shine once baked. Pop them into the oven for 20-25 minutes until they look golden and feel firm to the touch.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

After baking, allow your strawberry sourdough bagels to cool for a few minutes, giving them a chance to set their structure while still warm and inviting. They’re scrumptious on their own or with your favorite spreads like cream cheese or butter.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe, top them with a light smear of whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone. Fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar add an elegant touch and enhance the strawberry theme beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these bagels with a bright mixed green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette for a contrasting savory side, or go sweet with a bowl of fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. A cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bagels horizontally and create a layered strawberry shortcake-inspired sandwich. Fill with layers of cream cheese, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey. You can also toast them lightly and add ricotta with a hint of lemon zest for a modern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. If you want to keep them softer, wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel inside the container works wonders.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the bagels individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe bag. This way, you’ll preserve their flavor and texture for up to one month, ready whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen bagels at room temperature, then warm them up in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best here for that ideal balance of chew and softness, but you can experiment with bread flour if you want a chewier texture. Just keep in mind it may change the bake time slightly.

What if I don’t have a sourdough starter? Can I substitute it?

You can try using commercial yeast instead, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor or tang that a sourdough starter imparts. If you’re curious, mixing a small amount with your milk and flour can give you a milder sourdough profile.

How fresh should the strawberries be?

Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal because they add natural juice and sweetness that complement the dough perfectly. Avoid overripe or mushy berries as they can overly wet your dough and affect texture.

Can I make these bagels vegan?

You can swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replace the egg wash with a brush of maple syrup or melted coconut oil for a lovely golden crust. The flavor will still be deliciously strawberry-forward!

Are these bagels best eaten fresh or can they be enjoyed later?

While freshest on the day they’re baked, these bagels maintain their flavor and texture well for a couple of days when stored properly. Freezing and reheating is a fantastic way to extend their enjoyment without losing any of the unique Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe charm.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe enough if you want to surprise yourself and your loved ones with something truly special and flavorful. It’s a perfect blend of tangy sourdough, sweet strawberries, and soft yet chewy bagel goodness that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake some joy!

Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 83 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 bagels 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delight in these homemade Strawberry Shortcake Sourdough Bagels, combining the tangy depth of sourdough with sweet bursts of fresh strawberries. This recipe yields soft, flavorful bagels with a golden, shiny crust, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Enhanced with vanilla and a touch of sugar, these bagels bring a fruity twist to a classic sourdough texture, ideal for enjoying with cream cheese or butter.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (beaten)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Stir in the milk, sourdough starter, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring it is well combined without overworking.
4. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the dough carefully to avoid crushing them, maintaining their texture and flavor throughout the bagels.
5. Shape Bagels: Divide the dough evenly into 8 portions. Shape each piece into a ball and then create a hole in the center with your finger to form a classic bagel ring shape.
6. Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Brush each bagel with the beaten egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden-brown finish.
7. Bake: Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and firm to the touch, indicating they are fully cooked.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoyed plain or with cream cheese or butter.

Notes

• Ensure the strawberries are chopped into small pieces to distribute evenly and prevent sogginess.
• Use a ripe sourdough starter for best flavor and rise.
• Egg wash is key for a shiny, attractive crust.
• Allow bagels to cool slightly before slicing to maintain texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving for a fresh taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American