Name: Valentine's Day Sourdough Strawberry White Chocolate Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup active sourdough starter; 1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries; 1/4 cup warm water; 2 1/2 cups bread flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup fresh diced strawberries; 1/3 cup white chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons flour for dusting; Additional white chocolate chips for garnish

This festive sourdough bread is bursting with fresh strawberries and creamy white chocolate chips, making it the perfect loaf for Valentine’s Day or any time I want to share a little love through baking. With a beautiful pink hue from pureed berries and an irresistible sweetness throughout, it’s a heartwarming twist on traditional sourdough.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bread dough:

1 cup active sourdough starter

1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries

1/4 cup warm water

2 1/2 cups bread flour

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the add-ins:

1/2 cup fresh diced strawberries

1/3 cup white chocolate chips

For topping:

2 tablespoons flour for dusting

Additional white chocolate chips for garnish

Directions

In a large bowl, I mix the sourdough starter, pureed strawberries, warm water, bread flour, sugar, and salt until a sticky dough forms.

I knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

I gently fold in the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

After shaping the dough into a ball, I place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 4 to 6 hours until doubled in size.

Once it’s risen, I reshape the dough into a round loaf and let it rise again on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a proofing basket for another 2 to 3 hours.

I preheat my oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.

I dust the loaf lightly with flour, score the top, and sprinkle on extra white chocolate chips if I’m feeling fancy.

Carefully placing the dough into the preheated Dutch oven, I bake it covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

Once baked, I let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 slices.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Rise Time: 6–8 hours

Baking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes

Calories: Around 210 kcal per slice

Variations

I sometimes swap the white chocolate for dark or ruby chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

For a nuttier texture, I add a handful of chopped almonds or pistachios.

I’ve also tried using freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh diced ones to reduce excess moisture.

A sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking adds a crunchy, sweet crust.

For extra romance, I shape the dough into a heart before baking in a cast iron skillet.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 1 month. To reheat, I slice and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or pop it in the toaster for a crisp edge.

FAQs

How do I keep the strawberries from making the dough too wet?

I make sure to dice the strawberries small and pat them dry before folding them in. This helps control the moisture level in the dough.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, I can bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but I add a tray of water to the bottom of the oven for steam to help develop the crust.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I prefer fresh for the best texture, but if I use frozen, I thaw and drain them well before pureeing or adding to the dough.

What kind of sourdough starter should I use?

Any active sourdough starter works. I use a 100% hydration starter that’s been fed recently and is bubbly and ready to bake with.

Can I make this bread sweeter?

Yes, I sometimes increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons or add a light glaze after baking for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

This Valentine’s Day Sourdough Strawberry White Chocolate Bread is one of my favorite seasonal bakes. It’s full of flavor, visually stunning, and perfect for sharing with someone special—or just enjoying a slice myself. With a soft crumb, fruity bursts, and creamy chocolate, this sourdough loaf is love at first bite.

📖 Recipe: