As the sun begins to warm the air and the vibrant colors of summer emerge, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of baking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enter the Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia—my favorite bread that captures the very essence of sunshine and joy. With a delightful mix of tangy sourdough, juicy strawberries, and a zesty lemonade twist, this recipe offers a light, airy texture that will make your taste buds dance. It’s a show-stopping treat for brunch or a refreshing snack that will surely impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use that bubbling sourdough starter you’ve been nurturing! So, ready to brighten your kitchen with this unique creation? Let’s dive in and explore this deliciously sweet and savory masterpiece together! Why is this recipe a must-try? Uniqueness: The Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia brings an incredible twist to traditional bread. Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing ripe strawberries and zesty lemon brightens your baking game. Versatility: Enjoy it as a delightful snack, brunch centerpiece, or gourmet sandwich base. Time-Saving: The fermentation process is forgiving, allowing free time while it rises! Irresistible Flavors: The balance of tangy sourdough with sweet and tart fruit creates a sensational bite. Don’t forget to pair it with a light salad or chilled soup for the ultimate summer meal! Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Ingredients For the Dough • Sourdough Starter – Ensure it’s bubbly and active for the best flavor and rise in your focaccia. • Filtered Water – Hydrates the flour and aids in gluten development. • All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure and a delightful chewiness to the focaccia. For the Citrus Flavor • Lemon Zest – Adds a refreshing citrus note that perfectly complements the strawberries. • Lemon Juice – Enhances tanginess and adds moisture to the dough, contributing to the Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia theme. For the Sweetness • Fresh Strawberries – Provides bursts of sweetness and fruity flavor; be gentle to keep them intact. For the Finish • Olive Oil – Drizzled for a crispy crust and a rich flavor throughout the bread. • Sea Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Step 1: Prepare the Sourdough Starter Before getting started, ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active by feeding it at least 4-6 hours prior. This step is crucial for developing the characteristic tang and airy texture of the Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia. Look for a doubling in size with a pleasant, yeasty aroma. Step 2: Mix Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with filtered water and all-purpose flour. Stir until a rough dough forms, ensuring all flour is hydrated. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30-60 minutes. This autolyse period helps with gluten development, setting the stage for a beautifully textured bread. Step 3: Incorporate Citrus and Berries After the resting phase, gently fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and diced strawberries using your hands or a spatula. Be careful not to crush the strawberries; you want those delightful bursts of sweetness intact. This mix will add a zesty flavor dimension to your Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia, making it sing with freshness. Step 4: Ferment the Dough Cover the bowl again and let the dough ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours. During the first two hours, perform stretch-and-fold techniques every 30 minutes: pull one edge of the dough up and fold it over itself, repeating this around the bowl. This process strengthens the dough and incorporates air for a lighter final loaf. Step 5: Shape and Rest Once the dough has doubled in size and bubbles are visible, gently transfer it to a well-oiled baking sheet. Use your fingers to press the dough into a rectangle, creating dimples across the surface. Drizzle olive oil over the dough, sprinkle with sea salt, and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it puffed up, ready to bake. Step 6: Preheat Oven and Bake Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the last 30 minutes of resting. Once heated, place your Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and your kitchen is filled with a delightful aroma that promises a delicious treat! Step 7: Cooling and Serving Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This cool-down period enhances the flavor profile and allows for easier slicing. Consider topping it with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey before serving, amplifying the sweet and tangy notes of this unique bread. Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Variations Feel free to get creative with your Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia and explore these delightful twists! Berry Bliss: Swap out strawberries for seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for a juicy variation that brightens each bite. The beauty of this twist is in the vibrant colors and flavors, making your focaccia a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Citrus Burst: Add an extra zing by incorporating orange or lime zest alongside the lemon for a harmonized citrus flavor. The combination of zesty fruits creates an enchanting aroma that will have everyone guessing your secret ingredient! Herby Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or even mint to elevate the flavor profile. The freshness of herbs complements the sweetness beautifully, making each slice a fragrant experience. Nutty Crunch: Stir in some chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for added texture and a delightful crunch. This variation adds both a rustic charm and a satisfying bite to your focaccia. Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey before serving can enhance the sweetness without overpowering the tangy notes. Pairing the focaccia with a sweet touch makes it perfect for brunch or a relaxed afternoon snack. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends to cater to dietary needs. Though the texture may differ, the focus on fresh ingredients remains a delicious core experience. Just remember, results may vary, but the flavors should shine through! Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness. This added heat creates a surprising contrast, leaving your guests intrigued by every flavor note. Savory Surprise: Top the dough with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory twist that pairs nicely with the sweet strawberries. The creamy cheese complements the fresh flavors, making it a gourmet treat! With these variations, your Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia can evolve to suit any taste, ensuring that everyone will love your creation. Enjoy experimenting and happy baking! Make Ahead Options Making the Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia ahead of time saves you valuable hours on busy days! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance before baking. Simply follow steps 1 through 4 and then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cold fermentation will enhance the flavors without sacrificing quality. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with steps 5 through 7. This method allows you to enjoy a fresh, homemade focaccia without the last-minute rush, ensuring every bite is just as delightful as when it was freshly made! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Room Temperature: Store the focaccia in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps it fresh and maintains the delightful texture you achieved through baking. Freezer: Wrap slices of focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready for a future snack! Reheating: To enjoy your focaccia again, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, helping to restore its lovely crust. Serving: Consider topping reheated slices with fresh herbs, cream cheese, or honey to elevate your serving experience of the Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia! Expert Tips for Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and at its peak for the best rise, flavor, and texture. Gentle Mixing: Fold in strawberries gently to maintain their shape and ensure delightful bursts of sweetness in each bite of the focaccia. Temperature Matters: Keep your dough in a warm place while it ferments; too cool can slow down the yeast activity and affect rise. Rest Time: Allow the dough ample resting and fermentation time; don’t rush this stage, as it develops the flavor and airy texture. Storage Tips: Store leftover Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for up to three months to enjoy later. What to Serve with Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Elevate your baking experience by pairing this delightful focaccia with vibrant sides and drinks that will make your taste buds sing. Light Salad: A refreshing mixed greens salad topped with citrus vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the focaccia beautifully. Chilled Gazpacho: This cold tomato soup enhances summer flavors, creating a delightful contrast with the tangy bread. Creamy Ricotta: Spread fresh, creamy ricotta cheese on slices for a savory pairing that melts in the mouth, rounding out the sweet notes of the focaccia. Herbed Olive Oil Dip: Drizzle olive oil infused with fresh herbs for dipping, adding a savory punch that complements the fruity flavors. Sparkling Lemonade: The fizzy tartness of sparkling lemonade mirrors the bread’s flavors, making each bite a burst of refreshing joy. Seasonal Fruit Platter: Serve alongside a colorful assortment of fresh fruits to highlight those sweet strawberry bursts in the focaccia. Elderflower Cordial: This floral drink offers a gentle sweetness that dances with the tangy sourdough, enhancing the whole experience. Each pairing adds a unique texture or flavor element, ensuring your meal becomes a cherished memory. Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe strawberries for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid any with dark spots all over or a dull appearance, as these may be overripe. Ideally, they should be in season for the best flavor, but if you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen berries can also work—just be sure to thaw and drain them beforehand! How should I store leftover focaccia? Simply wrap the leftover Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the crust crispy, I recommend re-heating it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving. Can I freeze this focaccia for later use? Yes, you can freeze it! To freeze, slice the focaccia and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. This way, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, and it will taste almost as good as fresh! What should I do if my sourdough starter doesn’t seem active enough? Very! If your starter isn’t bubbling or doubling in size, it may need a feeding. To revive it, feed it with equal parts flour and water (by weight) and let it sit in a warm place for 4-6 hours. It’s essential to use a vibrant, active starter for the best rise and flavor in your focaccia. Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten allergies? Unfortunately, the Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia contains gluten due to the use of all-purpose flour. However, you can explore gluten-free flour blends, though the flavor and texture may vary. Be sure to follow package instructions, as gluten-free flours usually require different ratios and hydration levels. How can I add more flavor to the focaccia? I often make variations to enhance flavors! You can sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or mint on top before baking to amplify the taste. Additionally, consider drizzling with honey or a balsamic reduction after baking for a delightful sweet contrast that complements the strawberries beautifully! Delicious Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia Recipe A delightful Strawberry Lemonade Sourdough Focaccia that combines tangy sourdough, juicy strawberries, and zesty lemonade for a truly unique summer treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsResting Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Sourdough Starter Ensure it’s bubbly and active1 cup Filtered Water3 cups All-Purpose FlourFor the Citrus Flavor1 tablespoon Lemon Zest2 tablespoons Lemon JuiceFor the Sweetness1 cup Fresh Strawberries Diced, be gentle to keep them intactFor the Finish2 tablespoons Olive Oil Drizzled over the top1 teaspoon Sea Salt Equipment Mixing BowlBaking sheetWire RackSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the Sourdough Starter: Feed your sourdough starter at least 4-6 hours prior to ensure it is bubbly and active.Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, water, and flour. Stir until a rough dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30-60 minutes.Incorporate Citrus and Berries: Gently fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and diced strawberries. Be careful not to crush the strawberries.Ferment the Dough: Cover the bowl and let it ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours, performing stretch-and-fold techniques every 30 minutes for the first two hours.Shape and Rest: Transfer dough to an oiled baking sheet, shape into a rectangle, make dimples, drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Let rest for 1-2 hours.Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat oven to 450°F for 30 minutes. Bake focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.Cooling and Serving: Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh herbs or honey if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg NotesStore leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
