Easy Sourdough Discard Strawberry Muffins

Moist and fluffy sourdough discard strawberry muffins—an easy, delicious way to use up extra starter and enjoy sweet, fresh berries.

This recipe is calling your name if you’ve got extra sourdough starter and a fridge full of sweet strawberries.

These easy sourdough discard strawberry muffins are fluffy, flavorful, and just the perfect way to use up that discard while celebrating strawberry season—or making the most of frozen berries.

Let’s break down everything you need to make this family favorite from scratch using simple ingredients and pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, tender muffins with bursts of fresh berry flavor
• Freezes well—perfect for batch baking
• Customizable with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or even white chocolate
• Comes together fast with easy instructions

If you’re new to baking with discard, this is a great intro. And if you’re deep into your sourdough journey, these muffins might just earn a spot on your list of favorite sourdough recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – A trusty base for light, fluffy muffins.
• 2 tsp baking powder – Gives the muffins a nice rise.
• 1 tsp salt – Just enough to bring out the flavor.
• ½ cup softened or melted butter – Adds richness and that classic homemade taste.
• 1¼ cup granulated sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness.
• 2 large eggs, room temp – Helps bind everything together and create structure.
• ½ cup sourdough discard (or active starter) – Adds a little tang and helps use up your extra starter.
• ¾ cup milk – Keeps the muffins soft and tender.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 2 cups chopped strawberries – Use fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried—whatever you have on hand.
• 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top) – Gives the tops a pretty sparkle and a light crunch.

Tools You’ll Need

• 12-cup muffin pan
• Muffin liners or butter to grease
• Large bowl for mixing wet ingredients
• Small bowl for dry ingredients
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups/spoons

How to Make Sourdough Discard Strawberry Muffins

Step 1: Prep your muffin pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin pan with paper liners or grease each cup.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients

In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, sourdough discard, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine the batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently with a wooden spoon. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 5: Fold in strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. You want small pieces spread evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill muffin tins

Scoop the muffin batter into your prepared pan, filling each cup about ¾ full. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until muffins are golden brown and a toothpick or chopstick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and enjoy

Let muffins cool for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Serve warm with a pat of butter, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy with vanilla ice cream for dessert. However you slice it, this is one of those discard recipes that will be on repeat.

Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture. Cold eggs or milk can cause the batter to seize.
• Don’t overmix! Stir the ingredients until just combined—this keeps the muffins light.
• Use fresh strawberries when in season for best flavor, but frozen or freeze-dried work too.
• Let the muffins cool down completely before storing in an airtight container. 

FAQs – Sourdough Discard Strawberry Muffins

More Sourdough Discard Recipes

• Sourdough Discard Rhubarb Muffins
• Sourdough Discard Rhubarb Cobbler
• Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread
• Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread
• Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
• Sourdough Discard Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies