Have you ever wanted to bake sourdough bread but felt overwhelmed by the long fermentation times and precise measurements? Good news—you don’t need to be a master baker to enjoy the tangy, rich flavor of sourdough!
Enter sourdough quick bread recipes: the perfect shortcut to delicious homemade bread without the wait. Unlike traditional sourdough, which requires extended fermentation and careful monitoring, quick bread uses baking soda or baking powder for leavening, making it faster and easier to prepare.
With just a few simple ingredients and your sourdough starter (or discard), you can create soft, flavorful loaves in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat or a savory snack, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making sourdough quick bread at home.
Table of Contents
What is Sourdough Bread?
Sourdough quick bread is a hybrid baking method that combines the deep, tangy flavor of sourdough with the speed and simplicity of traditional quick bread. Unlike classic sourdough bread, which relies on natural fermentation to rise, quick bread uses chemical leaveners like baking soda or baking powder to create a soft, tender loaf—no proofing or long wait times required!
Traditional Sourdough vs. Sourdough Quick Bread
| Feature | Traditional Sourdough Bread | Sourdough Quick Bread |
|---|---|---|
| Leavening | Natural yeast fermentation | Baking soda/powder |
| Rise Time | 12-48 hours | 0-1 hour |
| Texture | Chewy, airy crumb | Soft, cake-like crumb |
| Flavor | Deep, tangy, complex | Mild sourdough tang |
Why Make Quick Bread Instead of Traditional Sourdough?
If you love sourdough but don’t always have time for long fermentation, quick bread is a great alternative. It’s:
Fast & Easy – No long proofing or kneading required.
Beginner-Friendly – Great for those new to sourdough baking.
A Perfect Use for Sourdough Discard – Reduces waste while adding great flavor.
Versatile – Works for both sweet and savory variations.
With this method, you can enjoy homemade sourdough-inspired bread in under an hour—without sacrificing that signature tangy taste!
Essential Ingredients & How to Prepare for Sourdough Quick Bread
Sourdough quick bread is simple to make, but a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a perfect loaf. Since this bread doesn’t rely on fermentation, the key is balancing ingredients and choosing the right mix-ins based on whether you want a sweet or savory version.
📌 For exact ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, check out the printable recipe card below.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Sourdough starter (active or discard)
- Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, rye, or gluten-free blend)
- Leavening agents (baking soda or baking powder)
- Eggs
- Dairy (milk, yogurt, or buttermilk)
- Butter or oil
- Sweeteners (sugar, honey, or maple syrup) – for sweet variations
- Salt and seasonings – for savory variations
- Optional add-ins (chocolate chips, bananas, cheese, herbs, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes)
What to Prepare Before You Start
- Choose Your Starter – Both active and discard sourdough starter work, but they give slightly different results:
- Active starter provides more rise and a stronger tang.
- Discard starter is milder in flavor and a great way to reduce waste.
- Pick Your Flour Type –
- All-purpose flour gives a soft, tender crumb.
- Whole wheat or rye adds a hearty, nutty flavor.
- Gluten-free flour blends can be used with minor adjustments.
- Decide Between Sweet or Savory –
- For a sweet version, use sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- For a savory version, add cheese, garlic, herbs, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prepare Your Wet Ingredients – Eggs, dairy, and melted butter or oil should be at room temperature for the best texture.
- Check Your Leavening Agents – Since this bread does not rely on fermentation, make sure your baking soda or baking powder is fresh to ensure a proper rise.
Once you have everything ready, you are all set to mix and bake. The exact measurements and step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Now, let’s explore some variations you can try before diving into the full recipe.
Variations & Creative Twists
Sourdough quick bread is incredibly versatile, allowing for both sweet and savory variations. Whether you prefer a lightly sweetened breakfast loaf or a cheesy, herb-infused option, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your taste.
Here are some popular variations to try:
Sourdough Banana Bread
A naturally sweet option that combines ripe bananas with the tangy depth of sourdough. The sourdough starter enhances the moist texture while balancing the sweetness. Add walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Cheesy Herb Sourdough Loaf
A savory version featuring shredded cheese and fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic. Perfect for pairing with soups or as a base for sandwiches.
Chocolate Chip Sourdough Quick Bread
A delicious treat with melted chocolate chips in every bite. The slight tang from the sourdough starter complements the sweetness of the chocolate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Sourdough Bread
A bright and refreshing option made with fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds. The citrus pairs well with the sourdough’s natural acidity.
Gluten-Free Sourdough Quick Bread
For those avoiding gluten, this version uses a gluten-free flour blend. The sourdough starter helps improve texture and flavor, making it a great alternative to standard gluten-free breads.
📌 Looking for more creative sourdough recipes? Check out our guide:
10 Easy Non-Bread Sourdough Recipes.
Now that you have a few variations to choose from, let’s move on to the full recipe.
Sourdough Quick Bread Recipe (Printable Card)
Print
Sourdough Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
Description
Below is the complete sourdough quick bread recipe with exact ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re making a sweet or savory version, this base recipe is easy to customize.
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough starter (active or discard)
2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat, rye, or gluten-free blend)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
½ cup milk, yogurt, or buttermilk
½ cup melted butter or oil
¾ cup sugar, honey, or maple syrup (for sweet version)
½ teaspoon salt (for savory version)
Optional add-ins:
Sweet: ½ cup chocolate chips, 1 mashed banana, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Savory: ½ cup shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon fresh or dried herbs
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix sourdough starter, eggs, milk, and melted butter.
Slowly combine the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or cheese.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For a stronger sourdough flavor, use an active starter instead of discard.
For extra moisture, substitute some of the milk with yogurt.
Storage: Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
Gluten-free variation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add an extra egg for better structure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: sourdough quick bread recipe, easy sourdough bread, sourdough discard bread, no yeast sourdough bread
FAQs About Sourdough Quick Bread Recipes
Can I use sourdough discard for quick bread?
Yes, sourdough discard works perfectly in quick bread. It adds flavor and moisture without requiring an active rise. If you prefer a more pronounced sourdough tang, you can use an active starter instead.
What is the difference between sourdough quick bread and traditional sourdough bread?
Traditional sourdough bread relies on natural fermentation for leavening, which requires long rise times. In contrast, sourdough quick bread uses baking powder or baking soda, allowing it to rise quickly and bake within an hour. While the flavor is less complex than traditional sourdough, it still retains a subtle tang.
How do I store sourdough quick bread to keep it fresh?
Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For extended storage, slice and freeze the bread, then reheat individual slices as needed.
Can I make gluten-free sourdough quick bread?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To help with texture and structure, consider adding an extra egg or a small amount of xanthan gum.
Why is my sourdough quick bread dense?
A dense loaf is usually the result of overmixing or using expired baking soda or baking powder. To avoid this, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, and always check that your leavening agents are fresh.
Can I add mix-ins like fruits or nuts to my sourdough quick bread?
Yes, mix-ins like berries, nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit work well in sourdough quick bread. For the best results, fold them in gently at the end of mixing to prevent overworking the batter.
Bake Your Own Sourdough Quick Bread
Sourdough quick bread is the perfect balance of flavor and convenience, bringing the tangy richness of sourdough to a soft, tender loaf without the need for long fermentation. Whether you prefer a sweet version with bananas or chocolate chips or a savory loaf packed with cheese and herbs, this versatile recipe is a great way to use your sourdough starter or discard.
Now it’s your turn to bake! Try this recipe and experiment with different variations to make it your own. Have a favorite twist on sourdough quick bread? Share your results in the comments!
For more ways to use sourdough in creative ways, check out 10 Easy Non-Bread Sourdough Recipes to Reduce Waste and explore more ways to bake with your starter.
Happy baking!