Dinner

Sourdough Harvest Muffins

Name: Sourdough Harvest Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough starter (discard or active); 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup grated apple (peeled); 1 cup grated carrot; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Bysarra September 1, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Short description

Sourdough Harvest Muffins are gently spiced, moist, and flavorful muffins made with sourdough discard. They often feature seasonal ingredients such as pumpkin, apple, or carrot, creating a comforting taste perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins combine the warmth of seasonal harvest ingredients with the subtle tang of sourdough discard. You will love them because:

They help reduce waste by using sourdough discard.
The mild sourdough flavor adds depth and balance.
Moist, tender crumb enriched with fall spices.
Highly versatile with endless variations such as streusel, nuts, or fruits.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sourdough discard
Harvest ingredients (pumpkin purée, diced apples, grated carrot)
All-purpose flour or whole-grain alternatives
Baking soda and/or baking powder
Sugar (granulated or brown)
Eggs
Butter, coconut oil, or other oil
Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
Optional: nuts, raisins, streusel topping, or cream cheese filling

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 °F.
In a bowl, whisk together melted fat, sugar, eggs, and sourdough discard.
In another bowl, mix flour, leavening agents, spices, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently until just blended.
Fold in pumpkin, apples, or carrots, along with any add-ins.
Spoon batter into lined or greased muffin tin.
Add optional streusel or filling.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 12 muffins
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Bake time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: about 30–40 minutes

Variations

Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and extra cinnamon.
Carrot Harvest: Mix in grated carrot with a cream cheese swirl or oat streusel.
Pumpkin Muffins: Use pumpkin purée with warm spices.
Strawberry Muffins: Replace harvest ingredients with diced strawberries.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven until warmed through.

FAQs

What gives these muffins their tangy flavor?

The sourdough discard adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness.

Can I use active starter instead of discard?

Yes, both work, but discard is most common for this recipe.

Will the muffins be dense?

They should be light if you avoid overmixing and balance the liquid in your batter.

Can I make them without eggs?

Yes, but you will need to use substitutes such as flax or chia eggs.

Do I need pumpkin to make these?

No, you can use apples, carrots, zucchini, or other moist vegetables and fruits.

What if my discard is very sour?

If it is very acidic, you can add a little extra baking soda to balance it.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, by replacing eggs with flax or chia eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives.

What oil is best?

Butter gives richness, while coconut oil or vegetable oil makes them lighter.

Do I need to add a topping?

No, toppings are optional. The muffins are delicious plain.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale up the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Conclusion

Sourdough Harvest Muffins are a simple and delightful way to use sourdough discard while enjoying the flavors of the season. They are moist, spiced, and endlessly customizable, making them a favorite for breakfasts, snacks, and gatherings.

sarra