Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe
If you are looking for a truly delightful treat that blends the tangy zest of citrus, the sweetness of fresh berries, and the rich creaminess of cheese all in a wonderfully textured loaf, you have to try this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony between rustic and gourmet, with each bite bursting with flavor and a texture that’s chewy yet soft. The natural tang of the sourdough starter perfectly complements the vibrant lemon and luscious blueberries, while cream cheese adds that dreamy moistness and subtle richness that makes this bread irresistible. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing simplicity and elegance to this bread. The balance of flour, water, and starter forms the perfect dough base, while the lemon zest and blueberries provide bright pops of flavor and color. Cream cheese adds moisture and tang, making every bite irresistibly soft and tender.
- 1 cup active sourdough starter: This natural leavening agent adds that signature tang and complex flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup room temperature cream cheese: Brings creamy richness and moisture to the bread texture.
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast beautifully with the tangy sourdough.
- Zest of 2 lemons: Adds refreshing citrus notes and brightness throughout the loaf.
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar: Subtle sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon and berries.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors and controls yeast activity.
- 1 cup filtered water: Hydrates the dough and helps develop the perfect crumb.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Starter
Begin by feeding your sourdough starter at least 8 hours before you start baking. A lively starter ensures your bread rises beautifully with that characteristic sourdough tang we’re after. This foundational step sets the stage for a loaf full of flavor and life.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This blend lays the groundwork for the dough’s texture and taste, distributing salt evenly to enhance the flavors and regulate fermentation.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the filtered water, honey (or sugar), lemon zest, and room temperature cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. The cream cheese will add a lovely creaminess that melds beautifully with the fruity notes, while lemon zest offers lively bursts of citrus flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until no flour remains. The dough will come together silky and slightly sticky—that’s perfect! This is where the magic begins as all the flavors start to blend.
Step 5: Gently Fold in Blueberries
Carefully incorporate the fresh blueberries into the dough. Treat them gently to prevent bursting and to keep those vibrant pockets of fruit intact throughout your bread.
Step 6: First Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours until it nearly doubles in size. This period allows the natural yeast to work its wonders, developing flavors and that airy, chewy texture sourdough lovers crave.
Step 7: Shape and Final Proof
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a round loaf, and place it in a proofing basket for an additional 1 to 2 hours. This final rise is essential to build strength and perfect the bread’s oven spring.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully place your loaf inside, bake covered for 30 minutes to trap steam, then remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown. The result? A crusty exterior giving way to a tender interior where lemon, blueberry, and cream cheese sing in harmony.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this bread warm with a light smear of softened butter or a drizzle of honey truly enhances its flavors. You can also sprinkle a few fresh lemon zest ribbons or fold in a handful of fresh blueberries on the side for that extra visual appeal and taste boost.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta, fresh fruit salads, or simply alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. It’s an excellent choice for a leisurely brunch or light dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and toasting it lightly, then layering with whipped cream cheese and a blueberry compote for a fancy breakfast treat. Alternatively, build a sweet sandwich with ricotta and lemon curd to impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious bread later, freeze it in slices wrapped individually or as a whole loaf wrapped securely. It freezes well for up to 1 month without losing its fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life after storage or freezing, toast slices lightly or warm the whole loaf wrapped in foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the crust and softens the crumb wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
While fresh blueberries are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from altering the dough consistency.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Room temperature, full-fat cream cheese works best to blend smoothly into the dough. Low-fat or whipped varieties might affect the texture and moistness of the bread.
Is it necessary to use a Dutch oven for baking?
Using a Dutch oven creates a steamy environment that helps develop a crusty exterior and soft interior, but if you don’t have one, you can use a baking stone and place a pan of water in the oven to generate steam instead.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread should have a deep golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature around 200°F (93°C) confirms it’s fully baked.
Can I substitute honey with sugar?
Absolutely! You can swap honey for granulated sugar in equal amounts. Both will add sweetness, though honey adds a slight floral note that complements the lemon beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe is a true joy to make and even more thrilling to eat. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a little twist on classic sourdough — bright, fresh, and just a little indulgent. Give it a try at your next baking session; I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen and one you’ll want to share with everyone you care about.
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Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of fresh blueberries and the richness of cream cheese, enhanced by fresh lemon zest for a refreshing twist. This artisan bread is perfect for breakfast or as a unique snack, featuring a soft crumb and crispy crust.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup filtered water
Flavorings and Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup room temperature cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
Instructions
- Feed the sourdough starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active by feeding it at least 8 hours before baking to guarantee proper fermentation and rise of the dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the filtered water, honey (or sugar), lemon zest, and room temperature cream cheese until smooth, ensuring the cream cheese is well incorporated.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring and mixing thoroughly until no dry flour remains and the dough forms a sticky but cohesive mass.
- Incorporate blueberries: Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the dough, being careful not to crush them, to distribute them evenly throughout the loaf.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, or until nearly doubled in size, signaling good fermentation.
- Shape and second rise: Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a proofing basket and allow it to rise for another 1 to 2 hours, preparing it for baking.
- Preheat oven and Dutch oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly hot for baking.
- Bake the bread: Carefully transfer the loaf from the proofing basket into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam, then remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.
Notes
- Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before starting the recipe for best results.
- Be gentle when folding in blueberries to avoid breaking them and coloring the dough too much.
- Using a Dutch oven creates steam which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain crumb texture.
- If fresh blueberries are unavailable, frozen can be used but they should be thawed and drained to reduce moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
