The sweet aroma of freshly baked Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread wafts through the air, promising a burst of tangy flavor with each slice. Picture this golden loaf, studded with juicy blueberries and creamy swirls of cheese—it’s the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack.
I remember the first time I baked this delicious concoction; my kitchen felt like a cozy café filled with laughter and joy. Friends gathered around the oven, eagerly waiting for that moment when the warm bread would emerge, bursting with fruity goodness. This creation is ideal for brunches or just as a treat to brighten your day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful lemon blueberry cream cheese sourdough bread is simple to make yet incredibly impressive
- The bright flavors dance on your palate while the creamy texture wraps you in comfort
- Its stunning appearance will steal the show at any gathering
- Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter for a truly indulgent experience!
Baking this incredible bread is bound to create lasting memories with friends and family as they gather around to enjoy every crumb.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sourdough Starter: Use an active starter for the best rise and flavor; feed it the night before for optimal performance.
- All-Purpose Flour: A high-quality flour provides structure; feel free to mix in some whole wheat for added nutrition.
- Fresh Lemons: Use zested lemons for a vibrant flavor; choose firm ones that feel heavy for their size.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal; if using frozen ones, rinse and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Soften it to room temperature for easy mixing; this adds a rich creaminess that elevates every bite.
- Honey or Sugar: Adjust sweetness according to taste; honey adds a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with citrus.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing overall taste; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
- Water: Filtered water yields better results; avoid using chlorinated water which can hinder yeast activity.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Sourdough Starter: Begin by feeding your sourdough starter 8 hours before baking to ensure it’s bubbly and active. The starter should have doubled in size and be full of life.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt until evenly combined. Your mixture should look fluffy and inviting—like clouds ready to become delicious bread.
Add Wet Ingredients & Mix: In another bowl, combine water, honey, lemon zest, and softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth before gently incorporating it into the dry mix until no flour remains visible.
Incorporate Blueberries: Carefully fold in blueberries with a spatula—this step should feel like you’re cradling treasure as you integrate those juicy gems without crushing them.
First Rise: Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours until it has nearly doubled in size—patience is key here!
Shape & Second Rise: Gently turn your dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Transfer it into a proofing basket lined with parchment paper for another 1-2 hours—your dough will continue its transformation during this time.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C), placing a Dutch oven inside while it heats up. Once hot, carefully place your dough inside and cover with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes covered then another 15 minutes uncovered until golden brown.
With these steps complete, you’ll soon be slicing into your very own Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread—a beautiful creation that’s sure to impress!
You Must Know
- Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors
- The creamy cheese adds richness, while the blueberries burst with flavor
- This bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack, bringing sunshine to your table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by mixing the dough thoroughly. Allow it to rise in a warm spot before shaping and baking.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding lemon zest for more zing or swapping blueberries for raspberries for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, pop slices in a toaster for crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh blueberries to avoid mushiness; frozen ones can alter texture
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active before mixing to maximize rise
- A sprinkle of coarse salt on top enhances flavor beautifully
Creating this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread brought back memories of summer picnics with my family, where we always savored every bite together.
FAQ
What makes this bread different from regular sourdough?
This bread incorporates cream cheese and fruit, enhancing texture and flavor.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with strawberries or even peaches for variety.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
Properly stored, it lasts about 3-4 days at room temperature without drying out.
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this delightful Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread, where zesty lemon and sweet blueberries unite to create a delectable treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup room temperature cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup filtered water
Instructions
- Feed your sourdough starter at least 8 hours before baking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- In another bowl, mix water, honey, lemon zest, and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add to the dry ingredients and mix until no flour remains.
- Carefully incorporate fresh blueberries into the dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours until nearly doubled.
- Turn out onto a floured surface, shape into a round loaf, and let rise in a proofing basket for another 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
