Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Cream Cheese
Highlighted under: FreshGlow Recipes
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and fresh blueberries in this soft and fluffy sourdough bread, topped with a luscious cream cheese spread.
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Cream Cheese is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal breakfast or snack option. The addition of blueberries not only adds a burst of flavor but also a beautiful color to the bread.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor combined with juicy blueberries
- Soft, airy texture that makes it a joy to eat
- Delicious cream cheese spread that complements the bread perfectly
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough is a delightful blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The bright, zesty notes of lemon perfectly complement the sweetness of fresh blueberries, creating an irresistible combination that elevates traditional sourdough bread. Each bite offers a burst of fruity goodness, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Lemon is not only refreshing but also adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall experience of the bread. The acidity from the lemon helps balance out the sweetness of the blueberries, ensuring that neither flavor overwhelms the other. This harmony makes the loaf versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or with various toppings.
A Joy to Bake
Baking sourdough can seem intimidating, but this recipe is approachable for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The process involves simple ingredients and techniques that yield impressive results. The active sourdough starter contributes to the bread's unique texture and flavor, while the kneading and fermentation steps provide an engaging baking experience.
As the dough rises, you can revel in the anticipation of the delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen. Watching the dough double in size is not only satisfying but also a testament to the effectiveness of your sourdough starter. With a little patience and care, you'll create a loaf that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Versatile Serving Options
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. While it's delicious on its own, spreading the creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture takes it to a whole new level. The combination of flavors creates a decadent treat that can brighten any morning or afternoon gathering.
Beyond simply enjoying it with cream cheese, you can also use this bread as a base for French toast, sandwiches, or even as a side to your favorite soups. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen while enjoying the delightful flavors of lemon and blueberry.
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Cream Cheese Spread
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Mix well and enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Sourdough!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, active sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and lemon zest until a shaggy dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Knead and Ferment
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Add Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the dough. Be careful not to crush them.
Shape and Second Rise
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.
Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Serve
Spread the cream cheese mixture on slices of the sourdough bread and enjoy!
Enjoy your homemade Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with a delightful cream cheese spread!
Storage Tips
To keep your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing the loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the loaf at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer. This way, you can savor the delightful flavors of lemon and blueberry whenever the craving strikes.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your flavor preferences. For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a touch of lemon extract. If you're a fan of other fruits, consider folding in raspberries or chopped strawberries for a different take on this delightful bread.
Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor profile of the bread. Experimenting with different additions can make each loaf unique and tailored to your taste, ensuring that you never get bored with this delicious recipe.
Health Benefits
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough not only tastes great but also offers some health benefits. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They can help support heart health and improve cognitive function, among other benefits.
Additionally, sourdough bread is often easier to digest than traditional bread due to its fermentation process, which breaks down gluten and phytic acid. This can make it a suitable option for those with mild gluten sensitivities, allowing more people to enjoy this delicious loaf.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but they may release more moisture into the dough.
→ How do I store the sourdough bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
→ Can I make this recipe without a sourdough starter?
This recipe is designed for sourdough; however, you can substitute with commercial yeast if desired.
→ What can I serve with this bread?
This bread pairs well with butter, additional cream cheese, or even a fruit preserve.
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Cream Cheese
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and fresh blueberries in this soft and fluffy sourdough bread, topped with a luscious cream cheese spread.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: FreshGlow Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Sourdough Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Cream Cheese Spread
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, active sourdough starter, warm water, salt, and lemon zest until a shaggy dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the dough. Be careful not to crush them.
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture on slices of the sourdough bread and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 7g