Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Cream Cheese Swirl
Highlighted under: Classic Bakery Favorites
Delight in the tangy and sweet combination of blueberries and lemon in this unique sourdough bread, swirled with creamy cheese for an indulgent twist.
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Cream Cheese Swirl is the perfect blend of flavors, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast or brunch table. The tangy sourdough base complements the sweetness of the blueberries, while the cream cheese swirl adds a luxurious touch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful balance of tart lemon and sweet blueberries
- Cream cheese swirl creates a rich and creamy texture
- Perfect for brunch or as a special treat any time of the day
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough combines the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of ripe blueberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. This delightful combination not only enhances the taste but also brings a burst of color to your loaf. The subtle acidity from the lemons complements the natural sweetness of the blueberries, resulting in a bread that's both refreshing and indulgent.
In addition to the fruits, the sourdough starter adds a unique tanginess, making this bread a standout option for any meal. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this sourdough bread is sure to impress. The zesty lemon notes elevate the experience, making it a perfect companion for a cup of tea or coffee.
A Creamy Indulgence
The cream cheese swirl in this recipe adds a rich, creamy texture that beautifully contrasts the lightness of the sourdough. Each slice reveals a luscious ribbon of cream cheese, creating a delightful surprise with every bite. The cream cheese mixture is subtly sweetened, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the natural fruitiness.
This creamy addition not only contributes to the taste but also improves the bread's moisture, ensuring that it stays soft and tender even after a few days. It's a perfect way to elevate traditional sourdough bread, making it feel indulgent and gourmet. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe is a must-try for any bread lover.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before beginning. This ensures that the dough rises properly and develops that characteristic sourdough flavor. Additionally, kneading is crucial; aim for a smooth and elastic dough that can hold its shape well. A well-kneaded dough will not only rise better but also create an appealing texture in the final loaf.
When it comes to adding blueberries, handle them gently to avoid crushing. Folding them into the dough with care will preserve their shape and prevent the color from bleeding too much into the bread. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating that it’s fully baked.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious sourdough bread:
For the Sourdough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start the process!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the active sourdough starter with warm water. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Add Blueberries
Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the risen dough. Be careful not to crush them.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, then roll it up tightly.
Final Rise
Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Cream Cheese Swirl!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is baked and cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider slicing the loaf and freezing it. You can easily reheat the slices in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious treat.
This bread is versatile in serving options. Enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or topped with a dollop of cream cheese for an extra special touch. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or yogurt, making it an ideal addition to your brunch table.
Nutritional Benefits
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough not only delights the palate but also offers nutritional benefits. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a powerful addition to your diet. They can help promote heart health and improve brain function, among other benefits.
Lemons, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin C and can aid in digestion. When incorporated into your sourdough bread, they add flavor while providing health benefits. Enjoying this bread as part of a balanced diet can be a delicious way to incorporate more nutrients into your meals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough to avoid excess moisture.
→ How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
→ Can I make this recipe with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser.
→ How should I store the bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Cream Cheese Swirl
Delight in the tangy and sweet combination of blueberries and lemon in this unique sourdough bread, swirled with creamy cheese for an indulgent twist.
Created by: Mario
Recipe Type: Classic Bakery Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Sourdough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix the active sourdough starter with warm water. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the risen dough. Be careful not to crush them.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, then roll it up tightly.
Place the rolled dough into 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 and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g