Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread

There’s something incredibly special about homemade bread, and this Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread takes it to a whole new level. Imagine soft, tangy sourdough combined with the sweet burst of juicy blueberries and a hint of zesty lemon. But wait—add cream cheese to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect balance of rich, creamy goodness and light, fluffy bread. Trust me, this bread will become your new favorite way to embrace both fruit and sourdough. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet side to a cozy meal, every bite feels like a treat.

Why You’ll Love Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread

This bread is a showstopper—trust me, it will impress. Here’s why it’s worth the extra effort:

Fluffy Yet Tangy: The sourdough brings that perfect, subtle tang, while the cream cheese adds richness and softness, making this bread perfectly fluffy and satisfying.

Bursting with Flavor: The juicy blueberries and zesty lemon infuse each slice with vibrant, fresh flavors. It’s like a beautiful balance of sweet and tart with every bite.

Unique Twist on Traditional Sourdough: If you’re a sourdough lover, this recipe is a delicious upgrade. The blueberries and cream cheese take a classic loaf to the next level, and the lemon brightens everything up.

Perfect for Any Occasion: This bread is versatile enough to enjoy on its own, with a dollop of butter, or even as a base for a unique breakfast toast with jam or whipped cream.

Comforting Yet Elegant: It’s the kind of bread that’s comforting enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee, but also fancy enough to serve at a brunch gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.

Ingredients in Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread

This recipe combines pantry staples with a few special ingredients to create a bread that’s perfectly balanced and full of flavor. The key players here are the tangy sourdough, the creamy cream cheese, the burst of blueberries, and the zesty lemon.

For the Dough:

• Sourdough Starter: This is the heart of the bread, providing the tangy flavor and helping the dough rise naturally.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and fluffiness.
• Water: To hydrate the flour and activate the sourdough starter.
• Salt: To enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness of the fruit.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the tang and help with the rise.
• Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the dough, making it extra soft and slightly indulgent.
• Olive Oil: For added moisture and a slightly buttery finish.

For the Blueberry Lemon Filling:

• Fresh Blueberries: These will burst with sweet juiciness, making every bite exciting. Frozen blueberries can work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
• Lemon Zest: The zest adds a fresh, bright lemon flavor that pairs wonderfully with both the cream cheese and blueberries.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice gives the filling a nice zing that elevates the whole loaf.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and prevent it from getting too runny.
• Sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the blueberries and enhance their natural flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get baking? Here’s how to make this deliciously unique Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread:

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter, flour, water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir everything together until you get a shaggy dough. Then add in the cream cheese, breaking it up into small pieces, and knead it into the dough until it’s well incorporated and the dough is soft and smooth. You’ll want to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s elastic and slightly tacky.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This step allows the dough to relax and begin to rise.

Bulk Fermentation

After the dough has rested, perform a few sets of stretch and folds (about 3-4 times) over the course of 2-3 hours to develop the dough’s structure. To do this, gently pull a portion of the dough from the edge and fold it back over the center. Turn the bowl and repeat this process every 30 minutes. This helps strengthen the dough.

Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Filling

While the dough is fermenting, make the filling. In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries start to break down and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.

Shape the Dough

Once the dough has finished fermenting, gently turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 12×9 inches. Spread the cooled blueberry lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border along the edges. Carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, folding in the ends as you go to seal in the filling.

Final Rise

Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has puffed up and is nearly doubled in size.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure the oven is fully heated before baking.

Bake the Bread

Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s done!

Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it once it has cooled down enough to handle. Trust me, it’s hard to resist, but waiting will make for better slices!

Optional Glaze

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little lemon glaze over the top. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice until it reaches a pourable consistency, then drizzle over the cooled bread.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10-12
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 3-4 hours (including fermentation time)

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread

This bread is delicious in so many ways:

• With Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice for a simple yet perfect snack.
• As Toast: Toasted with a dollop of jam or whipped cream cheese is a great breakfast option.
• With Tea or Coffee: A warm slice of this bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing complement to the rich bread.

Additional Tips

• Sourdough Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the dough. Feed it a few hours before you start so it’s ready to go.
• Fruit Variations: If blueberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with blackberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a different twist.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When incorporating the cream cheese into the dough, be careful not to overwork it. You want it to stay light and airy, not dense.
• Filling Tips: Make sure the blueberry mixture has cooled down before spreading it onto the dough. If it’s too warm, it could make the dough soggy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but fresh blueberries will give the best texture and flavor. Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen berries before using.

Q2: How do I store this bread?
A2: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, freeze it for up to 1 month.

Q3: Can I make this bread without a sourdough starter?
A3: While a sourdough starter is key for the flavor, you can try using instant yeast if you don’t have one. However, the tanginess from the sourdough starter is what makes this bread so special!

Q4: Can I add other fruits to the filling?
A4: Absolutely! You can experiment with other berries, like strawberries or raspberries, or even stone fruits like peaches or cherries. Just adjust the sugar if needed.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! If you need to make more bread, simply double the ingredients and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is the kind of bread that fills your home with irresistible aromas and makes every slice feel like a little piece of heaven. With a tangy-sweet combination of flavors, creamy texture, and the perfect

crumb, it’s a bread that will impress anyone who takes a bite. It’s perfect for special occasions, but so delicious you’ll want to make it a regular in your baking rotation. Enjoy the burst of flavor with each slice, and savor every moment!

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