Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe
A delightful blend of blueberries and lemon infused in a creamy sourdough bread, this recipe combines traditional sourdough techniques with a rich cream cheese filling for a unique twist. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, this loaf boasts a tangy, airy texture with bursts of fresh fruit and luscious cream cheese.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (90°F to 100°F)
- 1/4 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (for lemon honey wash)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for lemon honey wash)
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm water, active sourdough starter, and sugar until smooth to activate fermentation and create the bread base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add bread flour, salt, melted butter, egg, grated lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, slightly messy but well combined.
- Knead the Dough: Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a stand mixer on medium speed for 6–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 4 to 5 hours until doubled in size.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and luscious.
- Prepare the Dough for Filling: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Assemble the Loaf: Spread half of the cream cheese filling over one rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border to prevent overflow. Sprinkle fresh blueberries evenly on top, then cover with the second dough rectangle, pressing edges to seal well.
- Let it Rest: Place the assembled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rest for 30–45 minutes to enhance texture and fluffiness.
- Prep for Baking: Whisk lemon juice and honey together to create a lemon honey wash, and brush it evenly over the top of the loaf for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf on the baking sheet for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the aroma is irresistible.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the bread structure to set and avoid messiness.
Notes
- For a sweeter loaf, increase the sugar in the dough as desired.
- Frozen blueberries are fine to use; do not thaw them before adding to prevent excess moisture.
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise and flavor.
- Allow the cream cheese filling to come to room temperature for easier spreading if it is too thick.
- Brush the loaf with melted butter after baking for a softer crust and richer flavor.
- Experiment with different fruits like raspberries or blackberries for variations.
- Resting the dough after assembling is crucial to obtain a light and airy texture.
Keywords: Blueberry bread, Lemon bread, Sourdough bread, Cream cheese filling, Blueberry lemon sourdough, Breakfast bread, Brunch bread