Description
This Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is a delightful homemade loaf combining the tangy flavor of sourdough with fresh blueberries, zesty lemon, and a creamy lemon-infused cream cheese swirl. Perfectly soft with a golden crust, this bread balances sweet and tart for a delicious treat ideal for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, milk, sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead and First Rise: Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest together until smooth. Set aside.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Carefully fold in the blueberries, ensuring they remain mostly intact.
- Shape and Add Swirl: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture over the top in a swirl pattern.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until it puffs up noticeably.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your flavorful Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread.
Notes
- Use active sourdough starter that has been fed within 4-12 hours for best rising results.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; if frozen, do not thaw before folding into dough to avoid color bleed.
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to create a smooth swirl.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing helps maintain its structure and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
