WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
• Fresh blueberries add a sweet burst.
• Cream cheese gives a rich, creamy texture.
• Perfect for breakfast or snack time.
QUICK OVERVIEW
• Prep time: 40 minutes
• Cook time: 40–45 minutes
• Total time: 10–12 hours (including fermentation)
• Yield/servings: 1 loaf
• Difficulty: Medium
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
• 3 ½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups water (room temperature)
• 1 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• ½ cup cream cheese (chopped into small chunks or dollops)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for subtle sweetness)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix the sourdough starter, water, and flour in a large bowl.
- Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes.
- Add salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough bulk ferment for 4 to 5 hours at room temperature.
- Perform stretch-and-fold techniques every 30 minutes.
- After the final fold, gently add the blueberries and cream cheese.
- Shape the dough into a round boule and place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for 8 to 12 hours.
- Preheat your Dutch oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Turn the dough onto parchment paper and score the top.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
SERVING IDEAS
• Enjoy with butter for a rich taste.
• Top with cream cheese for extra flavor.
• Serve with fresh fruit on the side.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a snack.
HOW TO STORE
• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat/serve: Toast slices for best texture.
TROUBLESHOOTING
• Dough is too wet: Add more flour gradually.
• Bread is dense: Ensure complete fermentation time.
• Crust is too tough: Lower oven temperature next time.
• Bread doesn’t rise: Check starter activity.
• Berries sink: Use frozen berries or coat them in flour.
FAQ
• Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, whole wheat flour works too.
• Q: How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?
A: It should double in size within a few hours.
• Q: Can I skip the overnight step?
A: It improves flavor but can be skipped if needed.
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread
- Total Time: 720 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious homemade sourdough bread bursting with blueberries and enriched with creamy lemon-flavored cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 3 ½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups water (room temperature)
- 1 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup cream cheese (chopped into small chunks or dollops)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for subtle sweetness)
Instructions
- Mix the sourdough starter, water, and flour in a large bowl.
- Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes.
- Add salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough bulk ferment for 4 to 5 hours at room temperature.
- Perform stretch-and-fold techniques every 30 minutes.
- After the final fold, gently add the blueberries and cream cheese.
- Shape the dough into a round boule and place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for 8 to 12 hours.
- Preheat your Dutch oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Turn the dough onto parchment paper and score the top.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Serve with butter, cream cheese, or fresh fruit. Best when toasted.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg