Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread

Name: Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough starter; 1 cup warm water; 2 tbsp sugar; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup fresh blueberries; Zest of 1 lemon; 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

Published: March 13, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delicious Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is surprisingly easy to make at home with minimal ingredients
The vibrant colors from fresh blueberries and hints of lemon make it visually stunning and aromatic
Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that’s sure to impress everyone
It’s versatile enough for breakfast or as dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea

One time I baked this for my friend’s birthday brunch, and let’s just say the loaf didn’t last long! Everyone raved about it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Sourdough Starter: Using an active starter gives the bread its signature tangy flavor; feed it 4-6 hours before use.
All-Purpose Flour: Choose high-quality flour for optimal texture; it’s essential for developing gluten.
Fresh Blueberries: Use plump berries that are deep blue; they’re the stars of this recipe!
Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest brightens up the bread; avoid using dried options for maximum flavor.
Cream Cheese: Soften it first; it’ll create a luscious texture that elevates each slice.
Water: Use lukewarm water to activate the sourdough starter effectively.
Salt: Essential for flavor enhancement; don’t skimp on this ingredient.
Sugar: Just a bit helps to balance flavors while adding sweetness.

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

Let’s Make it together

Combine Your Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter with warm water and sugar until well mixed. The mixture should be bubbly and fragrant.

Add Flour and Salt: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until combined into a shaggy dough. It will look messy at first—that’s perfectly fine!

Knead with Care: Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can sing your favorite song during this step—trust me!

Incorporate Berries and Zest: Gently fold in fresh blueberries and lemon zest using a spatula or your hands. Be cautious not to crush those beautiful berries!

First Rise Time!: Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours until doubled in size—an excellent time for some self-care or binge-watching your favorite series.

Shape Your Loaf: Once risen, gently deflate the dough on a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf by tucking edges under—it doesn’t have to be perfect!

Final Proofing Process : Place the shaped loaf into a floured proofing basket or bowl lined with parchment paper. Cover again with plastic wrap or damp towel. Allow to proof for another 1-2 hours until puffy.

Bake Away! : Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for about 30 minutes. Carefully transfer dough into hot pot (don’t burn yourself!) and cover with lid; bake for 30 minutes then remove lid for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Let cool on wire rack before slicing into that heavenly goodness!

Now you’ve got yourself an incredible loaf of Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread! Enjoy every crumb as you revel in its delightful flavors—the perfect treat whether you’re enjoying breakfast alone or sharing with loved ones!

You Must Know

This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, with a creamy texture that makes every bite unforgettable
The vibrant colors and aromas will brighten up your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
Perfect for breakfast or as a snack

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your sourdough starter the night before. Mix the dough while waiting for it to rise, then add cream cheese and blueberries just before shaping. This sequence ensures flavors meld beautifully while maintaining your precious time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries if you prefer. Adding a hint of lemon zest will enhance the citrus flavor, while a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top brings out the sweetness beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it; simply toast slices straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the best texture, let your dough rest longer during fermentation; this builds flavor and structure
Make sure your blueberries are fresh and firm to avoid mushiness
Lastly, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent gumminess

My first attempt at making this bread left my kitchen smelling like a bakery! Friends devoured it within minutes, leaving me with empty plates and requests for more.

FAQ

How do I know when my sourdough is ready?

Look for your dough to double in size and have a bubbly surface after proofing. It should feel slightly elastic but not overly sticky.

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in your bread.

What other flavors can I add to my Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread?

You can experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even add chopped nuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card