Description

This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough combines the tang of sourdough with the sweetness of blueberries, creamy pockets of cheese, and a sticky lemon honey glaze. It’s an artisan bread perfect for any occasion. With simple steps and patience, you’ll create a loaf that’s airy, flavorful, and visually stunning. Whether for brunch, tea, or a sweet snack, this sourdough bread will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1/2 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 1/2–4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt

Filling:

1–1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed blueberries
4 ounces softened cream cheese (added incrementally during folds)

Lemon Honey Wash:

1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Mix the Dough: Combine sourdough starter, water, and lemon juice in a bowl. Gradually add flour and salt. Knead until soft and slightly sticky.
Rest: Let the dough rest for 1 hour, covered, for hydration and gluten development.
Stretch and Fold: Perform 4 stretch-and-fold rounds every 30 minutes. Add blueberries during rounds 1 and 2, and cream cheese during rounds 3 and 4.
First Rise: After the final fold, let the dough rise on the counter until doubled in size.
Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Shape into a boule or batard, adding a few more blueberries. Place in a floured proofing basket seam-side up.
Cold Fermentation: Cover and refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
Bake: Score the dough and bake in the Dutch oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Apply Lemon Honey Wash: Mix lemon juice and honey, then brush over the warm crust. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Blueberries: Thawed frozen blueberries work well but pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Starter Readiness: Ensure your starter is bubbly and active before using.
Crust Texture: The lemon honey wash will make the crust slightly sticky, adding a sweet-tangy flavor.

Prep Time: 420
Cook Time: 45