Description
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is a beautifully tangy and fruity loaf that combines the natural sourness of a classic sourdough with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon for a refreshing twist. The bread is enriched with butter and honey, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors alongside a tender crumb studded with juicy blueberries, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 50g active sourdough starter
- 350g water
- 500g bread flour
- 11g salt
- 150g fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
Butter Mixture
- 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, mashed (75g)
- 2 tablespoons honey (45g)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, water, and bread flour thoroughly until a sticky dough forms. Add the salt and mix well to incorporate. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest to distribute evenly without breaking the blueberries too much.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 8 to 12 hours, or until the dough has increased in size by at least 50%, looks light, and jiggles when shaken.
- Check Dough Readiness: The dough should easily pull away from the bowl sides, have visible bubbles on and inside, and pass the windowpane test without tearing, indicating good gluten development.
- Incorporate Butter Mix: In a separate small bowl, combine the room temperature butter, mashed blueberries, honey, and a pinch of salt. Once the dough has properly fermented, fold this mixture gently into the dough, being careful not to deflate the air bubbles.
- Final Proof: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased or parchment-lined bread pan. Allow it to proof for another 2 to 3 hours until it has puffed noticeably but not doubled.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf in the oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling period helps set the crumb and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe blueberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen blueberries may release excess moisture.
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for optimal rise and flavor development.
- Gently fold in the blueberries and butter mixture to maintain dough aeration and avoid crushing the berries.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and best texture.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or honey butter for breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American