Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Orange Zest
Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery
This delightful Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Orange Zest combines the tangy flavors of citrus with the sweetness of blueberries, resulting in a refreshing and aromatic bread that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
This recipe is inspired by the classic sourdough bread, elevated with the addition of blueberries, lemon, and orange zest. The combination of flavors creates a unique loaf that is both refreshing and comforting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
- The aroma of citrus will fill your kitchen
- Great for toasting and serving with butter or cream cheese
The Perfect Breakfast Treat
Start your day on a delightful note with this Blueberry Lemon Sourdough. The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty citrus creates a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted, or slathered with butter, this bread makes for a perfect breakfast companion. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning experience.
What sets this recipe apart is its ability to elevate your breakfast routine. The natural sweetness of the blueberries complements the tangy notes of lemon and orange, making every bite a burst of flavor. This bread isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a little sunshine to your mornings.
Ideal for Any Occasion
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is not just for breakfast; it’s also a fantastic choice for brunch gatherings, afternoon teas, or as a delightful snack. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful appearance make it an impressive addition to any table. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite among guests.
For those who love to entertain, this bread pairs wonderfully with various toppings. Consider offering cream cheese, whipped butter, or even a homemade lemon curd to elevate the experience further. This versatility ensures that it can cater to both sweet and savory palates, making it a beloved choice for any occasion.
Baking Tips for Success
When baking this delicious sourdough, ensure that your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. This is crucial for achieving that perfect rise and texture. If you’re unsure about the readiness of your starter, a simple test is to drop a spoonful into a glass of water; if it floats, it’s ready to use!
Be gentle when folding in the blueberries to maintain their shape and prevent excessive juice from leaking into the dough. This will help ensure that each slice retains its beautiful, fruity character. Lastly, don’t rush the rising times; allowing the dough to rise adequately will enhance its flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough:
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml water
- 100g sourdough starter
- 100g blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 10g salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough:
Mixing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, and sugar. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Adding Salt and Zests
Add the salt, lemon zest, and orange zest to the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Incorporating Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
First Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 3-4 hours at room temperature, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Loaf
Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket.
Second Rise
Cover and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) about 30 minutes before baking.
Baking the Bread
Carefully turn the loaf onto a baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cooling
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked Blueberry Lemon Sourdough!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough has cooled, slice it into thick, hearty pieces. It’s equally delicious served plain or toasted. For a special treat, try adding a smear of cream cheese and a drizzle of honey on top. The creaminess of the cheese beautifully complements the tangy citrus and sweet blueberries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
For a more indulgent option, serve it with a side of homemade lemon curd or blueberry jam. This will enhance the natural flavors of the bread and provide a delightful contrast in textures. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a midday snack, these serving suggestions will leave everyone craving more.
Storage and Freshness
To keep your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between slices to make it easy to thaw just what you need. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting bread anytime!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen slices, simply toast them directly from the freezer. This method preserves the bread’s texture and flavor, so you can savor that delightful blueberry and citrus combination again. Remember, enjoying homemade bread at its freshest elevates the experience!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, just add them directly into the dough without thawing.
→ How do I store the bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
→ What can I serve with this bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even a light spread of jam.
→ Can I make this with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Orange Zest
This delightful Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Orange Zest combines the tangy flavors of citrus with the sweetness of blueberries, resulting in a refreshing and aromatic bread that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Sweet Cravings Bakery
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml water
- 100g sourdough starter
- 100g blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 10g salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, and sugar. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Add the salt, lemon zest, and orange zest to the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 3-4 hours at room temperature, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket.
Cover and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) about 30 minutes before baking.
Carefully turn the loaf onto a baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 9g