Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Lemon Zest Crumb
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the tangy sweetness of Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with a zesty crumb topping that elevates this classic bread to new heights.
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is a delightful blend of flavors, combining the tartness of blueberries with the refreshing zest of lemon. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor
- A hint of lemon zest adds brightness
- Perfectly moist with a delightful crumb topping
The Harmony of Flavors
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is a delightful combination that brings together the sweetness of fresh blueberries and the bright zing of lemon. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The tang of sourdough complements the sweetness of the berries, while the lemon zest adds an aromatic freshness that elevates the overall taste experience.
This bread is not just about flavor; it's also about texture. The sourdough base provides a chewy, crusty exterior, while the inside remains moist and soft. The juicy blueberries create pockets of sweetness, and the crumb topping adds a delightful crunch, transforming each slice into a satisfying treat. It's a balance of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet morning at home, or looking for a unique gift for a friend, this Blueberry Lemon Sourdough fits the bill. Its vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it an appealing centerpiece on any table. Pair it with butter, cream cheese, or simply enjoy it plain to appreciate its full flavor.
This recipe is also versatile. You can experiment with different fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, to create variations of this delicious bread. It’s a fun way to adapt the recipe to the seasons, taking advantage of fresh, local produce while adding your own twist.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough, pay close attention to your sourdough starter. Ensure it is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe. This will help create a well-risen loaf with a lovely tang. If you’re new to sourdough baking, take some time to familiarize yourself with the fermentation process, as it plays a crucial role in developing flavor and texture.
Additionally, when incorporating blueberries, be gentle to avoid crushing them. This helps maintain the integrity of the fruit, ensuring you get delightful bursts of blueberry flavor in each slice. Remember, the key to great sourdough is patience, so don’t rush the fermentation and proofing times for optimal results.
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Bread
- 500g bread flour
- 300g water
- 100g sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- 150g fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Zest Crumb Topping
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 30g unsalted butter, softened
- 30g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, and salt. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Add Blueberries and Lemon Zest
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bulk Fermentation
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.
Final Proofing
Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it proof for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the last 15 minutes of proofing.
Bake the Bread
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the loaf and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!
Storing Your Sourdough
To keep your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and make the crust soft. If you want to keep the bread longer, consider freezing it. Slice the loaf before freezing to make it easy to enjoy later. Simply wrap the slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bread, toast the slices directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature. The flavors will remain intact, and you’ll have the same delightful taste and texture as when it was freshly baked.
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough pairs wonderfully with various spreads. For a classic touch, slather on some whipped cream cheese or lemon-infused butter. You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
For a festive touch, consider drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the top. Just mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and zesty flavor that complements the blueberries beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but do not thaw them before adding to the dough to avoid excess moisture.
→ How long does the bread last?
The bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
→ Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor.
→ What can I serve with this bread?
This bread is delicious on its own or served with butter, cream cheese, or as a base for French toast.
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Lemon Zest Crumb
Delight in the tangy sweetness of Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with a zesty crumb topping that elevates this classic bread to new heights.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Sourdough Bread
- 500g bread flour
- 300g water
- 100g sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- 150g fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Zest Crumb Topping
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 30g unsalted butter, softened
- 30g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, and salt. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.
Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it proof for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the last 15 minutes of proofing.
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the loaf and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 8g