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.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-26T00:42:28.540Z

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.

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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.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time3 hours

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

For the Sourdough Bread

  1. 500g bread flour
  2. 300g water
  3. 100g sourdough starter
  4. 10g salt
  5. 150g fresh blueberries
  6. Zest of 1 lemon

For the Lemon Zest Crumb Topping

  1. 50g all-purpose flour
  2. 30g unsalted butter, softened
  3. 30g sugar
  4. Zest of 1 lemon
  5. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, and salt. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 02

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 03

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 04

Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.

Step 06

Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it proof for another 30 minutes.

Step 07

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the last 15 minutes of proofing.

Step 08

Sprinkle the crumb topping over the loaf and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 09

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