Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Sliced

Name: Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Sliced
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups bread flour; 1 cup sourdough starter; 1 cup warm water; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Home-Style Sweets

I absolutely love how the combination of blueberries and lemon zest transforms a simple sourdough bread into something extraordinary. The tangy burst of the blueberries pairs beautifully with the zesty notes of lemon, creating a flavor profile that's both refreshing and indulgent. Each slice is like a little piece of sunshine, perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack. Baking this masterpiece fills my kitchen with a delightful aroma that’s simply irresistible, making it a wonderful treat to share with family and friends.

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:07:23.542Z

Baking this Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread was a delightful adventure I eagerly embarked on last weekend. I decided to incorporate fresh blueberries, which not only add a vibrant color but also a natural sweetness that complements the tangy flavor of sourdough. The key here is allowing the dough to rise sufficiently; this ensures that the bread is airy and moist, making each bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

I found that adding lemon zest was a game changer; it not only brightens up the taste but also enhances the whole sourdough experience. The fragrance that filled my kitchen while baking was heavenly! It's nice to watch the blueberries burst during the baking process, creating little pockets of juiciness throughout the loaf. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet blueberries and tangy lemon.
Soft, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
A beautiful artisanal loaf to impress family and friends.

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of bread flour is key to achieving that perfect, airy texture in your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread. Bread flour has a higher protein content compared to all-purpose flour, which helps create a strong gluten structure necessary for the bread to rise effectively. This results in a delightful chewy crumb that's perfect for holding the fresh blueberries and the refreshing zest of lemon without becoming dense.

Sourdough starter is the heart of this recipe, contributing not only to the bread's leavening but also to its unique flavor profile. Make sure your starter is active and bubbly—this usually means it has been fed within the last 4 to 12 hours. If it's been stored in the fridge for a while, consider giving it a feeding and letting it sit at room temperature for a few hours before using it in this recipe.

Technique Tips for Success

When it comes to folding in the blueberries and lemon zest, be gentle! Use a spatula to carefully incorporate ingredients without smashing the berries, as this will help maintain their structure and provide delightful bursts of flavor in each slice. If you notice some berries breaking during mixing, it's best to use fewer berries or freeze them beforehand; frozen blueberries are less likely to squish than fresh ones.

Pay attention to the rising times; while 30 minutes is a good guideline, it may vary based on your kitchen temperature and humidity. Look for the dough to double in size and have a slightly domed surface. If your dough has not risen adequately during these periods, it may indicate that your starter was not active enough or that the environment was too cool—the dough should be kept in a warm, draft-free place to ensure optimal fermentation.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread

2 cups bread flour
1 cup sourdough starter
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon olive oil

Gather all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Incorporate Blueberries and Lemon Zest

Gently fold in the lemon zest and fresh blueberries, making sure not to crush the berries.

First Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Shape the Loaf

Once risen, gently transfer the dough to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased bread pan.

Second Rise

Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat Oven and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread sliced.

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, you can use a higher hydration dough and let the bread rise longer. This bread tastes great fresh but can also be toasted for breakfast!

Storage Tips

To keep your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread fresh, store it in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. This method allows it to breathe, preventing mushiness. If you want to retain its delightful texture for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw slices as needed at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer.

If you notice your bread starting to dry out, you can also refresh it by lightly spritzing the crust with water and placing it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will help revive the crust while keeping the inside soft and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread is incredibly versatile. It’s excellent as a standalone snack, but consider a smear of cream cheese or butter for extra indulgence. Try pairing it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of lemon curd for a sweet and tart complement that enhances the flavors of the bread.

For a delightful breakfast option, toast slices and top them with fresh fruit or yogurt. It also makes a lovely base for French toast, where the lemon and blueberry flavors can shine through with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla in the egg wash.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to add them directly to the dough without thawing to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

→ What if my dough doesn't rise?

Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If the dough isn't rising, it might need more time or warmth.

→ Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or seeds can add great texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the blueberries.