Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Recipe
Highlighted under: SugarAlchemy Kitchen
This delightful Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread combines the tanginess of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, creating a perfect springtime treat.
This Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread is inspired by the vibrant flavors of the season. The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon brightens up the classic sourdough bread, making it a delightful addition to any spring breakfast or brunch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor and zesty lemon notes
- Tender crumb with a beautiful crust
- Perfect for toasting or enjoying with butter
The Perfect Springtime Delight
As spring unfolds, nature offers a bounty of fresh fruits and vibrant flavors, making it an ideal time to experiment in the kitchen. This Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread encapsulates the essence of the season, combining tart lemons and sweet blueberries into a delightful loaf. The bright and zesty notes evoke memories of sunny days and blooming flowers, allowing you to savor the taste of spring with every slice.
The balance between the tangy lemon and the sweet blueberries creates a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to everyone. Whether you're preparing a special brunch or simply looking for a tasty snack, this bread is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Its beautiful crust and tender crumb make it an enticing centerpiece for your springtable.
The Art of Sourdough Baking
Baking sourdough bread is both an art and a science, requiring patience and a little practice. The active sourdough starter is the heart of this recipe, providing natural leavening that results in a unique flavor and texture. While some may feel intimidated by the process, this recipe guides you through each step, making it approachable even for novice bakers.
Kneading the dough and allowing it to rise properly are crucial steps that contribute to the final product. The dough's texture, enriched by the blueberries and lemon zest, transforms as it rises, resulting in a loaf with a delightful crumb and a beautiful crust. With just a little time and effort, you can achieve a bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread has cooled, the possibilities for serving it are endless. Enjoy it warm, sliced and spread with a generous pat of butter for a simple yet delicious treat. Alternatively, toast the bread for an added crunch, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Consider pairing the bread with a fresh fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a more indulgent experience. This bread also makes a delightful base for French toast, allowing you to elevate your brunch game. No matter how you choose to serve it, this bread is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious sourdough bread:
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350g active sourdough starter
- 300ml warm water
- 100g fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 30g sugar
- 10g salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
Make sure to use fresh blueberries for the best flavor!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread:
Mixing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the blueberries gently during the last few minutes of kneading.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and cover it again with a damp cloth.
Second Rise
Let the loaf rise for another hour, or until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the bread for 30-45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread!
Storage Tips
To keep your Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy a slice of spring even in the colder months!
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in a toaster for a quick warm-up. This method retains the bread's delicious flavor and texture, ensuring that each bite is just as delightful as the day it was baked.
Tips for Success
Using fresh, ripe blueberries is key to maximizing flavor in this recipe. Look for berries that are plump and firm, as they will provide the best burst of sweetness in each slice. Additionally, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for optimal rise and texture.
If you're new to sourdough baking, consider keeping a baking journal to track your process, noting any adjustments you make. This can help you refine your skills and understand how different factors, like temperature and humidity, affect your bread.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough to avoid excess moisture.
→ How do I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
You can, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour provides a better structure.
→ What can I serve this bread with?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with butter, cream cheese, or jam.
Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Recipe
This delightful Spring Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread combines the tanginess of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, creating a perfect springtime treat.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: SugarAlchemy Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350g active sourdough starter
- 300ml warm water
- 100g fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 30g sugar
- 10g salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the blueberries gently during the last few minutes of kneading.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and cover it again with a damp cloth.
Let the loaf rise for another hour, or until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the bread for 30-45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 9g