Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Custard Center
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Discover the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in this unique sourdough bread with a creamy custard center.
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Custard Center is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. The bright notes of lemon enhance the sweetness of the blueberries, while the custard center adds a luxurious creaminess.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, zesty lemon flavor combined with juicy blueberries
- A unique custard center that adds richness
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Custard Center is a true celebration of flavors. The bright, zesty notes of lemon beautifully complement the sweetness of ripe blueberries, creating a harmonious balance that invigorates the palate. Each bite offers a burst of freshness that is perfect for any occasion.
The incorporation of lemon zest not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as the bread bakes. This unique combination makes the bread ideal for breakfast or brunch, elevating your morning routine with a deliciously tangy twist.
Why Sourdough?
Sourdough bread is beloved for its distinctive taste and texture, thanks to the natural fermentation process. The long fermentation not only develops a rich, complex flavor but also improves the bread's digestibility, making it a healthier option compared to commercial breads.
Moreover, sourdough has a unique chewy crust and a soft, airy crumb, which perfectly complements the creamy custard center in this recipe. The contrast of textures—from the crusty exterior to the luscious custard—creates a memorable eating experience that will leave your guests impressed.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before you begin. This ensures that your dough will rise properly and develop a good structure. If you're unsure about your starter's readiness, a quick float test can help determine if it's ready to use.
When incorporating blueberries, try to gently fold them into the dough to prevent them from breaking apart and turning the dough purple. If fresh blueberries are out of season, feel free to use frozen ones; just remember to adjust the baking time slightly as they may add moisture to the dough.
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Bread
- 500g bread flour
- 350g water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 150g blueberries
For the Custard Center
- 2 large eggs
- 100g sugar
- 500ml milk
- 30g cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Bread Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the blueberries towards the end.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Custard
In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, cornstarch, vanilla, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Shape the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Add Custard
Make a well in the center of the dough and pour in the cooled custard mixture. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
For the best flavor, let the bread rest overnight before slicing.
Storing Your Bread
After baking, let your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough cool completely before storing. To keep it fresh, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or place it in a paper bag to allow airflow, which helps maintain its crusty exterior. If you prefer, you can also store the bread in an airtight container, but be aware that this may soften the crust over time.
For longer storage, consider freezing your sourdough bread. Slice it before freezing, so you can take out individual pieces as needed. To enjoy, simply toast the slices directly from the freezer, or let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Custard Center is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, for a delightful breakfast treat. You can also pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert option that will impress your family and friends.
For a delightful brunch experience, consider serving slices alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. The refreshing flavors of the bread will complement the fruits beautifully, making it a perfect addition to any spread.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough.
→ How do I store the sourdough bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe without sourdough starter?
You can use instant yeast instead, but the flavor will be different.
→ What can I do with leftover custard?
Leftover custard can be refrigerated and used as a filling for other desserts or enjoyed on its own.
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Custard Center
Discover the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in this unique sourdough bread with a creamy custard center.
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
- 350g water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 150g blueberries
For the Custard Center
- 2 large eggs
- 100g sugar
- 500ml milk
- 30g cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, water, sourdough starter, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the blueberries towards the end.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, cornstarch, vanilla, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Make a well in the center of the dough and pour in the cooled custard mixture. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 9g