Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Berry Jam
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Enjoy the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in this delicious sourdough bread, perfectly paired with a homemade berry jam.
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, ideal for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack. The addition of berry jam enhances its sweetness and adds a fruity punch!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor paired with juicy blueberries
- Crispy crust with a soft, airy interior
- Perfect for breakfast or a tasty afternoon treat
The Magic of Sourdough
Sourdough bread has a unique charm that sets it apart from other bread types. The natural fermentation process not only promotes a tangy flavor but also creates a delightful texture that is both chewy and airy. This recipe harnesses the power of a sourdough starter, allowing you to enjoy the rich, complex flavors that develop during fermentation. The addition of lemon and blueberries elevates this classic bread to new heights, making it a standout addition to your baking repertoire.
One of the most rewarding aspects of baking sourdough at home is the sense of accomplishment it brings. From nurturing your starter to witnessing the dough rise, every step is a labor of love. As you master the techniques of sourdough baking, you'll gain confidence and a deeper appreciation for this ancient craft. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home is an experience that can't be beaten!
Perfect Pairings
The bright, zesty notes of lemon paired with the sweetness of blueberries create a deliciously harmonious flavor profile in this sourdough. This bread is not only fantastic on its own but also pairs beautifully with various toppings. Spread a generous layer of homemade berry jam for a burst of fruity goodness or enjoy it with a smear of butter for a classic treat. For a more indulgent experience, try it toasted with cream cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. Serve it as a delightful breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or slice it for a satisfying afternoon snack. It also makes for an impressive addition to brunch gatherings, where guests will be eager to savor its unique flavors. The combination of textures and tastes will leave everyone reaching for seconds!
Tips for Success
Ingredients
For the Sourdough
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Berry Jam
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, sourdough starter, warm water, lemon zest, sugar, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Incorporate Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the risen dough. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a floured proofing basket. Let it rest for another hour.
Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Once hot, transfer the loaf into the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Make the Berry Jam
In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Slice the sourdough and spread with homemade berry jam for a delicious treat!
Storing Your Sourdough
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness of your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough. Once cooled, wrap the loaf in parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to allow it to breathe while preventing it from drying out. Alternatively, you can place it in a paper bag for short-term storage at room temperature. If you want to keep it for an extended period, consider slicing the bread and freezing individual pieces. This way, you can enjoy a slice of this delicious bread whenever the craving strikes.
When freezing sourdough, ensure that the slices are well-wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thawing is easy—simply leave a slice out at room temperature for a few hours, or toast it directly from the freezer for a quick and tasty treat. This method ensures that the flavors remain intact, allowing you to savor the delightful combination of lemon and blueberries even days later.
Customizing Your Bread
While this recipe features lemon and blueberries, feel free to experiment with different flavors. For a twist, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or try incorporating other fruits such as raspberries or blackberries. You can also adjust the level of sweetness by altering the amount of sugar in the recipe. This flexibility allows you to tailor the bread to your personal taste preferences and seasonal ingredients.
Herbs such as thyme or rosemary can also bring a unique flavor dimension to your sourdough. Just a hint of fresh herbs can complement the sweetness of the berries beautifully, creating a more complex and aromatic bread. Don’t hesitate to get creative; baking is about exploration and enjoyment! Your variations might inspire others to try new combinations as well.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used, but do not thaw them before adding to the dough.
→ How do I store the sourdough?
Store the sourdough in a bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
→ Can I make this recipe without a sourdough starter?
If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use commercial yeast, but the flavor will differ.
→ What can I substitute for sugar?
Honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes for sugar in both the bread and the jam.
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Berry Jam
Enjoy the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in this delicious sourdough bread, perfectly paired with a homemade berry jam.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Sourdough
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Berry Jam
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, sourdough starter, warm water, lemon zest, sugar, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the risen dough. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a floured proofing basket. Let it rest for another hour.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Once hot, transfer the loaf into the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 68g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 9g