How to Make Blueberry Lemon-Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the sourdough starter, water, and honey/sugar until dissolved. Add the flour, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Stretch and Fold
Over the next 2 hours, perform 3–4 stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes to build gluten. The dough should become smoother and more elastic.
3. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is resting, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla (if using) until smooth. Keep chilled.
4. Laminate and Add Filling
On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch the dough into a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture in the center and scatter the blueberries evenly over it. Fold the dough like an envelope (lamination style), being careful not to press too hard and burst the berries.
5. Shape and Final Proof
Shape the dough into a round or batard. Place into a floured proofing basket or bowl, seam side up. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 3–4 hours, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Gently turn the dough onto parchment paper, score the top, and carefully transfer to the hot Dutch oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Let it cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
Tips for Success
Don’t overfill – It’s tempting, but too much cream cheese or fruit can cause the dough to tear or bake unevenly.
Use cold berries to help reduce juice runoff in the dough.
Lemon glaze drizzle after baking makes it even more irresistible—mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over a cooled loaf.
How to Serve
This bread is delightful on its own, but also shines in creative ways:
Toasted with butter or cream cheese
French toast with maple syrup
Sweet grilled cheese with brie or mascarpone
A stunning brunch centerpiece
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Lemon-Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is more than just a treat—it's an experience. Combining the artisan feel of homemade sourdough with the vibrant flavors of a fruit-filled pastry, it’s both satisfying and surprisingly elegant. Bake it once, and you’ll be dreaming of your next loaf before the last slice disappears.
