Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Loaf

Name: Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sourdough starter, active; 1/2 cup water, lukewarm; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Golden Oven Sweets

I love making this Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Loaf because it combines the tangy goodness of sourdough with the brightness of blueberries and lemon. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible! Each slice is a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. I find that using fresh blueberries enhances the bread's texture and taste, while the hint of lemon zest brightens the overall experience.

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:22:12.749Z

Experimenting with various ingredients in sourdough has been such a rewarding journey for me. This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Loaf is a favorite! It took a few trials to get the balance just right, especially with the lemon zest, but it truly elevates the flavor profile. I found that adding the blueberries during the last few minutes of mixing prevents them from breaking down too much.

I also discovered that baking at a high temperature initially helps achieve that perfect crust. The result? A beautifully golden loaf that is not only pleasing to the eye but also tastes heavenly. Trust me, you won’t want to share this one!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicious combination of tart blueberries and zesty lemon
Soft, fluffy texture with a crunchy crust
Versatile loaf perfect for breakfast or dessert

      

The Role of Blueberries and Lemon

The combination of blueberries and lemon zest in this loaf not only provides a burst of flavor but also contributes to the bread's moisture. Blueberries help keep the crumb soft, while the acidity from the lemon enhances the sourdough's tang. Using fresh blueberries will yield the best results, as they are juicier than frozen ones. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with dried blueberries; however, remember they will absorb moisture and slightly alter the texture of the bread.

Lemon zest plays a crucial role in brightening the overall flavor profile. Beyond enhancing the taste, it pairs beautifully with the natural tartness of the blueberries, creating a balanced loaf. Don’t skip this ingredient! Grating the zest finely allows the essential oils to infuse throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Kneading Technique Tips

Kneading your dough properly is essential for developing gluten, which creates the structure needed for a good rise. Aim for a smooth, elastic texture during the kneading process, which should take about 10 minutes. If you find the dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little additional flour as you knead. However, avoid adding too much flour; a slightly tacky dough is preferable for the best texture.

When incorporating the blueberries, gently fold them into the dough rather than kneading briskly. This prevents the berries from breaking apart and releasing too much juice, which can make the bread soggy. Use your palms to delicately push the dough around the blueberries, ensuring even distribution without compromising their shape.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To store your blueberry lemon sourdough bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the bread fresh for a couple of days. For longer storage, consider slicing the loaf and freezing it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag. They can be enjoyed later by toasting straight from the freezer, creating an easy snack or breakfast.

This bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience further by serving it with a smear of cream cheese or butter for a rich, smooth complement. Alternatively, pairing it with a fruit compote adds an exciting twist. Whether for breakfast or dessert, this loaf promises to be a delightful addition to your table.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread Loaf:

Bread Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sourdough starter, active
1/2 cup water, lukewarm
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure to use fresh blueberries for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your delicious loaf:

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sourdough starter, lukewarm water, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until fully incorporated.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add in the blueberries gently to avoid breaking them.

First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

Shape the Loaf

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the loaf rise again for 20 minutes.

Bake the Loaf

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the loaf for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve with butter or enjoy it plain!

Pro Tips

For best flavor, use organic lemons and seasonal blueberries. You can also experiment by adding nuts or other fruits to the mix!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bread doesn't rise adequately, check the activity of your sourdough starter. An inactive starter can rarely provide the necessary leavening. It should be bubbly and double in size within a few hours of feeding. If your starter is sluggish, consider refreshing it before making the dough.

To avoid over-baking and a dry loaf, keep an eye on the color of the crust. The bread is done when it has a deep golden brown color, and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using a kitchen thermometer, ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C) for optimal texture.

Variations and Flavor Boosts

For a fun flavor twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough. These additions can enhance the warmth and depth of flavor in your loaf. You might also experiment by substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for an extra nutritional boost and a nuttier taste.

If you’re looking for an adult twist, consider adding a splash of limoncello liqueur to the dough to intensify the lemon flavor. You could also try mixing in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and richness. Each of these variations will create a unique version of your blueberry lemon sourdough bread.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to make multiple loaves or larger quantities, this recipe scales well. For every additional loaf, simply multiply each ingredient by the number of loaves you intend to make. Just keep in mind that rising and baking times may change slightly with larger batches; a larger mass of dough may require a longer first rise.

When scaling, ensure that your mixing bowl can accommodate the increased volume. A stand mixer might be helpful if you're making several loaves at once. Always remember to test the doneness of each loaf individually, as they may not all bake at the same rate, depending on your oven’s performance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but reduce the mixing time to avoid breaking them down too much.

→ What if my sourdough starter isn't active?

Make sure to feed your starter at least 4 hours before using it in the recipe.

→ Can I make this without sourdough starter?

Using a commercial yeast instead would require a different method and ingredients, so it is recommended to use sourdough for authenticity.

→ How should I store the bread?

Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.