Introduction
There’s something magical about the fusion of juicy blueberries and bright lemon zest tucked inside a crusty, tangy sourdough loaf. This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is one of my all-time favorite bakes — it’s bold, beautiful, and surprisingly simple when you’ve got the basics of sourdough down. The berries burst with sweetness, the citrus adds zing, and the sugar-lemon zest mixture layered during lamination takes this loaf to a whole new level.
Why I Love This Recipe
This loaf hits all the notes: crisp crust, soft chewy crumb, vibrant fruit, and an aromatic citrus scent that perfumes your kitchen as it bakes. It’s a fantastic way to dress up your sourdough repertoire without much extra effort. Whether sliced thick with butter, toasted with cream cheese, or turned into an unforgettable French toast, this bread is as versatile as it is stunning.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 450g bread flour
- 50g whole wheat flour
- 375g water (75% hydration)
- 100g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 10g salt
For the Lamination:
- 1–1½ cups fresh blueberries (frozen okay, do not thaw)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
Swaps & Notes
- Flour: Use up to 100g all-purpose if you’re low on bread flour.
- Blueberries: Frozen berries work well—add them frozen to prevent juice stains and bleeding.
- Zest & Sugar Mix: This adds aroma and subtle sweetness; don’t skip it!
- Add-ins: A pinch of cinnamon or lavender can deepen the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Autolyse the Dough
Mix bread flour, whole wheat flour, and water. Let it rest for 1 hour to hydrate fully.
2. Add Starter and Salt
Add the sourdough starter and mix well. Sprinkle salt over the dough and knead or stretch and fold until fully incorporated.
3. Bulk Fermentation
Let the dough ferment at room temperature for 4–6 hours, doing stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
4. Lamination with Blueberry Lemon Mix
On a lightly damp surface, gently stretch the dough into a rectangle. Evenly sprinkle with blueberries and the lemon zest mixed with sugar. Fold the dough envelope-style to trap the add-ins.
5. Coil Folds
Do 1–2 gentle coil folds over the next hour to strengthen the dough and evenly distribute the berries.
6. Cold Retard
Shape the dough into a boule or batard. Place in a banneton, cover, and refrigerate overnight (8–16 hours) to develop flavor and structure.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Score the loaf and bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Tips for Success
✅ Laminate carefully to avoid bursting berries
✅ Use very active starter for best rise
✅ Keep shaping tight but gentle to maintain blueberry distribution
✅ Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy crumb
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This sweet-tart loaf is amazing on its own, but also pairs beautifully with:
- Whipped honey butter
- Cream cheese and extra lemon zest
- Light breakfast fare or brunch spreads
- Make French toast with this and pair it with Blueberry Lemonade for a flavor-matching duo
- Toasted slices served with Pumpkin Spice Muffins for cozy brunch vibes
Storage & Leftovers
- Counter: Store in a bread bag or wrapped in a towel for 1–2 days
- Fridge: Not recommended — dries out the crumb
- Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Toast directly from frozen for best results
More Recipes You’ll Love
For more baking adventures and sweet loaf-style treats, check out:
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- These Cake Mix Cookies Are My Go-To Shortcut for Easy Foolproof Treats
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is like sunshine in a slice — vibrant, tangy, and subtly sweet. It’s one of my favorite ways to put a fruity twist on sourdough while staying true to the artisanal spirit of slow-fermented bread. Once you’ve made it, you’ll be dreaming of your next bake.
Tried it? Show off your crumb shots and tag @ChefManiac. Follow for more sourdough spins and flavor-forward bakes! 🍞🫐🍋
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