Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Made Easy Recipe
This Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with a creamy lemon-infused cream cheese filling and bursts of fresh blueberries. The loaf is enriched with lemon zest and lemon juice for a refreshing citrus note, balanced by the sweet honey lemon wash that creates a golden, glossy crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, this bread recipe is easy to follow and results in a moist, flavorful treat with a beautiful appearance.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 1 pound) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dough
- 1 cup warm water (90°F to 100°F)
- 1/4 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (for wash)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm water, sourdough starter, and sugar until smooth to activate the starter and dissolve the sugar.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: Add in the bread flour, salt, melted butter, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a stand mixer on medium speed for 6–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for 4 to 5 hours, or until it has doubled in volume, to develop flavor and structure.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Assemble the Loaf: Spread half of the cream cheese filling evenly on one dough rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add Blueberries and Seal: Sprinkle the blueberries over the cream cheese layer. Cover with the second rectangle of dough and press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside.
- Second Rise: Place the assembled loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with a clean towel, and let it rest for 30–45 minutes to slightly proof and relax the dough.
- Prepare Lemon Honey Wash: Whisk together the lemon juice and honey, then brush the mixture over the top of the loaf to enhance browning and add a glossy finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best rise results.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if frozen, no need to thaw before use.
- Adjust sugar in the filling according to your sweetness preference.
- Brush gently with the lemon honey wash to avoid deflating the dough.
- Let the bread cool properly to prevent the cream cheese filling from oozing out during slicing.
Keywords: blueberry bread, lemon bread, cream cheese filling, sourdough bread, homemade bread, breakfast bread, tangy bread