Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Loaf (Print Version)

Tangy loaf bursting with blueberries and lemon swirl in tender sourdough bread.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups bread flour
02 - 1/2 cup active sourdough starter at 100% hydration
03 - 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
08 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Blueberry Lemon Swirl

09 - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Optional Glaze

13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until berries burst and release juice, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely before use.
02 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine lukewarm milk, sourdough starter, softened butter, sugar, egg, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour while mixing and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, approximately 4 to 6 hours depending on starter activity.
04 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 9 by 16 inch rectangle. Spread cooled blueberry swirl evenly over dough, leaving a 1 inch border on all sides. Roll up tightly from the short end to form a log. Place seam-side down in a greased 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.
05 - Cover loaf pan with a clean cloth and let rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, until dough is puffy and nearly doubled in size.
06 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
07 - Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. Drizzle glaze over completely cooled bread using a pastry brush or spoon.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Beautiful marbled swirls of blueberry and lemon create a stunning visual presentation
  • The tangy sourdough base perfectly balances the sweet fruit filling
  • Fresh lemon zest adds bright, aromatic flavor throughout the dough
  • Perfect for special breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or afternoon tea
  • Uses your active sourdough starter in a sweet application
  • Can be made with fresh or frozen blueberries for year-round enjoyment
02 -
  • Ensure your blueberry filling is completely cooled before spreading to prevent it from melting into the dough
  • Leave the 1-inch border when spreading the filling to prevent leakage during rolling and baking
  • Roll the dough tightly but gently to create distinct swirl layers without tearing
  • Tent the loaf with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking if the top is browning too quickly
  • Let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the structure to set
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage
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