Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread
Introduction
This Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is the perfect fusion of tangy sourdough, bright citrus, and creamy sweetness. With a soft, airy crumb dotted with juicy blueberries and a silky lemon-kissed cream cheese swirl, this loaf feels like a bakery treat you can proudly make at home. If you’ve ever wanted a sourdough bread that leans slightly toward dessert—but still tastes wholesome and artisan—this is the one. Your kitchen will smell irresistible from the moment it hits the oven!
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Dough
1 cup (230g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
1 ¼ cups (300g) water, room temperature
3 ½ cups (420g) bread flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (optional, but enhances flavor)
For the Blueberries
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp flour (to prevent sinking)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
For Finishing
Flour for dusting
Extra lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
1. Mix starter, water, and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add flour and salt; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover and rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
4. Perform 3–4 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes.
5. Let the dough rise until puffy and increased in volume (4–6 hours depending on temp).
2. Prepare the Blueberries
1. Toss blueberries with lemon zest and 1 tbsp flour.
2. Keep chilled until ready to fold in.
3. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and spreadable.
4. Shape the Dough
1. Lightly flour your surface and gently spread the dough into a rectangle.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving 1 inch border.
3. Scatter the blueberries evenly on top.
4. Gently roll or letter-fold the dough, trying not to squeeze out the filling.
5. Shape into a round or oblong loaf and place into a floured banneton.
5. Cold Ferment
Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
6. Bake
1. Preheat oven and Dutch oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Score the loaf.
3. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 25–30 minutes until deep golden.
4. Cool fully before slicing to set the cream cheese.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Sourdough bread dates back thousands of years, prized for its natural fermentation and rich flavor. Over time, bakers around the world have experimented with adding fruits, spices, and fillings, turning everyday bread into celebratory loaves.
This recipe brings together:
Traditional fermentation techniques,
Classic American flavors of blueberry and lemon, and
Modern bakery-style cream cheese fillings
to create a loaf that feels both timeless and delightfully innovative.
Description
The bread has a beautifully caramelized, crisp crust and a tender, moist crumb swirled with ribbons of lemon-scented cream cheese. Juicy blueberries burst throughout the dough, creating pockets of sweetness. Each slice is visually stunning—marbled with purple, pale gold, and creamy white—making it perfect for brunch, gifting, or enjoying warm with a cup of tea.
Optional Additions
White chocolate chips – pair perfectly with blueberries and lemon.
Lavender (just a pinch!) – adds a floral touch.
Cinnamon or cardamom – warm spice variations.
Streusel topping – for a bakery-style finish.
Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries.
Tips for Success
Use cold blueberries to prevent bleeding into the dough.
Don’t over-handle the dough once the filling is added—keep shaping gentle.
Let it cool completely or the cream cheese will be too soft when slicing.
Chill the cream cheese filling slightly so it spreads but doesn’t ooze.
Flour the dough generously before shaping to avoid sticking.
If baking without a Dutch oven, add a tray of hot water for steam.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice, 12 slices)
Calories: 210–260
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6–8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6–10g
Values vary based on ingredients and add-ins.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is the perfect marriage of rustic artisan techniques and indulgent flavor combinations. It’s refreshing, lightly sweet, and boasts a gorgeous swirl that makes every slice special. Whether served as a breakfast treat, dessert bread, or centerpiece for a gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Recommendation
Serve warm with:
A smear of butter
A drizzle of honey
Or simply as-is—because the flavors speak for themselves
It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a light citrusy cocktail.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Though rich with fruit and cream cheese, this loaf still maintains the balanced nutrition of sourdough—natural fermentation, lower gluten, and a wholesome crumb. Enjoying a slice is both satisfying and mindful: a delicious reminder that homemade food can be nourishing while still feeling luxurious.