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### **Introduction**
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is a delightful twist on traditional sourdough. Marrying the tang of sourdough with bursts of juicy blueberries, zesty lemon, and rich cream cheese, this loaf is a beautiful blend of sweet and tart with a soft, luscious crumb. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a treat with tea, this bread brings a gourmet touch to home baking.
### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Sourdough has ancient roots, dating back thousands of years, with a natural fermentation process that enhances flavor and digestibility. By incorporating blueberries and cream cheese—ingredients deeply tied to American baking traditions—this version adds a modern, indulgent flair to the classic loaf. Lemon, often associated with freshness and renewal, complements the tanginess of sourdough, making this bread a symbol of culinary fusion and creativity.
### **Ingredients Quantity**
**For the Dough:**
* 450g bread flour
* 100g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
* 280g water (room temperature)
* 10g salt
**Filling:**
* 150g cream cheese (softened)
* 1 tsp lemon zest
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
**Add-ins:**
* 150g fresh or frozen blueberries (coated lightly with flour)
### **Optional Additions**
* 1 tsp vanilla extract (in cream cheese mixture)
* 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)
* A handful of chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
* Poppy seeds or chia seeds for texture
### **Tips for Success**
* Use a mature, active starter for best fermentation.
* Chill the cream cheese filling before use to prevent leaking during shaping.
* Use parchment paper to help with shaping and transfer.
* Don’t overhydrate if using frozen blueberries—they’ll release moisture.
* Cold-proof overnight for better flavor and structure.
### **Instructions**
1. **Mix & Autolyse:** Combine flour and water, mix until shaggy, cover, and rest for 45 minutes.
2. **Add Starter & Salt:** Incorporate sourdough starter and salt. Knead until dough is smooth.
3. **Bulk Fermentation:** Let rise for 4–5 hours at room temperature, performing 3–4 stretch and folds every 30 minutes.
4. **Prepare Filling:** Mix cream cheese, lemon zest, juice, and sugar until smooth. Refrigerate.
5. **Add Blueberries:** After the final fold, gently incorporate blueberries.
6. **Shape:** Turn dough onto a floured surface, flatten gently. Spread chilled cream cheese mixture in the center. Fold and shape the dough into a boule or batard.
7. **Cold Proof:** Place dough into a floured banneton, cover, and refrigerate 8–12 hours.
8. **Score & Bake:** Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven. Score loaf, bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let the bread cool at least 1 hour before slicing to set the crumb.
### **Description**
This sourdough loaf boasts a golden crust with subtle blistering and a soft, creamy center. The tang of the cream cheese pairs with the brightness of lemon and the juicy pop of blueberries, making every bite vibrant and luxurious. The bread remains chewy and slightly sweet, with a rustic yet elegant presentation.
### **Nutritional Information** *(per slice, approx. 12 slices per loaf)*
* Calories: \~210
* Protein: 6g
* Carbohydrates: 34g
* Sugars: 5g
* Fat: 6g
* Fiber: 2g
* Calcium & Vitamin C content boosted by lemon and blueberries
### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread is more than just a loaf—it’s an experience. A marriage of artisan sourdough and dessert-like flavors, it satisfies both your craving for comfort and your love for bright, natural ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to sourdough, this recipe is worth every step.
### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
Indulgence doesn’t have to mean compromise. This recipe offers a nutrient-rich profile with natural fermentation benefits, antioxidants from blueberries, and the gut-friendly qualities of sourdough. By using whole ingredients and natural flavor boosters like lemon zest and cream cheese, you create a bread that nourishes both body and soul—proof that wholesome and decadent can live in the same slice.
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