Deliciously Tangy Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread Recipe

The first time Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread found its way into my kitchen, it was an invitation to experience something unexpected. I remember the late spring afternoon when a neighbor brought over a thick slice of this citrus blueberry bread wrapped in parchment. The light was soft, golden, and drifting lazily through the window. As I bit into that fruit infused sourdough, the tang of lemon zest mingled with the sweetness of blueberries, the crust holding a gentle crunch beneath my fingers. It was a homemade sourdough loaf that spoke of patience and celebration, a loaf that carried a story beyond just flour and water.

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread had the air of something familiar yet new. It revealed how traditional sourdough bread with blueberries could take on a seasonal identity. Lemon zest bread, we learned that afternoon, was meant to bloom in the kitchen when fresh lemons and blueberries ripened together. Seeing it shared like a small gift in our neighborhood connected food to community and warmth.

I found myself fascinated by how this fruit infused sourdough married tang and fruit sweetness in a way I hadn’t quite expected. It sparked curiosity about how simple ingredients—flour, starter, citrus, berries—could come together into an impressive whole. If you feel drawn to moments like these, where a loaf becomes more than bread — a marker of place and season — come, let’s walk through the story and the process of Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread. Together, we can peel back the layers of this citrus blueberry bread and see what makes it so memorable.

The Components

The beauty of this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread lies in ingredient quality and the way each element speaks its part. Here’s what transforms good sourdough bread with blueberries into a memorable food narrative:

  • 500g bread flour — Look for high-protein flour to give your homemade sourdough loaf strength and a nice chewy crumb. Farmers markets often have freshly milled options.
  • 100g active sourdough starter — Make sure your starter is bubbly and vigorous. This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread depends on a lively fermentation for flavor.
  • 300ml filtered water — The purity of water matters in sourdough. Use filtered to avoid off flavors.
  • 10g salt — Sea salt or kosher salt for better texture and depth.
  • Zest of 2 organic lemons — The lemon zest bread element shines only when you use fresh, fragrant lemons. Organic is best since you’ll rely heavily on the zest oils.
  • 150g fresh blueberries — For this fruit infused sourdough, I prefer handpicked berries when in season. Frozen works but slightly changes the hydration.
  • A touch of honey (optional) — Around 1 tablespoon, to balance tartness and create a subtle sweetness.

For those curious about substitutions, if you cannot find fresh blueberries, dried blueberries soaked briefly in water could substitute, though the texture will vary. Citrus-wise, a small amount of orange zest can offer a different, softer note if lemons aren’t at peak. Searching for the perfect lemon zest bread touch? There’s a good conversation on How to achieve a stronger lemon flavor in sourdough bread?

The Process

Making Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is an exercise in patience and observation. This homemade sourdough loaf asks for careful timing but rewards with layers of flavor.

  1. Mix the bread flour and water in a large bowl until just combined. Let this autolyse rest for about 45 minutes. This step allows gluten to develop naturally, setting the stage for a supple dough.
  2. Add your active sourdough starter and salt, mixing gently until well distributed. Your dough will feel tacky, a sign of the hydration working with the starter.
  3. Incorporate the lemon zest carefully. Watch as your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread takes on a fresh, aromatic brightness through these oils. The citrus adds not just flavor but a subtle lift to fermentation.
  4. Gently fold in the blueberries last. This step requires a delicate hand to avoid bursting the fruit too much. Your dough should have berries dotted through, creating that signature fruit infused sourdough texture.
  5. Proceed with bulk fermentation at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours. Every hour, perform stretch and folds to strengthen the gluten network. Your sourdough bread with blueberries will develop a lovely, elastic bounce.
  6. Shape your dough into a round or oval loaf, place it in a banneton or bowl lined with a floured towel. Cover and refrigerate overnight. This cold ferment deepens flavor and firms the dough, making slicing easier later.
  7. Preheat your oven to 250°C with a baking stone or Dutch oven inside. Transfer your loaf carefully and score the top. This controls the rise and creates an artisan look.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp. Your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread will signal readiness when it sounds hollow upon tapping the bottom.
  9. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This rest period helps set the crumb and concentrates the citrus blueberry notes.

From repeated making, I’ve noticed this citrus blueberry bread improves in balancing tartness and sweetness the more you refine the lemon quantity and the ripeness of your berries. If you want to see variations, The Pantry Mama’s Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread shares a slightly different hydration method worth trying for texture differences.

Bringing It to the Table

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread fits wonderfully into several meals and occasions. Its fruity brightness makes it ideal for breakfast or brunch when paired with mild cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone. Try spreading a bit of garlic butter lemon salmon for a savory-sweet interplay that stays light.

When serving this citrus blueberry bread alongside salads or soft-boiled eggs, its tangy crumb provides a refreshing counterpoint. Bring this bread to a spring picnic or light summer lunch, where its freshness can shine without competing against heavier dishes.

For dessert-adjacent moments, a drizzle of honey or almond butter on a warm slice is simple and satisfying. Pairing with a cup of tea or a delicate coffee complements the subtle complexity the lemon zest bread adds.

In more casual settings, this fruit infused sourdough can star as a toast base. Spread cream cheese or top with smoked salmon for a flavorful contrast. At one dinner gathering, friends remarked how the unexpected blueberry pockets transformed a typical bread course into something festive and thoughtful.

For those interested in a more rustic presentation, baking the Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread in a cast iron skillet yields a thick crust and hearty appearance, perfect for family-style sharing. The cheddar jalapeno cornbread muffins story from FoodNarrative touches on similar communal eating experiences linked to bread in gatherings.

Raw ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread arranged on a wooden table

Common Questions

What makes this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread different from other bread varieties? It’s the thoughtful combination of a traditional sourdough process with fresh lemon zest and blueberries, weaving tart and sweet notes into the crumb without overpowering the sourdough’s natural tang.

Can I prepare this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread in advance? Yes, the dough benefits from a cold ferment up to 24 hours, which enhances flavor depth and texture. Once baked, storing wrapped in a cotton tea towel keeps it fresh for a few days.

How do I know when my Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is properly done? Tapping the bottom of the loaf should produce a hollow sound, and the crust will be deep golden brown with a firm touch. Internal temperature should reach around 96°C.

How can I strengthen the lemon flavor while keeping balance? One reader’s question on Facebook suggests increasing lemon zest carefully and experimenting with lemon juice added at mixing without overhydrating dough (How to achieve a stronger lemon flavor in sourdough bread?).

Are frozen blueberries suitable for this fruit infused sourdough? They can be used, but drain frozen berries well and add them last, as excess moisture may affect dough hydration and result in a wetter crumb.

What is the best way to incorporate berries without crushing? Fold the blueberries gently after bulk fermentation to preserve some berry texture and prevent too much bleeding of juice.

Could I swap lemon zest for other citrus? Absolutely. Orange or even yuzu zest change the profile subtly but keep that bright citrus blueberry bread feeling.

Is there a gluten-free version for Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread? Traditional sourdough requires wheat gluten for the stretch; however, experimenting with gluten-free starters and flours is an ongoing practice among cooks. Sharing experiences happens frequently in communities like Country Roads Sourdough where Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread has a following.

Close-up of a finished Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread loaf with a golden crust

Closing Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread proves worth the effort when you’re seeking a loaf that has story and soul. Its brightness as a lemon zest bread complements the tang of traditional sourdough, creating a complex but accessible profile. The integration of blueberries offers not only visual appeal but juicy bursts that contrast the chewy crumb. The slow fermentation and careful handling teach patience and respect for natural processes in baking.

For variations, a sprinkle of slivered almonds adds crunch and nuttiness. Another approach is adding a glaze of lemon honey after baking for extra shine and sweetness. Finally, incorporating a mix of berries alongside blueberries pushes the fruit infused sourdough into seasonal versatility.

Different techniques—like overnight refrigeration or baking in a Dutch oven—shift the crust texture and flavor intensity, encouraging experimentation. This flexibility invites cooks into a personal relationship with their lemon blueberry sourdough bread.

For those leaning into this food narrative, the Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread embodies a union of tradition and innovation, tangible reminders of seasons and sharing. Why not try making it yours? The kitchen moments spent attending to this bread often become the ones remembered longest.

If you appreciate this style, you might also enjoy seeing how another bread story unfolds in a Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread narrative or tasting the lively bite of Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins mentioned at FoodNarrative. Both share the theme of simple ingredients telling a larger food story.

For guidance along this path, Country Roads Sourdough’s Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread site and The Pantry Mama’s approach offer different methods to inspire your journey.

May your loaf rise with stories to tell.

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Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

Freshly Prepared Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread combines tangy citrus with sweet blueberries in a naturally fermented loaf, perfect for a fresh and flavorful breakfast or snack.

  • Author: Zylie Brooks
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup active sourdough starter
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and honey. Stir until well blended.
  2. Add the all-purpose and whole wheat flours along with the salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to burst them.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a bread proofing basket.
  7. Cover and allow a final proof for 2 hours.
  8. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside.
  9. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  10. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, brush the crust with melted butter once out of the oven or serve with cream cheese for a delicious contrast.

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