Go Back
Sliced artisan lemon blueberry bread on a wooden plate, surrounded by fresh lemons, blueberries, and lilac flowers.

Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

This artisanal Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread combines the tangy complexity of sourdough with bursts of sweet, juicy blueberries and bright lemon zest, creating a truly irresistible loaf perfect for breakfast or a gourmet snack.
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 100 grams active sourdough starter fed and bubbly, at peak activity
  • 350 grams water room temperature, filtered
  • 450 grams bread flour
  • 50 grams whole wheat flour or additional bread flour
  • 10 grams fine sea salt
  • 1 large lemon zested
  • 150 grams blueberries fresh or frozen (do not thaw if frozen)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Kitchen scale
  • Bench Scraper
  • Banneton (or proofing basket/bowl lined with floured towel)
  • Dutch Oven with Lid
  • Lame or Sharp Knife
  • Microplane or Zester

Method
 

Day 1: The Sourdough Process
  1. 1. **Prepare the Levain (Optional)**: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 6-8 hours before you plan to mix your dough, aiming for it to be at its peak activity when ready to use.
  2. 2. **Autolyse**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 350g water, 450g bread flour, and 50g whole wheat flour. Mix with your hands or a Danish dough whisk until no dry flour remains and a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour (autolyse). This allows the flour to fully hydrate.
  3. 3. **Mix the Dough**: After autolyse, add 100g active sourdough starter and 10g fine sea salt to the dough. Incorporate thoroughly by squeezing and folding the dough for 5-10 minutes until the salt is dissolved and the starter is evenly distributed. The dough will become stickier before it starts to come together. Cover.
  4. 4. **Bulk Fermentation**: Begin the bulk fermentation process at room temperature (ideally 72-78°F / 22-25°C). Over the next 4-5 hours, perform a series of "stretch and folds" to build strength in the dough. * **First Set (30 minutes after mixing)**: Gently stretch a portion of the dough up and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat 3-4 times until all sides have been stretched and folded. * **Second Set (30 minutes after first set)**: Repeat the stretch and fold process. * **Third Set (1 hour after second set)**: Repeat the stretch and fold process. * **Fourth Set (1 hour after third set - Adding Inclusions)**: Gently flatten the dough slightly. Sprinkle the lemon zest and blueberries over the surface. Perform one more set of stretch and folds, being careful not to crush the blueberries too much, working them evenly into the dough. * **Rest**: Let the dough rest undisturbed for the remaining 1.5-2 hours, or until it has increased significantly in volume (about 30-50%) and feels airy. The timing will depend on your room temperature and starter activity.
  5. 5. **Pre-shape**: Lightly flour your work surface. Gently tip the dough out onto the surface. Using a bench scraper and floured hands, gently shape the dough into a loose round or rectangle. Cover with a damp cloth or inverted bowl and let rest for 20 minutes (bench rest).
  6. 6. **Final Shape**: Lightly flour your work surface again. Gently un-cover the dough. Shape the dough into a tight boule or batard, depending on your banneton shape. Aim to create tension on the surface of the dough without tearing it.
  7. 7. **Cold Proof**: Lightly flour your banneton or proofing basket. Carefully transfer the shaped dough, seam-side up, into the banneton. Cover with a plastic bag or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12-16 hours (cold proof). This slows fermentation, develops flavor, and makes the dough easier to score.
Day 2: Baking
  1. 8. **Preheat Oven & Dutch Oven**: About 45-60 minutes before you're ready to bake, place your Dutch oven with the lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
  2. 9. **Score and Bake**: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently invert the cold dough from the banneton onto a piece of parchment paper, or directly into the hot Dutch oven. Score the top of the dough with a lame or very sharp knife (a single deep slash or a decorative pattern).
  3. 10. **Bake Covered**: Place the lid back on the Dutch oven and carefully return it to the hot oven. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on.
  4. 11. **Bake Uncovered**: Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
  5. 12. **Cool**: Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely for at least 1-2 hours before slicing. Slicing too early can result in a gummy texture.

Notes

An active, mature sourdough starter is crucial for good rise and texture. If your starter is sluggish, give it a few extra feedings before baking. For a richer lemon flavor, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice during the autolyse stage. Store cooled bread at room temperature, cut-side down, or in a bread bag for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months, toasting from frozen for best results.