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Let me share my favorite sourdough creation that combines everything wonderful about bread making. This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough started as an experiment in my kitchen and became an absolute favorite. The tangy sourdough sweet bursting blueberries and creamy cheese filling create something truly magical.
Why You'll Love This
Every time I make this bread it's like watching art come to life. The chewy sourdough creates this perfect canvas for pockets of cream cheese and juicy blueberries. When you add that bright lemon glaze on top it's simply irresistible my family can never wait for it to cool completely.
Let's Gather Everything
- Bread Flour: I use high protein bread flour it gives the best structure.
- Sourdough Starter: Make sure it's nice and active bubbling away.
- Blueberries: Fresh ones work best they burst beautifully while baking.
- Cream Cheese: Full fat is my go to for the richest filling.
- Lemon Zest: Don't skip this it brightens everything up.
- Honey: Just a touch makes the crust shine.
Making The Dough
I start with mixing my starter flour and water letting it sit for that crucial 30 minute rest. It's like giving the flour a chance to wake up. Then comes my favorite part the gentle stretch and folds every half hour. You can actually feel the dough getting stronger with each fold.
The Perfect Filling
While the dough is resting I make the cream cheese filling. Just mix it with a bit of sugar and fresh lemon zest until it's silky smooth. Sometimes I catch myself sampling a little too much of this part.
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Adding Those Berries
The key with adding blueberries is being super gentle. I fold them in during the last stretch and fold being careful not to crush them. Those whole berries create the most beautiful pops of color and flavor when baked.
Time To Shape
This is where patience pays off. I carefully spread out the dough add that luxurious cream cheese filling and gently roll it all together. It's like wrapping a delicious present each time.
The Long Rest
Overnight in the fridge is when the magic happens. I love peeking at it in the morning seeing how it's grown and knowing those flavors are getting better and better. That cold fermentation is worth every hour of waiting.
Into The Oven
Getting that Dutch oven nice and hot is crucial. I love the moment when the dough goes in makes that sizzling sound and starts to rise. That first 20 minutes with the lid on builds such amazing steam.
The Final Touch
While the bread's still warm I brush it with my honey lemon mixture. It gives the loaf this beautiful shine and adds an extra layer of flavor that makes everyone's eyes light up when they taste it.
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Success Tips
After many loaves I've learned a few crucial things. Your starter needs to be super active the ingredients should be room temperature and gentle handling when adding berries is key. These little details make such a difference.
Keeping It Fresh
This bread is best the first day but wrapping it well keeps it lovely for a few days. I sometimes freeze half for later just make sure to wrap it really well. A quick warm in the oven brings it right back to life.
Perfect Pairings
My favorite way to enjoy this is slightly warm with a cup of coffee. Though honestly it's amazing on its own the cream cheese filling is all the spread you need.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I'll swap in different berries or add vanilla to the cream cheese. Each variation brings its own personality to the bread. It's fun to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Dutch Oven Magic
There's a reason I always use my Dutch oven for this bread. That trapped steam creates the most amazing crust while keeping the inside perfectly tender. It's like having a professional bread oven at home.
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Building Structure
Those stretch and folds might seem fussy but they're so important. Each one helps develop the gluten creating that perfect texture we're after. I actually find it quite meditative now.
Citrus Secrets
Fresh lemon really makes this bread special. The zest and juice add such brightness cutting through the rich cream cheese. It's that perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Overnight Magic
That long cold rest might test your patience but it's worth every minute. The flavor development is incredible plus the cold dough is so much easier to handle the next morning.
Creative Twists
I love playing with variations. Sometimes I'll add a hint of cinnamon or swap the cream cheese for mascarpone. Each twist makes it feel like a whole new recipe.
Sharing The Love
This bread never fails to impress at brunches or when given as a gift. There's something so special about sharing a loaf you've crafted with love. It's become my signature bake the one everyone asks for by name.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why stretch and fold the dough?
Regular stretch and folds develop gluten structure and create better texture in the final bread.
- → Why overnight refrigeration?
Cold fermentation develops flavor and makes the dough easier to handle while preventing overproofing.
- → Why use a Dutch oven?
Dutch oven creates steam and heat retention needed for proper crust development and rise.
- → Can I use frozen blueberries?
Fresh blueberries are preferred as frozen ones may release too much moisture and affect dough structure.
- → Why brush with honey lemon wash?
The wash adds shine and a subtle sweet-tart flavor to complement the fillings.