Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Honey Glaze
Highlighted under: Cozy Cravings Kitchen
Enjoy the delightful combination of tangy lemon and juicy blueberries in this soft and flavorful sourdough bread, topped with a sweet honey glaze.
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Honey Glaze is a perfect blend of flavors that brings a touch of sunshine to your breakfast or brunch table. The sourdough adds a delightful tanginess, while the blueberries burst with sweetness and the honey glaze ties everything together beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The perfect balance of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries
- A unique twist on traditional sourdough bread
- Elevated with a luscious honey glaze for a touch of sweetness
The Benefits of Sourdough
Sourdough bread has gained popularity not just for its unique flavor but also for its health benefits. The fermentation process involved in making sourdough helps break down gluten, making it easier to digest compared to conventional bread. This can be particularly beneficial for those with mild gluten sensitivities. Additionally, sourdough is often lower on the glycemic index, which means it can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Another remarkable aspect of sourdough is its rich probiotic content. The natural fermentation process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can aid in gut health. Including sourdough in your diet can improve your digestive system and enhance nutrient absorption, making it a wholesome choice for bread lovers.
Flavor Pairing: Lemon and Blueberry
The combination of lemon and blueberry is a classic pairing that brings a burst of freshness to any dish. The tartness of lemon complements the sweetness of blueberries beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Whether in desserts or baked goods, this duo elevates the overall taste experience, making it a favorite among many.
In this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough, the lemon zest infuses the bread with a bright, zesty note, while the blueberries add moistness and natural sweetness. Together, they create a delightful contrast that keeps each bite exciting. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a refreshing alternative to standard sourdough.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough
To achieve the best results with your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough, it's essential to use an active and bubbly sourdough starter. This ensures that your dough rises effectively, resulting in a light and airy loaf. If you're unsure about the readiness of your starter, a simple float test can help; a healthy starter will float in water, indicating it's ready to use.
Another tip is to be gentle when incorporating the blueberries into the dough. Overmixing can lead to broken berries, which may cause the bread to turn a muted color. Instead, fold the blueberries in carefully during the kneading process to maintain their shape and vibrant color throughout the bread.
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Mix the ingredients well and prepare to let the dough rise before baking for the best results.
Instructions
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, sourdough starter, warm water, honey, and lemon zest. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the blueberries gently to avoid crushing them.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the loaf for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Prepare the Glaze
While the bread is baking, mix honey and lemon juice in a small bowl to create the glaze.
Glaze the Bread
Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the honey glaze over the top while it's still warm.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough!
Serve your sourdough with butter or on its own for a delicious treat.
Storing Your Bread
To keep your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature. This allows the bread to breathe while preventing it from becoming soggy. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and lead to a chewy texture. If you want to preserve it for later, consider slicing the bread and freezing it in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you crave it.
For the best flavor experience, consume the bread within a few days of baking. If you notice that the crust is becoming soft, you can refresh it by placing the bread in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving. This will revive the crust and enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough pairs wonderfully with a variety of spreads and toppings. For a simple yet delightful treat, spread some butter or cream cheese on warm slices. The creaminess complements the tangy lemon and sweetness of the blueberries beautifully, making for a satisfying snack or breakfast option.
You can also serve this bread alongside a light salad or cheese platter. The zesty flavor of the bread can act as a refreshing counterpoint to savory dishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Feel free to get creative with how you enjoy this delightful sourdough!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just fold them into the dough gently while frozen to prevent them from bleeding color.
→ How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?
Your sourdough starter is active if it has doubled in size within a few hours and has bubbly activity on the surface.
→ Can I make this bread without a sourdough starter?
This recipe is specifically for sourdough bread. You can try using commercial yeast, but the texture and flavor will differ.
→ How should I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Honey Glaze
Enjoy the delightful combination of tangy lemon and juicy blueberries in this soft and flavorful sourdough bread, topped with a sweet honey glaze.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Cozy Cravings Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Sourdough Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, sourdough starter, warm water, honey, and lemon zest. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the blueberries gently to avoid crushing them.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover the shaped dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the loaf for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
While the bread is baking, mix honey and lemon juice in a small bowl to create the glaze.
Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the honey glaze over the top while it's still warm.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 70g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 10g