A Fruit Cream Sourdough is a delightful twist on traditional sourdough bread, perfect for breakfast or brunch. This creative loaf is filled with juicy blueberries and creamy cheese, elevated by fresh lemon zest and topped with a sweet honey glaze. Its unique flavor profile makes it suitable for various occasions, from cozy family breakfasts to elegant brunch gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors will surely impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of blueberries and cream cheese creates a rich, sweet taste that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This loaf fits any meal of the day!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, baking this sourdough is accessible for all skill levels.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirl of cream cheese filling and berries makes this bread visually stunning.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings or as a gift for friends and family who appreciate homemade treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Fruit Cream Sourdough, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Banneton (proofing basket)
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Essential for creating steam while baking, resulting in a crusty exterior.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
- Banneton: Helps shape the dough during proofing, giving it an attractive form.
Ingredients
A creative sourdough loaf filled with blueberries and cream cheese, enhanced with fresh lemon and finished with honey glaze.
For the Dough
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml water, room temperature
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How to Make Fruit Cream Sourdough
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by combining the bread flour, water, and active sourdough starter in a mixing bowl. Stir until just incorporated. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
After resting, add the salt to the mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover it and let it rest for 4-6 hours. Remember to perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes during this time.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and granulated sugar until smooth. Set aside this mixture for later use.
Step 4: Incorporate Blueberries
During your final stretch-and-fold session of the dough, gently fold in the fresh blueberries until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Spread the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured work surface. Evenly add the cream cheese mixture over the surface before rolling it into a ball, keeping the filling tucked inside.
Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight
Place your shaped dough seam-side up in a banneton. Cover it and refrigerate for 8-12 hours to develop flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven along with a Dutch oven inside to 250°C (482°F). Bake your loaf covered for 20 minutes. Then remove the lid and lower the temperature to 220°C (428°F) for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Finish with Glaze
Once baked, brush your warm loaf with a honey-lemon mixture made from honey and fresh lemon juice to give it a sweet finish.
Enjoy your delicious Fruit Cream Sourdough warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Fruit Cream Sourdough
Fruit Cream Sourdough is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its unique blend of flavors makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve slices of Fruit Cream Sourdough alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to complement the blueberry flavor.
Toasted with Butter
- Toast a slice until golden brown and spread with a generous pat of butter for a warm and comforting option.
Drizzled with Honey
- Drizzle extra honey over the top for an added touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese filling.
As a French Toast
- Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook on a skillet for a special twist on French toast. Serve with maple syrup.
Paired with Yogurt
- Serve alongside a bowl of yogurt, topped with nuts and additional berries for a nutritious breakfast option.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy this sourdough loaf with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Perfect Fruit Cream Sourdough
To achieve the best results with your Fruit Cream Sourdough, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your blueberries are ripe and your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Monitor dough hydration: Adjust water slightly if needed based on flour type to maintain the right consistency.
- Pay attention to fermentation: Allow enough time for the dough to ferment; this enhances flavor and texture.
- Handle gently: When incorporating blueberries, be careful not to crush them to preserve their shape and juices.
- Preheat your oven: Make sure your Dutch oven is preheated properly to create that perfect crust.
- Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Fruit Cream Sourdough
Fruit Cream Sourdough pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with honey, granola, and mixed berries for a refreshing complement. - Scrambled Eggs
Fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs make a savory contrast to the sweet sourdough. - Avocado Salad
A simple avocado salad dressed with lemon juice adds creaminess and brightness. - Smoothie Bowl
Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for added crunch. - Crispy Bacon Strips
The saltiness of crispy bacon balances well against the sweetness of the bread. - Chia Seed Pudding
A light chia seed pudding serves as a nutritious side that complements the fruity flavors nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Fruit Cream Sourdough can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the starter’s activity: Always ensure your sourdough starter is active before using it. A weak starter can lead to dense bread.
- Skipping the autolyse phase: This step helps develop gluten and improves dough texture. Don’t rush this; allow the dough to rest.
- Overmixing the cream cheese filling: Mixing too much can make it watery. Blend just until smooth for the best texture.
- Not monitoring dough temperature: Temperature affects fermentation speed. Keep your dough in a warm place for optimal rising.
- Neglecting proper shaping: Shaping is crucial for a good rise. Take your time to shape the dough properly before proofing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftover Fruit Cream Sourdough in an airtight container.
- item It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Fruit Cream Sourdough
- item Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- item It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Fruit Cream Sourdough
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Fruit Cream Sourdough.
How long does it take to make Fruit Cream Sourdough?
Making this bread takes about 10 hours, including proofing time, so plan accordingly.
Can I use frozen blueberries in Fruit Cream Sourdough?
Yes, you can! Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in Fruit Cream Sourdough?
You can use mascarpone or ricotta as alternatives, which will still provide a creamy texture.
How do I know when my Fruit Cream Sourdough is done baking?
It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Final Thoughts
The Fruit Cream Sourdough recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. Feel free to customize by adding different fruits or spices to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy this delicious twist on traditional sourdough!
Fruit Cream Sourdough
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 12 slices 1x
Description
Fruit Cream Sourdough is a delightful and creative twist on traditional sourdough bread, making it the star of any breakfast or brunch table. This artisan loaf is bursting with juicy blueberries and smooth cream cheese, complemented by zesty lemon and finished with a sweet honey glaze. The combination of rich flavors and inviting textures makes this bread not only a treat for the taste buds but also visually stunning, ensuring it will impress your guests at gatherings or simply elevate your morning routine. Easy to prepare, this unique sourdough recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels and can be enjoyed in various ways – whether toasted, drizzled with honey, or served alongside fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml water (room temperature)
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine bread flour, water, and active sourdough starter in a mixing bowl; stir until incorporated and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Add salt to the mixture and knead until smooth. Cover and let rest for 4-6 hours, performing stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes.
- Mix softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and sugar in a separate bowl until smooth; set aside.
- During the final stretch-and-fold session, fold in blueberries gently.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the cream cheese mixture on top, then roll it up to enclose the filling.
- Place seam-side up in a banneton; cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
- Preheat oven with Dutch oven at 250°C (482°F). Bake covered for 20 minutes; remove lid and lower temperature to 220°C (428°F) for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush warm loaf with honey-lemon glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
