Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Almond Topping
Highlighted under: Quick Healthy Recipes
This delightful Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Almond Topping is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a great choice for breakfast or a snack.
There's something magical about the combination of blueberries and lemon in a sourdough bread. The acidity from the lemon enhances the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a deliciously unique flavor profile. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The bright and zesty flavor of lemon paired with juicy blueberries
- The satisfying crunch of almond topping adds a delightful texture
- A perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in every bite
A Perfect Blend of Flavors
The combination of blueberry and lemon in this sourdough bread is a match made in heaven. The tartness of the lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the blueberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. Each bite offers a delightful burst of freshness that is particularly invigorating, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Lemon zest adds a bright aroma to the bread, while fresh blueberries lend moisture and juiciness. This unique pairing not only tastes amazing but also provides a nutritious boost, as both blueberries and lemons are rich in antioxidants. Enjoying this bread is not just a treat for your palate; it also contributes to your overall well-being.
The Joy of Sourdough Baking
Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding experience, especially when you see your efforts transform into a beautiful loaf. The fermentation process involved in sourdough adds depth to the flavor, making it more complex than your average quick bread. With a little patience and the right technique, you'll find that homemade sourdough is not only delicious but also allows for creativity in the kitchen.
Using an active sourdough starter is key to achieving that characteristic tangy flavor and airy texture. The natural fermentation process contributes to the bread's unique taste while also improving its digestibility. Once you master this recipe, you'll be eager to experiment with other flavors and ingredients in future batches.
Perfect Pairings
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough pairs wonderfully with various spreads. For a classic option, consider slathering it with cream cheese or butter. The richness of these spreads complements the tangy notes of the bread perfectly. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey or a dollop of lemon curd can enhance the flavors even further, making your breakfast or snack truly special.
For those looking to enjoy this bread in a new way, consider toasting slices and adding fresh fruit or yogurt on top. This transforms your bread into a gourmet breakfast option that's not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Whether served on its own or as part of a larger spread, this sourdough loaf is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this scrumptious bread:
For the Sourdough Bread
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Almond Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Mix all the ingredients well before proceeding to the next steps.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Almond Topping
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the sliced almonds, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
Bake
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the almond topping evenly over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough!
Slice the bread and serve it fresh, or toast it for an extra crunch!
Storage Tips
To keep your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. This helps to maintain its crusty exterior while keeping the inside moist. If you need to store it for a longer period, consider slicing the loaf and placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy frozen slices, simply toast them directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature. Reheating brings back the delightful texture and flavor, so you can savor every bite as if it were freshly baked!
Sourdough Starter Care
Maintaining a healthy sourdough starter is essential for successful baking. Feed your starter regularly with equal parts flour and water to keep it lively and active. A well-fed starter should double in size within a few hours after feeding, indicating that it’s ready to use in your recipes.
If you're not baking frequently, you can store your starter in the refrigerator. Just remember to feed it once a week and bring it to room temperature before using it in your sourdough recipes for the best results.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them before adding to the dough.
→ How do I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
→ Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Raspberries or blackberries would also work well in this recipe.
→ What if I don’t have a sourdough starter?
You can make a simple bread dough with yeast instead, but the flavor and texture will differ.
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Almond Topping
This delightful Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Almond Topping is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a great choice for breakfast or a snack.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Quick Healthy Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Sourdough Bread
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Almond Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Fold in the blueberries gently.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the sliced almonds, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the almond topping evenly over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 8g