Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Mascarpone Spread
Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes
Experience the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in this unique sourdough bread, paired perfectly with a creamy mascarpone spread.
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is a perfect union of flavors that will brighten your breakfast or afternoon tea. The tartness of the lemon complements the sweet blueberries, making each slice a refreshing treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors
- Perfectly fluffy and airy sourdough texture
- Creamy mascarpone spread adds an indulgent touch
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is more than just a delicious bread; it's a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. The tangy notes of fresh lemon zest complement the sweet juiciness of the blueberries, creating a delightful balance. Each slice offers a burst of fruity goodness that makes this bread a standout choice for breakfast or brunch.
This recipe not only marries the sweetness of blueberries with the zestiness of lemon but also integrates the characteristic tang of sourdough. The fermentation process enhances the flavors, resulting in a bread that is both complex and comforting. It's the ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect choice for leisurely weekend mornings.
A Unique Texture Experience
What sets this sourdough apart is its airy and fluffy texture. The combination of all-purpose and bread flour ensures a light crumb, while the addition of blueberries adds moisture and a delightful chew. The crust develops a beautiful golden-brown color during baking, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft interior.
Kneading the dough creates the necessary gluten structure, which contributes to the bread's rise and texture. The slow fermentation process allows the flavors to deepen and the dough to develop a perfect elasticity, making it easy to shape and work with. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a spread, the texture is sure to impress.
Indulgent Mascarpone Spread
Pairing the blueberry lemon sourdough with a creamy mascarpone spread elevates the entire experience. This spread is incredibly easy to make and adds an indulgent touch to your bread. The slight sweetness from honey and the brightness from lemon juice beautifully complement the bread's flavors, making each bite a luxurious treat.
Mascarpone is a versatile cheese that provides a rich, creamy base for the spread. It can be used in various recipes, and when combined with lemon zest and juice, it transforms into a delightful topping that enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread. Serve it as a decadent addition to brunch or as a special afternoon snack.
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Mascarpone Spread
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste!
Instructions
Prepare the Sourdough Starter
In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with warm water. Stir until dissolved.
Mix the Dough
Add all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest to the starter mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add blueberries gently during the last few minutes of kneading.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Prepare the Mascarpone Spread
In a bowl, mix together mascarpone cheese, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
Serve
Let the bread cool before slicing. Serve with the mascarpone spread on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough!
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness of your blueberry lemon sourdough, store it in a paper bag at room temperature. This allows the bread to breathe, preventing it from becoming soggy. If you anticipate not finishing it within a couple of days, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing to make it easy to toast individual pieces later.
When ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and toast them directly from frozen. This will help preserve the texture and flavor, ensuring that each slice tastes just as good as the day it was baked.
Serving Suggestions
This blueberry lemon sourdough pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Try it toasted with a pat of butter for a simple yet satisfying breakfast option. For a more elaborate treat, layer it with the mascarpone spread, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet brunch dish.
Consider serving it alongside a light salad or as a side with grilled meats. The bright flavors of the bread complement savory dishes beautifully, making it a versatile option for any meal. Get creative with your toppings and pairings to discover your favorite combinations!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
→ How do I store the sourdough bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
→ Can I make this bread without a sourdough starter?
You can substitute with store-bought yeast; however, the flavor will differ from traditional sourdough.
→ What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
Cream cheese or ricotta mixed with a bit of cream can be a good substitute.
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Mascarpone Spread
Experience the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in this unique sourdough bread, paired perfectly with a creamy mascarpone spread.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: International Flavor Recipes
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 active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Mascarpone Spread
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with warm water. Stir until dissolved.
Add all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest to the starter mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add blueberries gently during the last few minutes of kneading.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
In a bowl, mix together mascarpone cheese, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
Let the bread cool before slicing. Serve with the mascarpone spread on the side.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g