Delicious Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread to Brighten Your Morning

I still remember the very first time I made Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread. It was one of those chaotic mornings where the kids were running late for school, and I was scrambling to find something wholesome yet comforting for breakfast. I stumbled on an old recipe shared by a fellow mom online (which reminded me a bit of the version at Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Bread – Amy Bakes Bread). The idea of blending zesty lemon zest bread notes with bursts of sweet blueberries felt like a little hug for my busy family.

That first batch was far from perfect, but my family’s reaction surprised me. The kids devoured the slices, and even my picky husband paused to compliment the delicate balance of tang and sweetness. This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread suddenly became a crowd-pleaser—something warm, bright, and a bit special without overwhelming my kitchen time or mealtimes.

Over the weeks, making this artisan sourdough loaf became more than a recipe; it was our cozy ritual. It offers a unique comfort food win, especially since sourdough bread recipes tend to feel a bit intimidating. But this one’s different. It taps into the beauty of fermented bread dough and familiar, family-friendly flavors. For fellow busy moms looking for simple comfort food that isn’t fussy but delivers everything your family needs in one loaf, this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is a perfect place to start.

If you’re curious about how to bring this nourishing, bright bread into your home—packed with lemon zest and sweet blueberries—I’m here to share everything I’ve learned on this lovely journey. And for extra inspiration, I often check other comforting variations like Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread – Country Roads Sourdough. Grab your cozy mug and let’s dig into how easy and satisfying this bread can be!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread including flour, lemons, blueberries, and sourdough starter

Here’s a simple lineup for your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread. Trust me, it’s straightforward because busy moms deserve comfort without complexity!

  • 500g bread flour (You can swap for all-purpose if that’s what’s on hand; it still makes a tasty artisan sourdough loaf)
  • 100g active sourdough starter (Ready fermented bread dough is the magic here!)
  • 300g water (Lukewarm helps the fermentation process along)
  • 10g salt
  • Zest of 2 lemons (Lemon zest bread wouldn’t be the same without this bright punch)
  • 150g fresh blueberries (If frozen, no worries—just fold in gently)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (Optional but adds a soothing sweetness that comforts little taste buds)

No fancy ingredients here — you can find everything at your regular grocery store, making lemon blueberry sourdough bread baking totally doable even with a tight schedule.

A little comfort hack? I sometimes add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, which my kids love for those cozy mornings. Also, swapping regular honey for maple syrup adds a deep warmth, like the maple-blueberry sourdough donut holes from MommiesMore’s recipe (super comforting for after-school snacks!).

For prep shortcuts, zest the lemons and refrigerate in an airtight container a day ahead. Washing and patting dry your blueberries before baking prevents sogginess, giving you a lovely crumb every time.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to bake your own Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread? Here’s my step-by-step to keep you calm and confident in the cozy chaos of your kitchen:

  • Mix flour, water, and sourdough starter in a large bowl. Stir until just combined. This is where the magic of fermented bread dough starts building. Don’t stress if the dough looks shaggy—that’s normal!
  • Autolyse for 1 hour. Cover and let it rest. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s school lunches or chase after your little ones.
  • Add salt, honey, and lemon zest. Fold it into the dough gently. Your kitchen will start smelling a bit like fresh citrus sunshine by now.
  • Gently fold in blueberries about halfway through bulk fermentation so they don’t burst. This step is where blueberry bread baking balances tenderness with beautiful pops of fruit.
  • Bulk ferment for about 4-5 hours at room temp, giving the dough stretch and folds every 30 minutes during the first two hours. Don’t worry if your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread isn’t perfectly smooth—that’s the characteristic charm of artisan sourdough loaf baking.
  • Shape your dough into a round or oval loaf and place it in a well-floured banneton or a bowl lined with a towel.
  • Retard the dough overnight in the fridge. This slow fermentation deepens flavor and helps develop that irresistible crust everyone loves.
  • Preheat your oven with a Dutch oven inside to 450°F (232°C). Carefully turn your loaf into the hot pot, score the top with a sharp blade, and cover with the lid.
  • Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and crackly.
  • Cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing to let those lemon and blueberry flavors settle in fully.

If you want a sneak peek on the sensory cues, your kitchen should smell both tangy and fruity by the baking finish, indicating your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is a hit waiting to happen. For more detailed sourdough bread recipe tips, I’d recommend checking out some tips on reddit where fellow moms rave about a lemon blueberry loaf.

Remember, like many sourdough projects, it takes a bit of patience. The payoff? That perfect loaf that feeds your family comfort, love, and a touch of joyful sweetness.

How We Love to Eat This!

Sliced Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread served with butter and cream cheese

Our family’s favorite way to enjoy Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread? Toasted with a light smear of butter or cream cheese. The warmth melts into the lemon zest bread’s fluffy crumb, highlighting the bursts of blueberry sweetness.

For the kids, pairing it with a simple yogurt cup or a small glass of milk feels like a breakfast celebration. It’s kid-approved because it’s not overly sweet but comforting and nourishing. On extra chilly mornings, I throw in some scrambled eggs or a warm fruit compote to make it more filling.

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread has become our go-to for weekend brunches, especially when friends come over. They always ask for a second slice! I even served it at a casual gathering, and guests raved about its artisan sourdough loaf texture and bright flavor combo.

Leftovers? No worries here. We use them for French toast the next day or toast thin slices for school lunch sandwiches. I’ve also experimented with seasonal variations by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or swapping the blueberries for raspberries during summer. Checking out other comforting bread ideas like MommiesMore’s lemon bread lets me mix things up without complicating my kitchen time.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The sourdough base keeps it hearty, while blueberries give natural sweetness without added sugar. Pair it with protein like nut butter or eggs, and it makes a balanced meal.

What if my picky eater won’t try this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread?
Try to serve it warm with a favorite spread—think cream cheese or honey. I have a few picky eaters who warmed up once they saw it toasted with butter. Also, blending in just a few blueberries at a time can ease them into the flavor.

Can I meal prep this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! I slice and freeze leftovers. Pop slices in the toaster or oven for a quick breakfast or snack anytime. This comfort food saves me from last-minute dinnertime fuss.

Do I really need a sourdough starter?
If you want that authentic fermented bread dough flavor and texture, yes—but don’t stress. You can find starters online or at local baking shops. For a shortcut, some moms use sourdough discard with excellent results (like the sourdough discard lemon loaf).

How do I keep blueberries from sinking or bleeding into the dough?
Coating them lightly in flour before folding helps keep them evenly distributed without turning your bread purple.

Will this recipe work with frozen blueberries?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry the blueberries really well to prevent soggy dough.

How do I know when my Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread is done baking?
The crust should be a deep golden brown, and the loaf will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You’ll smell that irresistible mix of lemon and blueberries showing it’s ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts:

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread supports my family’s comfort food goals by combining nourishing bread with bright, happy flavors. The three comfort hacks I swear by are: pre-zesting lemons the day before, lightly flouring blueberries to keep the crumb light, and overnight retarding for deep flavor development.

For a little variety, we’ve tried swapping blueberries for raspberries, adding a dash of cinnamon, or topping with poppy seeds for a twist. My youngest adores the plain lemon zest bread version, while my husband favors the full-on artisan sourdough loaf loaded with fruit.

I encourage you to make this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread your own way. Mix in your favorite flavors or keep it simple. Either way, this bread proves comforting food can be approachable even in the middle of family chaos.

I hope this brings you many cozy mornings, easy breakfasts, and a little extra joy at the table. For more comforting meal ideas and family-friendly baking adventures, take a peek at the other recipes I love from our community like the maple blueberry sourdough donut holes for fun snack swaps.

Give yourself grace as you try out Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread—no perfection needed, just love and a welcoming kitchen space for your family. Remember, simple comfort food is a gift we all deserve daily!

Print

Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread offers a tangy, naturally fermented loaf bursting with fresh blueberries and bright citrus notes, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup active sourdough starter
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, warm water, lemon juice, and sugar; mix until sugar dissolves.
  2. Add all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, lemon zest, and salt to the liquid mixture; stir until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 4–6 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking stone or sheet inside to heat.
  7. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on parchment paper.
  8. Score the top with a sharp knife to allow expansion.
  9. Transfer the loaf with parchment onto the hot baking stone; bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  10. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an extra zest boost, sprinkle a little powdered sugar mixed with lemon zest on top just before serving.

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