Fruit Cream Sourdough
Fruit Cream Sourdough is a delightful twist on traditional bread that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of fresh blueberries and creamy cheese. This unique loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat any time of day. The combination of flavors and textures makes this bread a standout choice for gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a comforting homemade delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of blueberries, cream cheese, and lemon zest creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it toasted with butter, paired with coffee, or as part of a brunch spread.
- Artisan Quality: With a beautiful crust and soft interior, this fruit cream sourdough resembles bakery-quality bread right at home.
- Easy to Make: With a bit of patience and love, you can create this stunning loaf without needing professional baking skills.
- Healthier Alternative: Made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, this recipe offers a wholesome option for your breakfast table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious process of creating Fruit Cream Sourdough, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Banneton
- Dough scraper
- Kitchen scale
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: It retains heat well and creates steam, resulting in a perfect crust.
- Banneton: This proofing basket helps maintain the shape of the dough during its final rise.
- Dough scraper: Useful for handling sticky dough and dividing portions cleanly.
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
Combine flour, water, and starter in a mixing bowl. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes. After resting, add the salt and knead until well incorporated. Cover the mixture and let it rest for 4-6 hours. During this time, perform stretch-and-fold techniques every 30 minutes to develop gluten.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, lemon zest, and sugar until smooth. This mixture will add richness to your bread.
Step 3: Incorporate Blueberries
During the final stretch-and-fold process of your dough, gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Be careful not to crush them.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Spread your dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Add the cream cheese mixture in the center and roll it up tightly into a ball while keeping the filling inside.
Step 5: Proofing Time
Place your dough seam-side up in a banneton. Cover it well and refrigerate for 8-12 hours for an overnight cold proof that enhances flavor development.
Step 6: Baking Process
Preheat your oven with the Dutch oven inside at 250°C (482°F). Once preheated, carefully place your dough into the hot pot. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Then remove the lid, lower the temperature to 220°C (428°F), and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Add Glaze
Once baked, brush your warm loaf with a mixture of honey and lemon juice for added sweetness and shine. Enjoy your freshly baked Fruit Cream Sourdough!
How to Serve Fruit Cream Sourdough
Fruit Cream Sourdough is a delightful and versatile loaf perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or a special brunch, here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious bread.
Breakfast Delight
- With Cream Cheese Spread: Slather on more cream cheese for a rich and creamy breakfast option.
- Topped with Fresh Fruits: Add sliced strawberries or kiwi for a refreshing twist.
Brunch Option
- Accompanied by Honey Butter: Whip honey into softened butter for a sweet spread that pairs perfectly with the sourdough.
- Served with Yogurt: Pair slices of the bread with a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with granola.
Dessert Treat
- Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: For a decadent dessert, drizzle melted chocolate over the slices.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Snack Idea
- Toasted with Jam: Toast slices and top them with your favorite jam for a simple yet satisfying snack.
- As French Toast: Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook until golden brown for a fruity take on French toast.
How to Perfect Fruit Cream Sourdough
Perfecting your Fruit Cream Sourdough requires attention to detail and practice. Here are some tips to ensure your loaf turns out beautifully every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your blueberries are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your sourdough.
- Maintain Starter Health: Keep your sourdough starter active by regularly feeding it, which will improve the rise and taste.
- Monitor Dough Temperature: The ideal dough temperature should be around 24°C to promote good fermentation.
- Practice Stretch and Folds: Be gentle yet thorough during stretch-and-folds to develop gluten without damaging the fruit.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure proper baking temperature; this is key for achieving that perfect crust.
- Let It Cool Completely: Allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack before slicing to prevent gumminess inside.
Best Side Dishes for Fruit Cream Sourdough
Pairing side dishes with Fruit Cream Sourdough can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great side dish ideas that complement this unique bread beautifully.
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the bread.
- Bacon or Sausage Links: Crispy bacon or savory sausage adds hearty protein, making it a filling meal.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and goat cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the blueberries.
- Fruit Compote: Serve warm fruit compote on the side to enhance the fruity flavors of the sourdough.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide a classic breakfast pairing that complements the bread nicely.
- Avocado Toast Topping: Top slices with smashed avocado, salt, and pepper for a trendy twist on toast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Fruit Cream Sourdough, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Ignoring hydration levels: Not measuring the water accurately can lead to a dry dough. Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Neglecting the sourdough starter: Using an inactive starter will affect your bread’s rise. Ensure your starter is bubbly and fed before starting the recipe.
- Over-kneading the dough: This can produce tough bread. Knead only until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Skipping the resting time: Rushing through fermentation leads to dense bread. Allow adequate time for each rise for best results.
- Not using a Dutch oven: Baking without one can cause uneven cooking. A Dutch oven traps steam, creating that perfect crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fruit Cream Sourdough
- Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fruit Cream Sourdough
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds; cover with a damp paper towel.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Fruit Cream Sourdough, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?
Look for bubbles and a pleasant smell. If it doubles in size after feeding within 4-6 hours, it’s ready to use.
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes, but fresh blueberries yield better flavor and texture. If using frozen, add them directly from the freezer.
Is Fruit Cream Sourdough suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! Its delightful flavors make it a perfect breakfast or brunch choice.
How can I customize my Fruit Cream Sourdough?
Feel free to mix different fruits like raspberries or peaches, or add spices such as cinnamon for variety.
What should I serve with Fruit Cream Sourdough?
Pair it with yogurt or enjoy it plain with butter. It also complements coffee beautifully!
Final Thoughts
Fruit Cream Sourdough is not just a loaf; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors and textures. Customize it with your favorite fruits or spices to make it uniquely yours. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
Fruit Cream Sourdough
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Fruit Cream Sourdough is a delightful treat that elevates traditional sourdough bread with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh blueberries, creamy cheese, and a hint of lemon. This artisanal loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack any time of day. With its beautiful crust, soft interior, and versatile uses—from being enjoyed toasted to served with yogurt—this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Easy to make even for beginner bakers, this fruit-filled sourdough will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and offer a wholesome alternative to store-bought breads.
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
- In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, water, and sourdough starter. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Add salt and knead until blended. Cover and let rise for 4-6 hours, performing stretch-and-fold every 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix cream cheese, lemon zest, and sugar until smooth.
- During the final stretch-and-fold, gently incorporate blueberries into the dough.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Place the cream cheese mixture in the center and roll tightly.
- Place seam-side up in a banneton, cover, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
- Preheat your oven with a Dutch oven inside at 250°C (482°F). Transfer the dough to the pot and bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove lid, lower temperature to 220°C (428°F), and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush warm loaf with honey-lemon glaze.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Artisan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice, approx. 60g
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
