Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Crushed Nuts

Name: Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Crushed Nuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups bread flour; 1 cup sourdough starter (active); 1 cup water (room temperature); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup crushed nuts (walnuts or almonds)

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes

Delight in the tangy and sweet combination of lemon and blueberries in this unique sourdough bread, enriched with the crunch of crushed nuts.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-27T20:58:28.083Z

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Crushed Nuts is a delightful twist on traditional sourdough bread. The zesty lemon and sweet blueberries create a perfect balance, while the crushed nuts add a satisfying crunch. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe is sure to impress!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tangy lemon flavor paired with sweet blueberries
Unique texture with the crunch of crushed nuts
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough is a delightful fusion of tangy and sweet sensations. The vibrant lemon zest cuts through the natural sweetness of the blueberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Each bite delivers a burst of fruitiness that is enhanced by the distinct sour notes from the sourdough starter, making it an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.

The addition of crushed nuts adds not only flavor but also a delightful crunch to the bread. Whether you choose walnuts or almonds, their earthy notes complement the bright citrus and juicy berries perfectly. This unique combination of textures elevates the bread, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Versatile Serving Options

This Lemon Blueberry Sourdough is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various moments throughout your day. Serve it warm for breakfast alongside a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a comforting start to your morning. The combination of flavors pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a lovely addition to your brunch spread.

For a delightful afternoon snack, enjoy a slice topped with cream cheese or yogurt, and a sprinkle of additional lemon zest or fresh blueberries. This bread also makes an excellent base for French toast or bread pudding, allowing you to creatively use leftovers in a delicious way. The possibilities are endless!

Baking Tips for Success

When making sourdough, the quality of your starter is crucial. Ensure that your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before beginning the recipe, as this will help the dough rise properly and develop its characteristic tangy flavor. If you're unsure about your starter's readiness, a simple float test can confirm its activity: drop a small spoonful into a glass of water; if it floats, it’s ready to use.

Additionally, be mindful of the temperature and humidity in your kitchen. Sourdough can be sensitive to these factors, so adjustments may be necessary. If your dough seems too sticky, a light dusting of flour during shaping can help. And remember, patience is key; allowing the dough to rise fully will lead to a better flavor and texture in the finished bread.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

2 cups bread flour
1 cup sourdough starter (active)
1 cup water (room temperature)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup crushed nuts (walnuts or almonds)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and allow to rise.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sourdough starter, water, salt, and sugar. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Incorporate the Flavors

Gently fold in the blueberries, lemon zest, and crushed nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

First Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Loaf

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket.

Second Rise

Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up.

Bake

Carefully remove the Dutch oven, place the loaf inside, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Sourdough with Crushed Nuts!

Storing Your Sourdough

To maintain the freshness of your Lemon Blueberry Sourdough, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing, and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. This makes it easy to grab a slice whenever you crave this delightful treat.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen slices, simply toast them straight from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature. The result will be a deliciously soft and flavorful slice, perfect for any time of day.

Creative Variations

Feeling adventurous? Consider experimenting with different fruits or nuts in this recipe. Raspberries or blackberries can be excellent substitutes for blueberries, providing a slightly different twist on the flavor profile. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warmth and depth of flavor in the bread.

For a more indulgent treat, try adding a swirl of lemon curd or a sprinkle of chocolate chips alongside the blueberries. This will transform your sourdough into a decadent dessert bread, perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to treat yourself!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well, but do not thaw them before adding to the dough.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute the nuts?

Absolutely! You can use any nuts you prefer or even omit them entirely.

→ What if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If it's too cold, try placing it in a warmer spot.