Fruit Cream Sourdough

Fruit Cream Sourdough is a delightful fusion of flavors that takes traditional sourdough to the next level. This bread features a gorgeous blend of fresh blueberries and creamy cheese, all accented by a hint of lemon and finished with a sweet honey glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this creative loaf offers a unique taste experience that elevates any gathering or meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of blueberries and cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste unlike any other.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a special gathering, this loaf is sure to impress your guests.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this beautiful sourdough loaf.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain, toasted, or with butter for an extra indulgent treat.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh blueberries and lemon zest makes every slice burst with flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To craft the perfect Fruit Cream Sourdough, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Banneton
• Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Kitchen scale
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Banneton: This tool shapes your dough while allowing it to rise, helping achieve that stunning artisan look.
• Dutch oven: It creates a steamy environment ideal for baking sourdough, ensuring a crispy crust and soft interior.

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: Prepare the Dough

Combine the bread flour, water, and sourdough starter. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes. Then add the salt, knead until smooth, cover it, and let it rest for 4-6 hours. Perform stretch-and-fold techniques every 30 minutes during this time.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, lemon zest, and granulated sugar. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Blueberries

During your final stretch-and-fold, gently fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Spread your dough into a rectangle shape on a lightly floured surface. Add your cream cheese mixture on top before rolling it into a ball while keeping the filling inside.

Step 5: Final Resting Period

Place your shaped dough seam-side up in a banneton. Cover it well and refrigerate for 8-12 hours to allow flavors to develop.

Step 6: Bake Your Loaf

Preheat your oven with a Dutch oven at 250°C (482°F). Bake your dough covered for 20 minutes. Then remove the lid and reduce temperature to 220°C (428°F) to bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Glaze Your Bread

Once baked, brush your warm loaf with a mixture of honey and fresh lemon juice for an irresistible shine and flavor boost.

Enjoy slices of this delightful Fruit Cream Sourdough warm or toasted!

How to Serve Fruit Cream Sourdough

Fruit Cream Sourdough is not just a delicious breakfast option; it also pairs beautifully with various toppings and accompaniments. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your freshly baked loaf.

With Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries – The combination of strawberries and blueberries enhances the fruity flavor.
• Raspberry Jam – A smear of raspberry jam adds a sweet-tart contrast that complements the cream cheese filling.

With Spreads

• Honey Butter – This sweet spread adds richness and makes each slice irresistible.
• Lemon Curd – For a zesty twist, spread lemon curd on warm slices for an extra layer of flavor.

As Toast

• French Toast Style – Dip slices in egg mixture and cook on a skillet for a decadent breakfast treat.
• Avocado Toast – Top with smashed avocado, salt, and pepper for a savory complement to the sweet bread.

With Beverages

• Coffee or Tea – Pair your slices with your favorite hot beverage for a comforting morning routine.
• Smoothies – A refreshing fruit smoothie will balance the richness of the cream cheese filling.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Fruit Cream Sourdough

Perfecting Fruit Cream Sourdough takes practice and attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your baking skills.

• Use Active Starter – Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it to achieve optimal rise.
• Watch Dough Consistency – Adjust water slightly if necessary; the dough should be tacky but not overly sticky.
• Proper Stretching Technique – Mastering the stretch-and-fold technique will help develop gluten for better structure.
• Temperature Control – Allow dough to ferment at room temperature for better flavor development before refrigeration.
• Preheat Dutch Oven – Always preheat your Dutch oven to create steam, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
• Cool Before Slicing – Let your bread cool completely before slicing to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Fruit Cream Sourdough

Fruit Cream Sourdough pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt – Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt topped with honey for added creaminess.
2. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the bread.
3. Crispy Bacon – The salty crunch of bacon adds a delightful contrast that complements the sweetness of the loaf.
4. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette refreshes the palate alongside this rich bread.
5. Chia Seed Pudding – For a healthy dessert option, pair with chia seed pudding flavored with vanilla or almond milk.
6. Fruit Salad – A colorful fruit salad can brighten up your plate and enhance the fruity notes in your sourdough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fruit Cream Sourdough can be a fun experience, but it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring the starter’s activity: Ensure your sourdough starter is active before using it. Feed it the night before and wait for it to double in size.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use a kitchen scale for flour and water to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
• Skipping the stretch and folds: These are essential for gluten development. Perform them every 30 minutes during the bulk fermentation for best results.
• Overproofing the dough: If you let your dough rise too long, it can collapse. Keep an eye on its size; it should roughly double in volume.
• Failing to preheat the Dutch oven: A hot Dutch oven helps create steam, resulting in a crispy crust. Preheat it while your dough is in its final proof.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Wrap tightly: Store your Fruit Cream Sourdough wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
• Duration: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fruit Cream Sourdough

• Slice before freezing: Cut your loaf into slices for easier thawing later.
• Use freezer bags: Place slices in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Fruit Cream Sourdough

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Wrap loaf in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Wrap a slice in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy immediately!
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Fruit Cream Sourdough that many home bakers have.

Can I use frozen blueberries in Fruit Cream Sourdough?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure they’re thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when my sourdough is ready to bake?

Look for about doubled size and bubbles on the surface of your dough. A gentle poke should leave an indentation that slowly springs back.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone or ricotta cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other berries or fruits like diced peaches or strawberries for variety.

Final Thoughts

The Fruit Cream Sourdough recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. You can customize it by adding different fruits or spices based on your preferences. Give this delightful loaf a try, and enjoy its unique flavors!