Sourdough Blueberry Bread: 1 Amazing Loaf

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Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Sourdough blueberry bread has a way of making any morning feel special, and I’ve discovered that creating a perfect sourdough blueberry loaf at home is surprisingly rewarding. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes, a mix of tangy yeast and sweet blueberries, is pure comfort. I remember the first time I tried to make it myself, a bit nervous about the sourdough process, but following a few key steps made all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to make sourdough blueberry bread, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Blueberry Bread

This blueberry sourdough loaf is a winner for so many reasons:

  • The incredible taste: a perfect balance of tangy sourdough and sweet, bursting blueberries.
  • It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an easy sourdough blueberry bread for busy days.
  • You can feel good about serving it, as it uses natural leavening and wholesome ingredients.
  • It’s budget-friendly, especially when you use your own active sourdough starter.
  • The aroma as it bakes will fill your home with a comforting, delicious scent.
  • It’s a fantastic way to use up extra sourdough starter.
  • This easy sourdough blueberry bread is a hit with the whole family, from breakfast to snacks.

Sourdough Blueberry Bread Ingredients

Gathering the right sourdough blueberry bread ingredients is the first step to baking a truly delicious loaf. For this recipe, you’ll need:

  • 2 cups bread flour – This provides the structure for our loaf, giving it that satisfying chew.
  • 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration) – The heart of our bread, providing that signature tangy flavor and natural leavening. Make sure it’s bubbly and active!
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar – To balance the tang of the sourdough and sweeten the blueberries.
  • 1/2 cup whole milk – Adds moisture and richness to the dough, contributing to a tender crumb.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – For a lovely buttery flavor and a softer texture.
  • 1 large egg – Acts as a binder and adds richness to the batter.
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries – The stars of the show! They’ll burst with flavor as the bread bakes.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for balancing flavors and strengthening the dough structure.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.

How to Make Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Making this blueberry sourdough recipe is a journey of simple steps that lead to a wonderfully fragrant loaf. Follow along, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of homemade goodness in no time!

  1. Step 1: Prepare Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, I like to combine all the wet components first to ensure everything is well incorporated. Whisk together your 1 cup active sourdough starter, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until it’s smooth and you can’t see any streaks of egg.
  2. Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    Now, it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the mix. Add the 2 cups bread flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the bowl with your wet ingredients. I usually use a spatula or a wooden spoon for this part. Mix everything until a soft dough just begins to form. It will be a bit shaggy at this stage, which is perfectly normal for this blueberry sourdough recipe.

Sourdough Blueberry Bread: 1 Amazing Loaf - Sourdough Blueberry Bread - additional detail

  1. Step 3: Incorporate Blueberries
    This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the 1 cup fresh blueberries. Be careful not to overmix or crush the berries too much; we want them to stay mostly intact so they burst with flavor when baked. This step is crucial for that delightful sourdough bread with blueberries experience.
  2. Step 4: First Rise
    Transfer your blueberry-filled dough into a greased loaf pan. I find a light coating of butter or cooking spray works well. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place. You’re looking for it to double in size, which usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. The warmth helps activate the sourdough starter.
  3. Step 5: Baking the Loaf
    Once the dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of this homemade sourdough blueberry bread will be incredible!
  4. Step 6: Cooling and Slicing
    Patience is key here for the best results with this artisan sourdough blueberry bread. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Trying to slice it while it’s still hot can lead to a gummy texture, so resist the temptation!

Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough Blueberry Bread

I’ve learned a few tricks that elevate this loaf from good to absolutely amazing. Here are my top tips for baking the best sourdough blueberry bread:

  • Always ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before you begin. A sluggish starter means a sluggish rise.
  • Don’t overwork the dough after adding the flour; gentle mixing is key to a tender crumb.
  • For extra flavor, you can toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of the bread flour before folding them in. This helps prevent them from sinking.
  • Baking in a loaf pan helps control the shape and ensures an even bake for this delicious bread.

What’s the secret to perfect sourdough blueberry bread?

The secret to a perfect loaf lies in a combination of an active, healthy sourdough starter and gentle handling of the dough. This ensures that signature tang and a lovely, airy crumb, leading to the best sourdough blueberry bread. For more baking tips, check out our recipes section.

Can I make sourdough blueberry bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, including folding in the blueberries, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it well and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about an hour before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with sourdough blueberry bread?

A common mistake is overmixing, which can make your sourdough blueberry bread dense. Also, be sure not to crush the blueberries too much when folding them in. If your loaf is still dense, check that your starter was fully active. For other baking ideas, you might like our caramel brownie cheesecake recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Sourdough Blueberry Bread

This delightful bread is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple additions. For a perfect breakfast or brunch, try a slice of this sourdough bread with blueberries toasted and topped with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup really brings out the natural sweetness of the berries. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to a simple fruit salad or a side of scrambled eggs. The tangy notes of the sourdough beautifully complement both sweet and savory breakfasts! If you’re looking for more breakfast ideas, consider our turkey meatloaf recipe.

Nutrition Facts for Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delightful loaf:

  • Calories: 210 calories
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your sourdough blueberry bread. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to resources on food and nutrition.

Sourdough Blueberry Bread: 1 Amazing Loaf - Sourdough Blueberry Bread - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Proper sourdough blueberry loaf storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious bread for days to come. Once your sourdough bread with blueberries has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can warm slices in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. You might also enjoy our boat dip rotel ranch dip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Can I use frozen blueberries in my sourdough blueberry bread?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the dough. Tossing them with a tablespoon of flour before folding can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring a more even distribution throughout your sourdough blueberry loaf.

Why is my sourdough blueberry bread dense?

A dense loaf can be caused by a few things. First, ensure your sourdough starter blueberry bread is active and bubbly before you start; a weak starter won’t provide enough lift. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Gentle incorporation is key for a light crumb. Make sure your environment is warm enough for the rise, as this is crucial for naturally leavened blueberry bread. For a different bread experience, try our keto cottage cheese bread recipe.

What makes sourdough blueberry bread taste so good?

The magic comes from the sourdough starter itself! The fermentation process creates that signature tangy flavor, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the blueberries. This combination, along with the natural leavening, gives the bread a unique depth of flavor and a wonderfully soft texture that you just can’t get with commercial yeast.

How do I get a good crust on my sourdough blueberry bread?

For a beautiful crust, you can try baking the bread in a Dutch oven or a covered pot. This traps steam, which helps the crust expand and develop a lovely golden-brown color. Alternatively, spraying some water into the oven just before you put the bread in can also create a crispier exterior for your blueberry sourdough recipe. If you’re interested in other baking techniques, explore our crispy roasted cauliflower.

Variations of Sourdough Blueberry Bread You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic loaf, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many delicious ways to tweak this sourdough blueberry bread recipe. For those seeking a healthier option, you can explore making gluten-free sourdough blueberry bread by substituting the bread flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking. Similarly, creating a vegan sourdough blueberry bread is simple; just swap the butter for vegan butter and the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. You could also try adding lemon zest for a brighter flavor, or a swirl of blueberry jam for an extra burst of sweetness. Experimenting with these variations makes every batch of sourdough bread with blueberries a new adventure!

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Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Sourdough Blueberry Bread: 1 Amazing Loaf


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  • Author: Fenna Saul
  • Total Time: 70 minutes (plus rising time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This sourdough blueberry bread recipe offers a delightful combination of tangy sourdough and sweet blueberries. It’s a comforting loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack, with a slightly dense crumb and a wonderful aroma.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups bread flour
  • 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  2. Add the bread flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
  4. Transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure your sourdough starter is active and fed before using.
  • If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can increase the sugar slightly.
  • Frozen blueberries can be used, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
  • Cool the bread completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Baking, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210 calories
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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