This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough combines the tangy depth of sourdough with the brightness of lemon, the sweetness of blueberries, and the creamy richness of a smooth filling. The result? A soft, flavorful bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re an experienced sourdough baker or just getting started, this recipe is a must-try!
What Is Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough?
This recipe is a lightly sweetened sourdough bread featuring a tender, enriched dough filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and juicy blueberries. The dough is naturally leavened with a sourdough starter, giving it a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweet and creamy filling. The lemon zest enhances the flavor, making every bite bright and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally leavened – No commercial yeast required, just your sourdough starter.
- Perfect balance of flavors – Tangy, sweet, and creamy all in one.
- Versatile – Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the dough the night before for an easy bake the next day.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 g) active sourdough starter
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 4 oz (120 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (75 g) fresh or frozen blueberries

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, flour, salt, and lemon zest until a dough forms.
- Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add the softened butter and continue kneading until fully incorporated.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight) until doubled in size.
Making the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Bread
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches).
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough.
- Sprinkle blueberries on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side to form a loaf.
- Place the rolled dough in a greased loaf pan seam-side down.
- Cover and let it rise for 1–2 hours until slightly puffy.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the loaf cool before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast.
- Toast and spread with butter for an extra indulgent treat.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep the filling fresh.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven before enjoying.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free sourdough starter and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil, use dairy-free milk, and replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
Yes! As long as it’s active and bubbly, it will work perfectly in this recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh blueberries?
Frozen blueberries work just as well. No need to thaw them—just add them straight to the dough.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
Tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough is a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors wrapped in a soft, homemade sourdough bread. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!
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Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough is a soft, tangy, and slightly sweet bread made with an active sourdough starter. It features a luscious cream cheese filling, juicy blueberries, and a hint of lemon zest, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 g) active sourdough starter
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 4 oz (120 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (75 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, flour, salt, and lemon zest until a dough forms.
- Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add the softened butter and knead until fully incorporated.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight) until doubled.
2. Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Shape the Loaf
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle blueberries on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side into a log.
- Place in a greased loaf pan, seam-side down.
- Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until puffy.
4. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Starter Readiness: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise.
- Blueberries: If using frozen, do not thaw before adding to prevent excess moisture.
- Storing: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.
- Serving Tip: Toast a slice and spread with butter for an extra indulgent treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 10 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 210 per slice