Ready to fall in love with a loaf? The Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe is the ultimate sweet-meets-tangy delight, perfect for using up that precious sourdough discard. This tender, golden bread bursts with juicy blueberries and zingy lemon flavor in every bite, marrying classic comfort and a touch of the unexpected. Whether youโre a seasoned baker or just looking for a new way to make breakfast or snacktime special, youโll swoon over the aroma, flavor, and pure joy baked into every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe lies in its pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is chosen not just for necessity, but for the flavor, moistness, and fluffiness they bring to your loaf. Hereโs what to grab before you preheat your oven:
- Sourdough discard: Adds oomph and a slight tanginess while reducing wasteโa win for your tastebuds and your sourdough starter!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect crumb and structure, making the bread sliceable yet supremely tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- Fresh blueberries: Stud each slice with juicy, fruity burstsโtoss with a little flour to keep them from sinking.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brightens every bite with citrusy zing that plays beautifully with the tang of the discard.
- Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that give rise to a perfectly domed, fluffy bread.
- Eggs: Lend richness, moisture, and help bind the loaf together for easy slicing.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist with just the right hint of richnessโchoose your favorite.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a bakery-style aroma thatโs sure to impress.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Set the mood for baking! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a standard loaf pan. Gather all the ingredients for your Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe, zest and juice the lemon, and toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to keep them suspended in the batter. A little prep now ensures a smooth baking process!
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your sourdough discard, eggs, granulated sugar, oil (or butter), lemon zest and juice, and vanilla extract. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that makes this loaf addictively complex. Be generous with the lemonโit should taste bright and fresh at this stage.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blending these dry ingredients first ensures your bread will rise evenly and avoids any pockets of baking soda. Nowโs also a great time to check the blueberriesโare they evenly dusted with flour and ready to go?
Step 4: Mix and Fold
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet bowl until just combinedโno over-mixing! This will keep your Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe soft and light, not tough. When you can still spot a few streaks of flour, fold in the blueberries carefully, reserving a handful for sprinkling on top if you like a pretty finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the thick, berry-studded batter into your prepared pan and scatter any reserved blueberries across the surface. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it onto a rack so the bottom doesnโt get soggy.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful final touch, dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (just whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice together). A few curls of fresh lemon zest on top look lovely and hint at all the bright flavor within.
Side Dishes
Pair slices with a cup of hot tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat. If serving this Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe at brunch, itโs excellent alongside Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or even a crisp green salad for a sweet-savory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and toasting it lightly, then adding a pat of butter or a swipe of mascarpone for a luxurious breakfast. For a fun twist, cube the baked bread to create bite-sized dessert croutons that you can layer in parfaits or ice cream sundaes. Or make it the star of a casual dessert board with fruit, cheese, and honey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The moisture from the blueberries keeps this loaf tender, but storing it well ensures it stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the fully cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoyโthe flavor develops even further after resting!
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices gently in a 300-degree oven for about 8 minutes to restore their just-baked texture. Or pop a slice in the toaster if you love a bit of crispiness around the edges; the blueberries become extra juicy and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen blueberries, donโt thaw them before adding to the batter. Toss them in a little flour to prevent streaking and to keep them evenly distributed throughout the bread.
What if I donโt have sourdough discard?
While sourdough discard is what gives this Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe its wonderful tang and moistness, you can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute in a pinchโthe flavor profile will be a little different, but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Be sure your sourdough discard is also made with gluten-free starter if youโre baking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
How do I keep the blueberries from sinking?
Toss your fresh or frozen blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the loaf, so every slice is packed with blueberry goodness.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitelyโyou can double the Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe and bake two loaves side by side. Just watch the baking time, as some ovens may require a few extra minutes for multiple loaves.
Final Thoughts
If youโve been searching for an excuse to bake something wonderfully comforting yet a little out-of-the-ordinary, let this Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe be your new go-to. Whether you share it or keep it all to yourself, every tender, zingy, berry-filled bite is pure joy. Gather your sourdough discard and see for yourself why this loaf is impossible to resist!
PrintSourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50โ60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10โ15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread is a moist, tangy, and beautifully tender loaf that marries the fresh zing of lemon with bursts of juicy blueberries. It’s the perfect way to use up sourdough discard, resulting in a bakery-worthy quick bread that’s easy enough for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. No yeast or rising requiredโthis recipe comes together in just over an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (125g) sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blueberries
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour (for tossing berries)
Optional Lemon Glaze
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and mix until combined, then whisk in the sourdough discard, sour cream (or yogurt), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combinedโdo not overmix.
- Prepare and Fold in Blueberries: Toss the blueberries with 1 teaspoon flour, then gently fold them into the batter, being careful not to burst the berries.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and bake for 50โ60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10โ15 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to the batter to prevent discoloration.
- You can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt for sour cream for extra tang and moisture.
- The bread is best the day it’s made but stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container.
- Sourdough discard adds subtle tang and moistureโany 100% hydration discard works here.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts for crunch, or swap blueberries for raspberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
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