Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (Day 1, Evening)

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and active starter. Stir gently to dissolve.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead until smooth, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer with dough hook.
4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Bulk Fermentation and Stretch & Folds

1. Over the next 4 hours, perform 3 stretch-and-folds every 30–45 minutes. Each fold strengthens the gluten and builds structure.
2. After the final fold, let the dough rest at room temperature until slightly puffy (not necessarily doubled). This could take 4–6 hours total, depending on your room temp.

Step 3: Chill Overnight

1. Cover the dough and place it in the fridge overnight (8–12 hours). Cold fermentation deepens flavor and makes shaping easier.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling (Day 2, Morning)

1. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar (if using).
2. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Step 5: Shape and Fill

1. Lightly flour your surface and turn out the chilled dough.
2. Gently flatten into a rectangle, about ¾-inch thick.
3. Spread cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the top.
5. Carefully roll the dough from the short side like a jelly roll.
6. Cut the log in half lengthwise. Twist both halves together, keeping the layers exposed — this makes a gorgeous swirl.
7. Tuck into a greased loaf pan or form into a rustic braid and place in a parchment-lined Dutch oven.

Step 6: Final Proof

1. Let the shaped dough rise at room temperature for 1–3 hours, until puffy and jiggly to the touch.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for loaf pan or 450°F (230°C) if baking in a Dutch oven.

Step 7: Bake

Loaf Pan:

• Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, tenting with foil after 20 minutes if browning too quickly.

Dutch Oven:

• Bake covered at 450°F for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Optional Glaze & Cooling

1. While bread is cooling, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a glaze.
2. Drizzle over the loaf once mostly cool.
3. Let it sit 20–30 minutes before slicing to avoid a gooey interior.

Tips and Lover’s Notes

• Starter Strength: Your starter should float in water when ready — a bubbly, lively culture equals good rise.
• Blueberry Bleed: Toss fresh blueberries lightly in flour before adding to reduce bursting.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, omit egg, and substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or sweetened cashew spread.
• Storage: Keeps for 3–4 days at room temp. Toasts beautifully!

Conclusion: A Loaf to Fall in Love With

Baking this bread is an act of devotion — to yourself, to the people you love, and to the craft itself. It’s tender, layered, sweet, and a little tangy. Like all good love stories, it has complexity, depth, and a beautiful finish.

Serve it warm with tea or gift a slice to someone special. This is not just bread — it’s a moment worth sharing.