Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka is a delicious, next-level pastry filled with a sweet and tangy blueberry and lemon filling. The dough is enriched with sourdough starter, creating a soft and slightly tangy base, while the filling brings a burst of fruity and zesty flavors. Topped with a simple lemon syrup, this babka is perfect for brunch or as a special dessert, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sweet Levain:

• 5g sugar

• 15g active sourdough starter (100% hydration, white)

• 30g whole milk (cold)

• 40g all-purpose flour

For the Tangzhong:

• 80g whole milk

• 20g all-purpose flour

For the Main Dough:

• 320g all-purpose or bread flour

• 50g sugar

• 100g eggs (about 2 medium eggs)

• 110-130g whole milk (cold)

• All the levain

• All the tangzhong

• 6g sea salt

• 65g softened butter

For the Blueberry and Lemon Filling:

• 200g frozen blueberries

• 95g sugar

• 2 tsp lemon juice (10g)

• 1 tsp lemon zest (2g)

For the Lemon Syrup:

• 40g sugar

• 30g water

• 2 tsp lemon juice (10g)

Directions

1. Make the Levain:
   Combine the sugar, sourdough starter, milk, and flour in a bowl. Leave it in a warm spot for 8-10 hours until it has doubled or tripled in size.

2. Prepare the Tangzhong:
   Combine milk and flour in a small pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches 150°F (65°C). Cool to room temperature.

3. Make the Dough:
   Combine all ingredients except salt and butter in a stand mixer. Mix until just combined and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse). Add salt, and knead on medium speed for 10 minutes. Gradually add butter, one cube at a time. Continue kneading until the dough passes the windowpane test (around 15-25 minutes).

4. First Proofing:
   Transfer dough to an oiled bowl and proof at 75°F (24°C) for 2 hours. Afterward, place it in the fridge for 8-12 hours for cold proofing.

5. Make the Blueberry Lemon Filling:
   Combine all filling ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-20 minutes until thick. Cool to room temperature.

6. Shape the Babka:
   Roll the dough into a 13×13 inch square. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a ½ inch border. Roll up the dough like a roulade. Rest in the fridge for 20 minutes, then cut the roll in half lengthwise. Braid the two halves, placing the braid in a buttered 10-inch bread tin. Proof for 6-8 hours until it fills about 80% of the tin.

7. Bake and Make the Lemon Syrup:
   Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Bake for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 20 minutes. Make the syrup by dissolving sugar, water, and lemon juice in a pot, then cool.

8. Finish the Babka:
   Brush the baked babka with the cooled lemon syrup. Let cool in the tin for a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

A Perfectly Balanced Dough with Sourdough Starter

What makes this Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka stand out from the typical babka is the enriched sourdough starter. Sourdough adds a subtle tang to the dough, creating a base that is soft, airy, and slightly chewy. The addition of levain (a sourdough starter mixture) enhances the flavor profile, creating depth and complexity that you won’t find in a regular babka. This tangy dough serves as the perfect counterpoint to the sweet blueberry lemon filling, resulting in a beautifully balanced pastry.

The dough itself is enriched with butter, milk, eggs, and a bit of sugar, making it tender and flavorful. The process involves a long fermentation period, which allows the dough to develop its unique sourdough character. A cold proofing period further enhances the texture and flavor, making the dough more flavorful and easier to shape.

The Sweet and Tangy Blueberry Lemon Filling

The filling of this babka is where the magic happens. Made with frozen blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, the blueberry and lemon mixture bursts with vibrant, fruity flavor. The sweet blueberries are complemented by the tangy citrus notes of lemon, creating a filling that is rich yet refreshing.

To achieve the right consistency, the blueberry lemon mixture is simmered until it thickens, which helps to prevent any sogginess in the babka once it is baked. This delicious filling is spread evenly over the dough before it is rolled up into a roulade, giving the babka its signature swirl. The combination of the rich dough and fruity filling results in a pastry that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Lemon Syrup: A Sweet, Citrusy Finish

The finishing touch to this Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka is the lemon syrup, which is brushed over the babka after baking. The syrup is made by dissolving sugar, water, and lemon juice, creating a sweet, tangy glaze that adds shine and a burst of citrus flavor. This syrup not only enhances the babka’s flavor but also gives it a beautiful glossy finish that makes the pastry even more appealing.

The syrup soaks into the babka, providing moisture and sweetness to the crumb. This extra layer of lemony sweetness complements the tangy dough and fruity filling, bringing the entire pastry together. The result is a babka that is perfectly balanced, with each bite offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

The Process: An Artful, Step-by-Step Journey

Making Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka is a labor of love, with each step contributing to the final pastry’s unique flavor and texture. The process begins with making the levain (sourdough starter mixture) and allowing it to rise overnight. This starter provides the tangy flavor that sets this babka apart from traditional sweet rolls.

The dough is then made by combining the levain with milk, eggs, sugar, flour, and salt. After mixing and kneading the dough, it undergoes two proofing phases, one at room temperature and another in the fridge. The cold fermentation process helps to develop the dough’s flavor and texture, making it easier to work with and enhancing the overall result.

Once the dough has risen, it’s shaped into a square, filled with the blueberry and lemon mixture, and rolled up. The dough is then braided, giving the babka its signature swirl. After a final proofing period, the babka is baked to golden perfection, and the syrup is brushed over the top to give it a glossy, sweet finish.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Brunch

Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka is an elegant and impressive pastry that is perfect for special occasions or brunch gatherings. Its intricate swirl pattern and vibrant flavors make it an eye-catching centerpiece, and the combination of soft dough, tangy filling, and lemon syrup is sure to impress guests.

This babka pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a fantastic addition to any brunch spread. Whether served for a holiday breakfast or a casual weekend brunch, this pastry adds a touch of sophistication and indulgence to any meal.

Nutritional Information

As a rich, buttery pastry filled with blueberries, sugar, and topped with a sweet syrup, Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka is best enjoyed as an occasional treat. While the exact nutritional information will vary based on portion size, this babka contains a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, with each slice providing a delightful combination of energy-boosting ingredients. It’s a great treat to indulge in when you want something sweet, fruity, and satisfying.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Masterpiece

Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka is an extraordinary pastry that offers a beautiful balance of tangy sourdough dough, fruity blueberry lemon filling, and a sweet, citrusy finish. The combination of flavors and textures in this babka makes it a standout treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a special brunch, serving it at a gathering, or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this babka will surely be a hit.

While the process of making this pastry takes time and patience, the results are well worth the effort. The sweet levain, the rich dough, the fruity filling, and the lemon syrup all come together to create a pastry that is truly next-level. So, gather your ingredients and take the time to create this delicious Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Babka – the results will leave everyone wanting more.