Bake the Perfect Gluten-Free Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

There’s something truly magical about the combination of bright, zesty lemon and sweet, juicy blueberries. It’s a flavor pairing that evokes images of sunny mornings and delightful afternoon treats. While blueberries are often celebrated during their peak season, modern availability means these delicious berries are readily accessible year-round, making this a perfect recipe for any time. Coupled with the vibrant tang of lemon curd, this Gluten-Free Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring is not just a dessert; it’s an experience.

One of the beauties of this recipe is its flexibility with ingredients. Prepared lemon curd, a staple in many food stores, makes this recipe incredibly convenient. It saves time without compromising on flavor, offering a rich, velvety texture and a delightful citrus punch. However, for those who enjoy the rewarding process of crafting ingredients from scratch, I’ve included a recipe for homemade lemon curd. Don’t feel pressured to make your own; the jarred versions are often surprisingly good and perfectly suitable for this show-stopping ring. The goal is to enjoy the baking process and, ultimately, the delicious result.

The Foundation: Gluten-Free Brioche Dough

The secret to this magnificent ring lies in its base: a rich, tender gluten-free brioche dough. If you haven’t already prepared your dough, I highly recommend checking out my base recipe for gluten-free brioche dough. This recipe is designed to be versatile and yields a dough that, once mastered, opens up a world of gluten-free baking possibilities.

For this particular recipe, you’ll need a 1-pound portion of the prepared dough. This amount, roughly the size of a grapefruit, is perfect for forming a generously sized ring. Alongside this foundational dough, you’ll want to have your chosen lemon curd and a cup of fresh, plump blueberries ready to go. These three main components come together to create a truly unforgettable pastry.

Mastering Gluten-Free Dough: The Rice Flour Advantage

Working with gluten-free dough, especially one as enriched as brioche, can sometimes be a bit different from traditional doughs. The key to success is ample preparation and a secret weapon: rice flour. Gluten-free brioche dough tends to be stickier than its gluten-containing counterpart, but don’t let that intimidate you. With plenty of rice flour at hand, you’ll find it surprisingly manageable.

Think of rice flour as your non-stick shield. You’ll want to sprinkle it generously, not just directly onto the dough itself, but also on your work surface and rolling pin. This liberal application ensures that the dough doesn’t adhere to your tools or counter, allowing you to roll, shape, and handle it with ease. Don’t be shy with it – a little extra flour now will save you a lot of frustration later, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Guidance

**Spread the Sunshine:** Once your gluten-free brioche dough is rolled out into a neat rectangle, it’s time for the star filling. Carefully spread the lemon curd in a thin, even layer across the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. This vibrant, creamy layer will provide the irresistible tang.
**Add the Berries:** Next, sprinkle your fresh blueberries evenly over the lemon curd. Their natural sweetness and burst of color will complement the lemon beautifully. Distribute them thoughtfully to ensure every slice of your ring will have a delightful mix of flavors.

Apologies for not having a picture of this precise step! In my eagerness to bring this beautiful creation to life, I overlooked snapping a shot. But rest assured, the process is straightforward and rewarding.

**Forming the Log:** With the aid of a pastry scraper and a sprinkle of additional rice flour (remember our secret weapon!), gently roll up the dough lengthwise. Take your time to create a tight, even log. This careful rolling ensures that the lemon curd and blueberries remain nestled inside, ready to create beautiful swirls when baked.

**Shaping the Ring:** Once your log is formed, place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Gently bring the ends together to form a beautiful wreath or ring shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal them, creating a continuous circle.
**Flatten and Rest:** After sealing, gently press down on the entire ring so that it is somewhat flattened. This helps ensure even baking and a lovely presentation. Now, let the dough rest for about 45 minutes at room temperature. This brief rest is crucial for the dough to relax and for the flavors to meld, contributing to the final tender texture.

The Finishing Touches: Egg Wash, Sugar, and Cuts

**Pre-Bake Prep:** After the dough has rested, gently brush away any excess rice flour. This ensures a clean surface for the egg wash.
**Golden Glow & Sweet Crunch:** Next, generously paint the entire wreath with an egg wash. This will give your finished ring a beautiful, golden-brown sheen. Immediately after, sprinkle it liberally with coarse sugar. I personally love using a coarse sparkling sugar from Bob’s Red Mill. It not only adds a lovely sparkle but also provides a delightful crunchy, rustic exterior that truly elevates the final product.
**Artistic Cuts:** Finally, using kitchen shears (which work wonderfully with this stickier dough), make evenly spaced cuts all the way around the ring. These cuts, about 1 1/2 inches apart and 1/4 inch deep, not only add visual appeal but also allow the ring to expand beautifully as it bakes, revealing glimpses of the luscious lemon curd and juicy blueberries within.

Baking and Serving Your Golden Treat

**The Bake:** Your Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring will bake to a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Keep an eye on it to ensure it’s well set and perfectly colored. The top may naturally break apart slightly, beautifully showcasing the vibrant fruit and creamy curd beneath.
**Cooling and Enjoying:** Once baked to perfection, allow the ring to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. While it’s tempting to dive right in, a brief cooling period helps the structure set and the flavors deepen. This delightful pastry is truly best when served still warm from the oven, allowing the sweet and tangy notes to shine through.

The Complete Recipe: Gluten-Free Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring

Gluten-Free Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring

Adapted from Gluten-Free Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day

You will need one pound ofGluten-Free Brioche Dough for this recipe. This delightful pastry combines the richness of brioche with the refreshing flavors of blueberries and lemon, perfect for any occasion.

Servings 8 servings

Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

Homemade Lemon Curd (Optional)

6
large egg yolks
1
cup
sugar
1
tablespoon
grated lemon zest
1/2
cup
freshly squeezed lemon juice
8
tablespoons
unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch slices

For the Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring

16
ounces
prepared Gluten-Free Brioche Dough
(approximately grapefruit-size portion)
rice flour, for generous dusting
1/2
cup
lemon curd (homemade or good quality store-bought)
1
cup
fresh blueberries
1
large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
(for egg wash)
2
tablespoons
coarse sparkling sugar, for dusting the top

Instructions

Homemade Lemon Curd Preparation (If making from scratch)

In a double-boiler set over low heat, gently whisk together all of the ingredients except for the butter. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula, ensuring even cooking, until the lemon curd begins to visibly thicken. This process typically takes about 10 minutes, so be patient and keep stirring.
Once thickened, add the pre-sliced butter. Continue to stir until the butter is completely melted and fully incorporated, and the curd achieves a considerably thick consistency. It should resemble smooth, creamy pudding. This richness is key to its delightful texture.
To ensure a perfectly smooth curd, if you notice any small lumps, strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Cover the surface of the curd directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Place it in the freezer briefly to cool down, then transfer it to the refrigerator for storage until ready to use.

Assembling the Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring

Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Generously dust the entire surface with rice flour. This creates a non-stick base for your dough.
Take your prepared Gluten-Free Brioche Dough. Dust its surface with a good amount of rice flour and pull off a 1-pound (grapefruit-size) piece. Dust this piece of dough with even more rice flour and quickly shape it into a smooth ball. The extra flour here is crucial for manageability.
On the prepared baking sheet, roll out the dough ball into a rectangle, aiming for approximately 1/4-inch thickness. As you roll, continuously add rice flour as needed to prevent any sticking to your rolling pin or work surface. Keep that dough moving freely!
Evenly spread the lemon curd over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the fresh blueberries uniformly over the lemon curd. Ensure they are well distributed for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangle, gently and carefully roll up the dough into a log. If the dough begins to stick at any point, use a pastry scraper and additional rice flour to gently nudge it along. Once rolled, pinch the seam closed securely. Gently press down on the log until it is about 2 1/2-inches wide. Carefully join the two ends of the log together to form a wreath or ring shape, ensuring the seam side is down. Pinch the ends together firmly to seal the ring.
Allow the beautifully formed ring to rest at room temperature for 45 minutes. This resting period helps the dough to relax and rise slightly, contributing to a tender final texture.
Fifteen minutes before you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the dough is ready.
After the rest, brush away any visible excess rice flour from the dough. Using a pastry brush, lightly paint the entire wreath with the egg wash for a golden finish, then generously dust it with coarse sparkling sugar. To add visual appeal and allow for even expansion during baking, make evenly spaced cuts all the way around the wreath, about 1 1/2-inches apart and approximately 1/4-inch deep. Since this dough can be quite sticky, kitchen shears are an excellent tool for making these precise cuts without tugging the dough.
Bake the ring in the middle rack of your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it is gorgeously golden brown and thoroughly set. Don’t be alarmed if the top of the ring gently breaks apart slightly; this is natural and beautifully reveals the luscious lemon curd and blueberries inside.
Once baked, remove the ring from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s truly best when enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly and the brioche to be at its most tender.

Enjoy Your Homemade Gluten-Free Treat!

There you have it – a magnificent Gluten-Free Blueberry & Lemon Curd Ring, ready to impress and delight! Whether you’re sharing it with family, bringing it to a gathering, or simply treating yourself, this pastry is a testament to the joy of gluten-free baking. The delicate brioche, the sweet-tart blueberries, and the creamy lemon curd create a harmonious blend that is both comforting and exhilarating. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different berries or citrus curds once you’ve mastered this staple. Happy baking!

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