If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something incredibly satisfying about turning every bit of your sourdough discard into a delicious treat. This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe is a perfect way to do just that—moist, tender, and bursting with warm cinnamon sweetness. It’s a quick bread that combines pantry staples with your sourdough discard, resulting in a loaf that’s superb for breakfast, snack time, or even a cozy dessert. The cinnamon swirl adds that delightful spice and caramelized sugar touch that makes each bite unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep making it whenever you have discard leftover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe keeps the ingredient list wonderfully simple, highlighting how each element plays a crucial role, from structure to flavor. These easy-to-find staples come together to create a bread that’s both soft and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
- All-purpose flour: The building block of your bread that gives it structure and a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and warmth, perfectly complementing the cinnamon.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the bread.
- Egg: Provides moisture and richness while helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Milk: Keeps the bread soft and adds a creamy note to the batter.
- Melted butter: Brings indulgence, moisture, and a subtle buttery flavor.
- Sourdough discard: Contributes a gentle tang and a lovely tender texture, making this bread feel extra special.
- Brown sugar and cinnamon (for the swirl): The star duo that creates a sweet, spicy ribbon throughout the bread.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep your oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread bakes evenly and comes out cleanly without sticking—an easy start to baking success.
Step 2: Mix up the cinnamon swirl blend
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. This simple mix will create those luscious sweet layers that make this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
Into a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, remaining brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps you evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the bread.
Step 4: Whisk the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, milk, melted butter, and sourdough discard until smooth and well combined. This mixture will bring moisture and richness, ensuring your bread doesn’t turn out dry or dense.
Step 5: Bring wet and dry together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here! Slight lumps are okay and will help keep your bread tender.
Step 6: Layer the batter and sprinkle the swirl
Pour half of the batter into your greased loaf pan and sprinkle the majority of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Then, pour the remaining batter over this and finish with the last of the cinnamon sugar on top.
Step 7: Create those signature swirls
Take a knife and gently run it through the batter in the loaf pan to swirl the cinnamon sugar ribbon into the bread. This step gives the bread its beautiful marbled effect and disperses the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
Step 8: Bake your bread
Place your loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate your cinnamon bread to new heights. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top to make it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a more substantial bite, serve it alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, which complement the cinnamon’s warmth beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting slices and topping them with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a simple yet elegant treat. You can also cut thicker slices and use them as a base for French toast, turning this morning favorite into an extraordinary brunch showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to two days. This helps retain its freshness and moisture without drying out.
Freezing
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing to make thawing slices easier. Wrap slices individually or the whole loaf tightly in freezer-safe packaging, and store for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at a low temperature until heated through. Adding a dab of butter before warming can make each bite extra comforting and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Active sourdough starter contains more yeast activity, which could change the rise and texture of this bread. It’s best to use discard as the recipe is designed to utilize its milder fermentation character.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the swirl?
You can substitute with white granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses or honey to mimic brown sugar’s richness, but brown sugar really brings depth and moisture to the swirl that’s hard to beat.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins can add a lovely texture and burst of flavor. Just fold them into the batter gently before layering it into the pan.
Is this bread suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s a fantastic recipe for bakers of all levels. The instructions are straightforward, and you don’t have to worry about complex sourdough timing since you’re working with discard.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best indicator is a clean toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf after baking time. If it comes out with wet batter, give your bread a few more minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe enough for anyone looking to turn their sourdough discard into something truly scrumptious and comforting. It strikes a perfect balance of easy prep, beautiful flavor, and tender texture that will quickly make it a favorite in your home. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch this humble loaf become your new go-to treat!
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Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful quick bread that perfectly incorporates sourdough discard to reduce waste. Swirled with a cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar (divided)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
Swirl Mixture
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Swirl Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, remaining brown sugar, baking powder, and salt ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and sourdough discard until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined; be cautious not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Layer the Batter and Swirl: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle most of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top and distribute the rest of the swirl mixture evenly.
- Create Cinnamon Swirls: Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter layers, combining the swirl mixture with the bread batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
Notes
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- This bread is best enjoyed within 2-3 days but can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk and butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients will enhance the flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
