Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious way to use up your sourdough starter, you’ve come to the right place! This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread has quickly become a favorite in my home. It’s warm, spiced, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. Not only does it taste divine, but it also helps reduce waste by utilizing leftover sourdough discard. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself on a busy weeknight, this recipe is easy to whip up and delivers delightful results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Waste: Use that leftover sourdough starter instead of throwing it away.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this bread can be yours in just over an hour.
• Delicious Flavor: The cinnamon and brown sugar swirl creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and comforting flavor of this bread.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is simple and enjoyable. Each item is wholesome and easy to find at your local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Bread

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup sourdough discard

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best things about this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is its flexibility. You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand! Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Change the Spice: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.
• Swirl in Chocolate: Add chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
• Fruit Addition: Fold in some diced apples or raisins for added sweetness and texture.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This will create that wonderful swirl inside the bread that adds both flavor and beauty.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, remaining brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute the baking powder evenly so that your bread rises perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and richness to your bread.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your bread tender and fluffy.

Step 6: Layer Batter in Pan

Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top for that lovely swirl effect.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Batter

Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread it gently. Then add the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. This layering creates delicious pockets of flavor throughout.

Step 8: Create Swirls

Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter to combine it slightly with the cinnamon mixture. This step gives your bread those beautiful ribbon-like patterns when it’s baked.

Step 9: Bake Your Bread

Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 10: Cool & Glaze (Optional)

Let cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you’d like to add glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness.

And there you have it! A scrumptious Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread that’s sure to delight everyone who tries it. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’re sure to create a scrumptious loaf of Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread!

• Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh baking powder and spices can significantly enhance the flavors in your bread. Fresh ingredients ensure that your bread rises well and has that delightful cinnamon aroma.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry ones keeps your bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so just mix until you see no dry flour.
• Cool before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes helps it set properly. Cutting too soon can result in a crumbly texture and makes it harder to slice evenly.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits like walnuts or raisins for added texture and flavor. These additions can bring new dimensions to your bread without much effort.
• Store properly: Keeping your bread wrapped tightly at room temperature will help maintain its freshness. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze it in an airtight container.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread

This warm, spiced bread is perfect for various occasions! Whether enjoyed solo, shared with friends, or served at a gathering, there are endless ways to present this delicious treat.

Garnishes

• Cream cheese spread: A light layer of cream cheese adds a creamy contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon bread.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling walnuts or pecans on top not only adds crunch but also brings an extra nutty flavor.
• Fresh fruits: Slices of apple or berries on the side brighten up the plate while complementing the rich flavors of the bread.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt parfait: A bowl of yogurt layered with granola and fresh fruit provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cinnamon bread.
• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein and pair beautifully with the warm spices in your loaf for a satisfying breakfast.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea enhances the cozy vibes of this dish, making it perfect for an afternoon snack or brunch.
• Fruit salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the bread beautifully.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread—it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavor throughout the week. With simple storage methods, you can easily keep this bread fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing.
• Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry out the bread.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy serving later.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, simply pop them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through.
• You can also warm the entire loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• If frozen, let slices thaw at room temperature before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread.

Can I use a different type of flour for Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread?

Yes! You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.

How do I know when my Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should have a golden-brown crust and feel firm to the touch.

Can I add nuts or fruits to my Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, can add extra flavor and texture. Just mix them in gently with the batter.

What should I do if I don’t have sourdough discard?

If you don’t have sourdough discard on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or applesauce for moisture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread as much as I do! It’s such a comforting recipe that not only reduces waste but fills your home with delicious aromas. Whether it’s breakfast or an afternoon snack, there’s something special about sharing this warm, spiced loaf with loved ones. Happy baking!