The Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is a delightful way to transform your sourdough starter discard into a warm, comforting loaf brimming with sweet cinnamon goodness. This bread boasts tender crumb and a beautiful cinnamon swirl that melts into the dough, creating layers of flavor with every bite. Whether you are an avid baker looking to reduce waste or someone craving a luscious cinnamon bread, this recipe brings joy with its moist texture and inviting aroma, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, relying on pantry staples that combine to create a rich, flavorful bread with a tender crumb and that signature cinnamon swirl. Each ingredient plays its part—from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the brown sugar adding deep sweetness and moisture to the loaf.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, offering structure and a soft texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and moisture for tenderness and depth of flavor.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread the gentle lift needed for a light, fluffy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
- Milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender with creamy notes.
- Melted butter: Infuses the loaf with flavor and a soft texture.
- Sourdough discard: Adds a subtle tang and helps reduce waste while boosting the bread’s complexity.
- Brown sugar and cinnamon (for the swirl): These create the iconic, sweet cinnamon ribbons that make this bread irresistible.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly. This ensures the bread bakes evenly and releases effortlessly from the pan once done. Taking a moment here sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the process.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl mixture. This simple blend is the secret to those luscious pockets of cinnamon sweetness that will weave through your bread. Having this ready means the magic is just moments away.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, remaining brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures your bread will rise evenly and have a balanced sweetness and flavor throughout.
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg, milk, melted butter, and sourdough discard together until smooth. The sourdough discard brings a gentle tang and a tender crumb, elevating this cinnamon bread beyond the ordinary.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the key to a soft and fluffy bread is gentle handling. You want all the ingredients to come together without developing too much gluten.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle most of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to swirl the mixture gently through the batter, creating beautiful, irresistible cinnamon ribbons.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a tantalizing sign that a golden, tender loaf awaits. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before slicing to enjoy those perfect cinnamon swirls.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread shines on its own, a light smear of butter or a drizzle of honey takes it to another level of indulgence. For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top right before serving. These little additions highlight the warm cinnamon tones and add a beautiful finish.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon swirl bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a superb breakfast or afternoon treat. For a heartier experience, serve alongside creamy yogurt, fruit compote, or even a spread of nut butter for extra richness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this bread thick for a satisfying French toast or cut into cubes for cinnamon sugar bread pudding that will wow your guests. You can also toast slices lightly and top with cream cheese and fresh berries for a delightful snack or brunch item. The possibilities with this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe are delightfully endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for about 2 to 3 days, ready whenever you want a quick sweet slice.
Freezing
If you want the bread to last longer, freezing is the way to go. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Your bread should maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring frozen or room-temperature bread back to life, pop slices into a toaster or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. Reheating enhances the cinnamon aroma and restores the soft, tender texture just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without sourdough discard?
Yes, you can substitute the sourdough discard with an equal amount of yogurt or buttermilk to maintain moisture and slight tang, but the unique flavor from discard is what makes this recipe special.
Is this bread sweet or more like traditional bread?
This bread leans toward a sweet, cinnamon-flavored quick bread rather than a traditional savory loaf, making it perfect for breakfast or snack time.
How important is the swirl step?
The swirl creates the iconic cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread, adding bursts of sweetness and spice. While optional, it’s highly recommended for that classic cinnamon swirl bread experience.
Can I use this recipe with active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Active starter usually contains live yeast, which can affect rising time and texture. Using discard keeps things simple and reliable. If you use active starter, watch for quicker rising and adjust baking time accordingly.
Does this recipe require kneading?
No kneading is needed here since this is a quick bread-style recipe enhanced by baking powder, making it super simple and fast to prepare without the fuss of traditional bread making.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, satisfying way to use your sourdough discard, this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s straightforward, wonderfully flavorful, and yields a tender, sweet loaf that will warm your heart and your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, give it a whirl, and enjoy every comforting slice with a big smile.
Print
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is a delightful way to use up your sourdough discard by making a moist, sweet, and flavorful loaf with a delicious cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it balances the tangy sourdough flavor with cinnamon and brown sugar sweetness baked into a tender quick bread.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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 ensure the bread does not stick during baking.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon to create the flavorful swirl mixture that gives the bread its characteristic cinnamon streaks.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 1 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well mixed and aerated.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle most of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it, then pour the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling the last of the swirl mixture over the top.
- Create Cinnamon Swirls: Using a knife, gently run through the batter in the pan to create swirls, distributing the cinnamon-sugar throughout the loaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense or tough texture.
- Ensure your sourdough discard is refreshed or at room temperature for best results.
- The vanilla extract is optional but enhances the flavor complexity.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- This bread keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be sliced and frozen for longer storage.
