Irresistible Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Delight

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is the kind of cozy homemade loaf that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and brown sugar. It is soft, tender, easy to make, and a wonderful way to use up extra sourdough discard without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is simple enough for a weekday bake but special enough to serve for brunch or a sweet afternoon treat. The cinnamon swirl adds rich flavor in every slice, while the sourdough discard brings subtle depth and keeps the loaf moist. It is family-friendly, comforting, and made with pantry staples.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well.
2. In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup brown sugar and the cinnamon to make the swirl filling. Set aside.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/3 cup brown sugar.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard until smooth.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Sprinkle about three-fourths of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
8. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.
10. Bake the Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

• Do not overmix the batter or the loaf may turn dense.
• For a cleaner swirl, drag the knife gently through the batter only a few times.
• If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
• Room-temperature egg and milk help the batter mix more evenly.
• You can add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar in the filling.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 55–60 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf, about 8–10 slices
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Vegetarian

Notes

• A light glaze made with powdered sugar and milk can be added after cooling for extra sweetness.
• This loaf tastes wonderful served slightly warm with butter.
• For a softer breakfast-style loaf, slice and warm it briefly before serving.
• Make sure your sourdough discard is unfed and well stirred before measuring.

Nutrition

Approximate per slice, based on 10 slices:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 9g

FAQ

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use active starter, but sourdough discard works especially well here because this loaf relies on baking powder for lift.

Does this bread taste sour?

Not strongly. The sourdough discard adds a mild tang and depth, but the cinnamon and brown sugar are the main flavors.

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Yes. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread keeps well for a few days, so it is great for baking ahead.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Let the bread cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Why is my loaf dense?

A dense loaf usually comes from overmixing the batter or adding too much flour.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes. Chopped nuts or raisins work well in the batter or layered into the cinnamon swirl.

Storage

Store the loaf tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf wrapped well. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven.

Similar Recipes

• Glazed Sourdough Lemon Cake That Melts in Your Mouth
• Sourdough Discard Tortillas Recipe

Conclusion

This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is an easy, cozy bake that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. With its tender crumb and sweet cinnamon swirl, it is a delicious way to use sourdough discard and make homemade baking feel effortless.