This Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Discard Bread is a treat that makes use of any leftover sourdough starter. It’s soft, slightly tangy, and features a delicious cinnamon sugar swirl in every slice.
Baking this bread fills your home with sweet and cozy scents that’ll make you feel all warm inside! I love enjoying it toasted with a bit of butter for breakfast—yummy and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: The star of the show! Make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best results. If you don’t have a discard, you can use regular sourdough starter, adjusting the flour and water in the recipe accordingly.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture. If gluten-free is preferred, try a gluten-free flour blend, but this may affect how the bread rises.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds fat for tenderness. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter, but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: These are essential for the swirl! You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste. For a twist, try adding nutmeg or cardamom to the mix for extra warmth.
How Do You Knead Dough Effectively?
Kneading dough is crucial for developing gluten, which helps give your bread structure. If you’re unsure how to knead, here’s a simple way to do it:
- Flour your work surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough in the center and press down with the heel of your hand.
- Fold the dough over itself, turn it 90 degrees, and repeat pushing and folding. Do this for about 8-10 minutes.
Don’t rush! The dough should become smoother and more elastic over time. Just remember to keep your spatula handy to scrape off any sticky bits that stick to your hands!
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Loaf?
Shaping helps create a nice structure for your bread. Here’s a quick guide:
- After you’ve rolled out the dough with the filling, roll it tightly from the longer end to get a good swirl.
- Make sure to pinch the seam tightly to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
- Tuck the ends of the log underneath gently to create a smooth top surface.
The more care you take while shaping, the better the bread will look when baked! Enjoy the process and don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’ll still taste great!
Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Discard Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (227g) active sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) water, lukewarm
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast (optional, helps with rise since discard isn’t fully active)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus around 3 hours for rising (including two separate rises). Don’t forget about the baking time of around 35-40 minutes. So, in total, set aside approximately 4 hours for this delicious bake, most of which is waiting for the dough to rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, lukewarm water, and sugar. Stir until everything is well blended. Then, add in the flour, salt, and if you choose to, the instant yeast. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms.
2. Kneading:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes at medium speed if you prefer.
3. Add Butter:
Next, incorporate the softened butter into the dough. Knead it until the butter is fully absorbed and the dough is supple and smooth.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare Cinnamon Filling:
While your dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. This will be the sweet swirl for your bread!
6. Shape the Dough and Add Swirl:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that’s approximately 12×16 inches. Brush melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the top.
7. Form the Loaf:
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends under. Place the log seam-side down in a lightly floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured towel.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. It should become puffed but not doubled in size.
9. Preheat Oven:
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with its lid inside to heat up.
10. Bake the Bread:
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place your risen dough inside, score the top with a sharp knife or lame, and cover it with the lid. Bake it covered for 20 minutes.
11. Finish Baking:
After 20 minutes, remove the lid and bake the bread uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. You want it to be deeply golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Cool:
Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to let that beautiful cinnamon swirl set nicely!
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon swirl sourdough discard bread toasted with a bit of butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or sweet snack! Happy baking!
Can I Use My Sourdough Discard from the Fridge?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best results. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, you may want to feed it a day ahead to reactivate it.
Can I Make This Bread Without Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can skip the instant yeast! Just keep in mind that the rising process will take longer. The bread will still rise, but it may take a few hours longer to get the desired fluffiness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store your bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat!
What Toppings Pair Well with This Bread?
This cinnamon swirl bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it! Try spreading butter, cream cheese, or even Nutella for a yummy treat. Pair it with a warm drink like coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
