Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread

This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is the perfect way to use up leftover sourdough starter while creating a soft, sweet, and beautifully swirled loaf. With warm cinnamon sugar layers and a tender crumb, it’s a comforting homemade treat ideal for breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread for its moist texture, rich cinnamon flavor, and simple preparation. It’s beginner-friendly, requires no yeast, and transforms sourdough discard into a bakery-style loaf the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Fresh baked cinnamon swirl bread with golden crust and sweet filling layers.
Warm cinnamon swirl bread fresh from oven
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (for batter)
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon (for swirl)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (for swirl)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl; set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.
  4. In another bowl, mix egg, milk, melted butter, and sourdough discard until smooth.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan.
  7. Sprinkle ¾ of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  8. Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the swirl mixture.
  9. Use a knife to create a swirl pattern.
  10. Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  11. Cool before slicing.

This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread should have a soft crumb and a rich cinnamon swirl throughout.

Close-up slice of cinnamon bread showing rich brown sugar swirl and moist interior.
Homemade cinnamon bread with sweet layers

Tips & Tricks

  • Do not overmix to keep the bread tender
  • Use active sourdough discard for better flavor
  • Add chopped nuts or raisins for texture
  • Let the bread cool fully before slicing
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal

Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Sourdough discard cinnamon bread loaf with visible cinnamon swirl and soft crumb texture.
Soft sourdough discard cinnamon bread with swirl

Notes

  • Swap milk with plant-based milk if needed
  • Add a simple glaze for extra sweetness
  • Store slices individually for easy grab-and-go

Nutrition (Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 32g
  • Fat: 9g

FAQ

What is sourdough discard?
It’s the leftover starter removed during feeding.

Can I make this without sourdough discard?
Yes, but it will lose its signature flavor.

Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing or expired baking powder may be the cause.

Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, slice and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, adjust to taste without affecting structure too much.

Storage

  • Room Temperature: 3 days in airtight container
  • Fridge: Up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Warm slices in microwave or oven
Homemade sourdough cinnamon bread sliced on wooden board with soft texture.
Easy sourdough discard loaf recipe

Similar Recipes

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread

Soft sourdough discard cinnamon bread with sweet swirl layers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  • In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl; set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.
  • In another bowl, mix egg, milk, melted butter, and sourdough discard until smooth.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
  • Pour half the batter into the pan.
  • Sprinkle ¾ of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  • Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the swirl mixture.
  • Use a knife to create a swirl pattern.
  • Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool before slicing.
  • This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread should have a soft crumb and a rich cinnamon swirl throughout.

Notes

  • Swap milk with plant-based milk if needed

Conclusion

This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is a simple yet flavorful way to reduce waste while baking something truly comforting. With its soft texture and sweet cinnamon swirl, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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