This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is soft, moist, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. It’s a great way to use up leftover sourdough discard without any waste, and it doesn’t require a long fermentation or complicated steps. The cinnamon swirl running through the loaf adds sweetness and a bakery-style look, while the discard gives the bread a subtle depth of flavor without being sour. This recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests, especially during fall and winter or holiday mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It uses sourdough discard, so nothing goes to waste
- No yeast required and no long rise time
- Soft, tender crumb with a rich cinnamon swirl
- Perfect for breakfast, coffee time, or gifting
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Ingredients
For the Bread Batter
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, sugar, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sourdough Discard Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread
- Glazed Sourdough Lemon Cake
Variations
- Add a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon layer for crunch.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar for a warmer spice blend.
- Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Add mini cinnamon chips or white chocolate chips for a bakery-style twist.
Cooking Notes
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
- Make sure your sourdough discard is at room temperature for even mixing.
- Swirl gently to keep a visible cinnamon ribbon instead of fully mixing it in.
- Baking times may vary depending on your oven and pan size.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or cream cheese.
- Toast slices and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Use as a base for French toast for a special brunch.
- Slice and wrap for holiday gifting or bake sales.
Tips
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
- Do not overmix the batter or the bread may turn dense.
- Let the loaf cool fully before slicing to keep clean cuts.
- Store wrapped tightly to keep the bread moist for days.
- Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45–55 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
FAQs
Can I use very sour discard?
- Yes, but the bread may have a slightly stronger flavor. If your discard is very sour, adding a bit more sugar helps balance it.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
- Yes. Use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.
How do I store cinnamon bread?
- Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
Can I freeze this bread?
- Yes. Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
- This usually happens if the bread is underbaked or the oven temperature is too low.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is the perfect mix of comfort, simplicity, and smart baking. It turns leftover sourdough discard into a soft, flavorful loaf that feels homemade and special without extra effort. Whether you enjoy it fresh, toasted, or shared with family and friends, this cinnamon bread is a reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again.