This Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Discard Bread is a delicious way to use your sourdough starter leftovers! With a cozy swirl of cinnamon and sugar, it brings warmth to any meal.
Honestly, who can resist that sweet, cinnamon-y aroma wafting through the kitchen? It’s like a hug in bread form! I love to toast a slice and slather it with butter for a perfect breakfast treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough starter discard: This is the star ingredient! Using unfed sourdough starter gives the bread a lovely tang. If you don’t have a starter, you can substitute with 1 cup of plain yogurt for some acidity.
All-purpose flour: It works perfectly here, giving the bread the right texture. You can use bread flour if you prefer a chewier crumb. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Brown sugar: Adds that rich sweetness and helps with moisture. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or even white sugar, but the flavor will be subtly different.
Ground cinnamon: This spice delivers warm flavor. You can experiment with a mix of spices—like nutmeg or cardamom—for a unique twist!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture When Kneading Dough?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Here are some tips for success:
- Ensure your dough is slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, add small amounts of flour as needed.
- Use the “push and fold” method: push the dough away with the heels of your hands, fold it over, and then turn it 90 degrees. Repeat this for 8-10 minutes.
- Don’t rush; proper kneading creates that nice elasticity. If you’re using a stand mixer, keep an eye on the texture—it should be elastic but not dry.
Taking the time to knead well will make all the difference in the final texture of your bread!
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Discard Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 80°F/27°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, to speed up fermentation)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and then requires about 5 hours in total for rising time, including two separate rises. Baking will take around 30-35 minutes, leading to a total time of approximately 5-6 hours, but most of it is hands-off while the dough rises!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining your sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, warm water, sugar, salt, and instant yeast (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until you have a shaggy dough—this means it will look a bit messy and sticky, which is perfect!
2. Kneading the Dough:
Now it’s time to knead! Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and transfer the dough. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for about 6-7 minutes instead.
3. First Rise:
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 3-4 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you added yeast, the rise might take a little less time.
4. Shaping the Dough:
Once your dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down and then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 x 16 inches. This is where the magic of the swirl begins!
5. Adding the Cinnamon Swirl:
Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Yum!
6. Rolling It Up:
Start rolling the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log shape. Make sure to pinch the seams to seal at the end. Trim the ends if you need to for a pretty finish.
7. Second Rise:
Place your rolled dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan or a Dutch oven if you’re baking covered. Cover it again and let it rise for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s nearly doubled in size again.
8. Preheating the Oven:
While the dough is doing its final rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a Dutch oven, preheat it empty as well—it helps create that crispy crust!
9. Baking the Bread:
Before you bake, take a sharp knife and carefully slash the top of the loaf. This little cut helps the bread expand beautifully in the oven. Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes. If using a Dutch oven, cover it with the lid for the first 20 minutes. After that, remove the lid to let it brown nicely.
10. Cooling and Slicing:
Once baked to a beautiful golden brown, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—this takes a little patience, but trust me, it’s worth it when you see that stunning cinnamon swirl inside!
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon swirl sourdough discard bread with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply on its own! Happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend may work, but it may change the bread’s final texture slightly.
What If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to a few factors: ensure your sourdough starter is active (even if unfed), the water is warm enough, or the room temperature is conducive for fermentation (ideally around 75-80°F). If you added instant yeast, this should also help speed up the rising process.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-sealed bag for up to 2 months. Just toast or thaw slices as needed for fresh enjoyment!
Can I Add Extras to the Cinnamon Swirl?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the cinnamon swirl for an extra twist on flavor and texture. Just remember that it may make rolling the dough more challenging!
