Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Introduction

Warm, aromatic, and irresistibly soft, this Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe transforms leftover sourdough discard into a tender loaf swirled with buttery cinnamon goodness. The sweet filling melts into the dough as it bakes, creating a ribbon of flavor in every slice. This recipe comes together fast, requires no complicated kneading, and delivers a bakery-style result right at home. If you love the cozy smell of cinnamon and the magic of sourdough, this loaf will become a favorite. You’ll learn how to mix, swirl, bake, and serve it like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe delivers everything you crave in a homemade sweet bread without long wait times or advanced baking skills. The texture steals the show: a soft, pillowy crumb with a rich buttery swirl that adds just the right amount of cinnamon sweetness. Each slice has a slight tang from the sourdough discard, creating a balanced flavor that elevates the loaf beyond ordinary cinnamon bread.

You’ll love how quickly the dough comes together, how forgiving it is, and how beautifully it bakes up with minimal effort. The process feels almost therapeutic, from spreading the cinnamon filling to rolling the dough into a tight spiral. This recipe is also versatile—perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacking, or gifting. It works well for a cozy weekend bake but is fast enough for a weekday treat. Best of all, the aroma that fills your kitchen will make everyone impatient for the first warm slice.

Ingredients

To make this Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients that work together to create a soft dough and a flavorful swirl. Measurements are provided in both US and metric for convenience.

For the dough:

1 cup (240 g) sourdough discard – unfed, straight from the fridge, which adds tang and moisture
2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour – creates structure without becoming dense
½ cup (120 ml) milk – warmed, helps activate the dough ingredients
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar – lightly sweetens the loaf
1 large egg – adds richness and tenderness
4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter – melted for softness and flavor
1 ½ tsp (6 g) baking powder – ensures lift without long fermentation
½ tsp (3 g) salt – balances the sweetness

For the cinnamon swirl:

½ cup (100 g) brown sugar – melts into a caramel-like ribbon
2 tsp (6 g) ground cinnamon – warm and aromatic
3 tbsp (42 g) softened butter – helps the swirl stay moist

Pro Tips

Mastering this Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe becomes even easier with the right techniques:

Tip 1: Don’t overmix the dough.
Stir until the dough comes together and no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can create a tough loaf instead of the soft, tender crumb you want.

Tip 2: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly.
An even layer ensures every bite gets the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Avoid clumps of butter or sugar, which can create gaps or tunnels in the loaf.

Tip 3: Roll tightly for a beautiful swirl.
A snug roll helps the cinnamon mixture stay trapped inside the dough, producing distinct, bakery-style layers. If the roll feels loose, gently tighten it as you go.

Instructions (300 words)

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and egg. Stir until smooth. The mixture should feel silky and slightly thick.

Step 3

Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix with a spatula until the dough just comes together. It should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to work with. If needed, sprinkle in 1–2 additional tablespoons of flour.

Step 4

Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Pat and shape it into a rectangle roughly 10×12 inches (25×30 cm). This doesn’t need to be perfect—just aim for an even thickness.

Step 5

In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top.

Step 6

Starting with the short side, begin rolling the dough into a tight log. Use your fingertips to ensure the first fold seals well, then continue rolling firmly until you reach the opposite edge.

Step 7

Place the rolled dough seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan. If the roll is slightly longer than the pan, gently compress it without squishing the swirl.

Step 8

Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check around 35 minutes and tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Step 9

Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice warm for gooey cinnamon ribbons or let it cool completely for cleaner slices.

Variations

This Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For a richer treat, add a cream cheese drizzle made with powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla. If you prefer something nutty, fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for crunch. For a lighter twist, swap the cinnamon swirl for a blend of cardamom and brown sugar—this variation tastes especially good served with tea. You can also make a savory adaptation similar to garlic pasta with bacon by swapping the cinnamon swirl for a herb-and-cheese filling, though the dough remains lightly sweet.

Storage and Serving

This Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe stores exceptionally well thanks to its moist crumb and buttery swirl. Once the loaf has fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh on the counter for up to 3 days, or you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the microwave or toaster oven for that warm-from-the-oven texture.

For serving, pair a thick slice with a hot coffee or latte for a comforting breakfast. Toast it lightly and add a pat of salted butter for extra richness. You can also turn it into French toast—its cinnamon ribbon caramelizes beautifully. If you’re planning brunch, serve it alongside savory options like eggs or roasted potatoes for a perfect flavor balance.

FAQs

1. Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may change slightly. Discard provides a more pronounced tang.

2. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the filling sugar by up to 25%, but the swirl may become less caramelized.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter with good results.

4. Why did my swirl sink to the bottom?
The roll may have been too loose. Rolling tightly helps keep the filling in place.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply use two loaf pans. Baking time remains similar.

Conclusion

This Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe is comfort food at its finest — warm, fragrant, and irresistibly tender with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something special and transforms simple leftover discard into pure bakery-style bliss.