Imagine starting your day with a warm, freshly baked cinnamon bread that’s not only delicious but also made with a unique twist using sourdough discard. This recipe is a perfect way to breathe new life into your excess sourdough, creating a treat that’s both tangy and sweet.
You’ll discover how to easily make this bread using a simple recipe that accommodates both quick and long-fermented options. The result is a beautifully flavored loaf with a hint of cinnamon that will impress your family and friends.
By using sourdough discard, you add a unique flavor dimension that perfectly complements cinnamon’s sweetness. This recipe is a great way to reduce waste and enjoy a delicious homemade treat.
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The Magic of Sourdough Discard in Sweet Breads
Sourdough discard is a game-changer for sweet breads, offering a tangy flavor and tender crumb. When you use sourdough discard in your cinnamon bread recipe, you’re not only reducing waste but also enhancing the overall quality of the bread.
What Makes Sourdough Discard Special
Sourdough discard is special because of its unique fermentation properties. The natural yeast and bacteria in the discard contribute to a more complex flavor profile. This makes your bread not just delicious but also potentially easier to digest due to the pre-digestion of some carbohydrates.
Benefits of Using Discard in Cinnamon Bread
Using sourdough discard in cinnamon bread has several benefits. It adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and spice, creates a tender crumb structure, and reduces food waste. The discard also brings nutritional benefits from the fermentation process, making your bread a healthier option. By incorporating sourdough discard, you’re enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of your bread recipe with discard.
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread
The combination of sourdough and cinnamon creates a truly unique bread experience. This sourdough discard cinnamon bread is not only delicious but also offers several benefits that make it a great addition to your baking repertoire.
Quick and Easy to Make
This sourdough bread recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute desserts. With a straightforward mixing process and no complicated shaping required, you can have a delicious bread on the table in no time.
Perfect Way to Use Excess Starter
Using sourdough discard in this recipe is a great way to reduce waste and give new life to your excess starter. By incorporating the discard into the dough, you’ll not only be saving starter but also creating a more complex flavor profile in your bread.
Delicious Flavor Profile
The sourdough’s tangy notes blend beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon, resulting in an irresistibly delicious flavor combination. The addition of an optional sweet glaze takes this bread to the next level, making it suitable for both breakfast and dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making sourdough discard cinnamon requires a specific set of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The ingredients are divided into categories to simplify the preparation process.
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients include flour, sugar, and cinnamon. You’ll need about 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. the ingredients provide the structure and flavor to your bread.
Wet Ingredients
For the wet ingredients, you’ll need your sourdough discard, eggs, and butter. The sourdough discard is the star of this recipe, giving your bread a unique tanginess. You’ll also need 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
The cinnamon swirl mixture is made with sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon with 1/4 cup of melted butter to create this sweet and spicy filling.
Optional Glaze
For the optional glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal to your finished bread.
Equipment Required
Before you start mixing your sourdough discard cinnamon, ensure you have the necessary baking equipment. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Basic Kitchen Tools
You will need basic kitchen tools such as a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a wooden spoon or dough whisk for mixing the dough. A rubber spatula is also handy for scraping the sides of the bowl.
Baking Pans and Preparation
For baking your sourdough discard cinnamon, you will need a standard 9 × 5-inch loaf pan. To prevent the bread from sticking, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper. Here are some tips:
- Use a 9×5-inch loaf pan for optimal results.
- Generously grease the loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Have a wire cooling rack ready to prevent a soggy bottom crust.
- Consider using parchment paper with overhanging edges as handles.
- Keep in mind that the size and material of your loaf pan may influence both the baking time and the development of the crust.
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Making Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread is easier than you think, and here’s the recipe to prove it. This recipe combines the tanginess of sourdough discard with the sweetness of cinnamon sugar, creating a delightful treat for any time of day.
Preparation Time and Yield
This recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and yields one delicious loaf of Sourdough.
Mixing the Dough
To start, you’ll need to mix the dough, combining the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, etc.) with the wet ingredients (sourdough discard, eggs, etc.). The mixture should be smooth and consistent. Once combined, pour half of the batter to a greased loaf pan.
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Sprinkle about 3/4 of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the first layer of batter, add the remaining batter & top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to create swirls, making figure-eight motions through the batter to distribute the cinnamon sugar evenly.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
It’s time to bake your sourdough bread, and with these instructions, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked loaf. The process involves a few crucial steps that ensure your bread turns out delicious and visually appealing.
Preparing Your Loaf Pan
Before you start baking, make sure to prepare your loaf pan. Grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking. If you’re using parchment paper, now is the time to line the pan. This step is crucial for easy removal of the loaf after baking.
Baking Temperature and Time
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature, typically 350°F (175°C). Place your loaf in the oven and bake for the recommended time, typically between 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on your bread as oven temperatures can vary.
How to Know When It’s Done
The sourdough is ready when the top turns golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. For extra accuracy, use a thermometer the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) to ensure it’s fully baked.
Cooling Process
After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Then, use a knife to loosen the edges and turn the loaf out onto a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. This step is crucial for preventing a gummy texture and allowing the bread to set properly. You can drizzle with an optional glaze once the bread has cooled slightly.
Long-Fermented Version for Extra Flavor
A long-fermented sourdough offers a more complex and tangier flavor profile. By planning ahead, you can create a more delicious and nutritious bread that your family will love.
Overnight Fermentation Method
For the long-fermented version, mix the batter the night before and allow it to ferment overnight. This process allows for a slower breakdown of the ingredients, enhancing the overall sourdough experience. In morning, add a few more ingredients, give it a quick stir, and bake.
Differences in Taste and Texture
The long-fermented version boasts several benefits, including:
- A more pronounced sourdough tang is due to the extended fermentation time.
- A tender and complex crumb structure from the breakdown of proteins and starches.
- A deeper caramelisation and more complex flavor profile.
Using a sourdough starter in this way not only enhances the taste but may also improve digestibility.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread
To achieve the perfect sourdough discard cinnamon bread, consider these valuable tips. Making this bread can be a delightful experience, and with a few expert suggestions, you can elevate your baking game.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common mistake is not adjusting the cinnamon sugar ratio to your taste. Some bakers prefer a 50/50 distribution between layers, while others stick to the traditional 75/25 split. Experimenting with different ratios can help you achieve the perfect balance for your sourdough discard cinnamon bread. Additionally, be mindful of the sugar mixture you use, as it can greatly impact the overall flavor.
Creative Variations to Try
You can get creative with your cinnamon sugar mixture by adding different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. Consider adding mix-ins such as chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter or mixture for added texture and flavor. For a more decadent treat, try using a cream cheese frosting instead of a simple glaze. You can also create a streusel topping with butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to sprinkle on top before baking.
Storage and Freezing
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of your sourdough discard cinnamon bread. You can store it in various ways depending on when you plan to consume it next.
Room Temperature Storage
For short-term storage, keep your loaf wrapped in a cloth or plastic bag at room temperature. This method is ideal for a few days.
Freezing for Later Use
For longer storage, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze. Thaw overnight at room temperature when you’re ready.
Reheating Suggestions
To refresh, warm your loaf in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Toasting slices directly from frozen or room temperature also works well. Adding butter on warm slices is a delicious treat.
Conclusion
Sourdough discard cinnamon bread is a game-changer for bakers looking to minimize waste and maximize flavor. This versatile recipe works beautifully as both a quick same-day bread and a more complex long-fermented version. The combination of tangy sourdough and warm cinnamon creates a uniquely satisfying flavor profile. By mastering this recipe, you’ll transform excess discard into a cherished family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the delicious results!
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