Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe
If you’re a fan of warm, comforting bread, you’ll absolutely love this Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe. The moment you slice into it, you’ll be greeted by that heavenly swirl of cinnamon and sugar.
The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. I adore how this bread combines the tanginess of sourdough with the sweetness of cinnamon—it’s truly a match made in heaven.
Plus, the crust is perfectly golden, and the inside is soft and fluffy. Whether enjoyed fresh or toasted with butter, this bread is a delightful treat that’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients of Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread
When it comes to baking, one of the most satisfying experiences is pulling a fresh loaf of Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread out of the oven. Not only does it fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, but it also brings a cozy warmth that’s hard to resist.
The great thing about this recipe is that it uses a proofed sourdough starter, which adds a delightful tangy flavor. Plus, you’ll find that the ingredients are pretty simple and easy to gather. So, if you’re ready to whip up this delicious treat, let’s check out what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread:
- 2 cups proofed sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (softened or melted)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup instant mashed potatoes
- 3 1/2 cups flour (half bread flour and half all-purpose flour)
Now, while the list of ingredients is fairly straightforward, I’ve to mention a couple of things.
First up, using a good quality sourdough starter is essential. If your starter is bubbly and lively, it’ll make a world of difference in the final product.
And let’s not forget about the cinnamon. I mean, who doesn’t want an extra generous sprinkle of it in their life? Just be careful not to go overboard unless you really want your kitchen to smell like a cinnamon factory exploded.
Speaking of explosions, mix those ingredients with care—no one wants a flour bomb in their face. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!
How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Making Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful adventure that turns your kitchen into a cozy bakery. First things first, grab your 2 cups of proofed sourdough starter and toss it into your bread machine. Next, add in 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of softened (or melted) butter. Don’t forget the 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and the 1/4 cup of instant mashed potatoes. Finally, mix in 3 1/2 cups of flour—make sure it’s half bread flour and half all-purpose flour.
Now, run your bread machine through the dough cycle, but here’s the catch: remove the dough before it has a chance to rest and rise.
Once you’ve got that dough, it’s time to roll up your sleeves—literally—and roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. This is where the magic begins. Spread a generous layer of softened or melted butteror meltedover the entire surface, like you’re painting a delicious canvas. Then, sprinkle sugar and a hefty amount of cinnamon all over it. Remember, no one ever complained about too much cinnamon.
Now, roll the dough up tightly, just like you’d when making cinnamon rolls. Moisten the edge with a bit of water to seal it closed. Pop it into a greased pan (or two if you’re feeling ambitious) and cover it. Now, let it rise until it’s doubled in size. This part can be a test of patience—trust me, I’ve watched the clock more than once, wondering if my starter was secretly on vacation.
Once your dough is puffed up and ready to go, uncover it and pop it into a preheated oven at 350 degrees F. Bake it for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown. As it bakes, your home will start to smell like heaven—a mix of warm bread and cozy cinnamon that’s hard to resist.
When it’s done, brush the tops with a little melted butter (because why not?) and carefully remove the bread from the pan to cool on a rack. Now, you can take a moment to admire your handiwork. Whether you made one large loaf or several mini loaves, the satisfaction of pulling off this recipe is truly rewarding.
Grab a slice, and enjoy the fruits of your labor—preferably with a nice cup of coffee.
Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe is a delight on its own, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to explore that can elevate your baking experience.
You can swap the milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins for extra texture and flavor.
For a spicier twist, incorporate nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon.
If you prefer a sweeter loaf, increase the sugar or drizzle a glaze on top after baking.
Experimenting with these changes can lead to delicious discoveries that suit your taste!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread turns out perfectly, I recommend paying close attention to your sourdough starter’s activity level. If it’s bubbly and doubles in size within a few hours, you’re good to go!
Don’t rush the rising process; patience is key. For an extra tender loaf, consider using bread flour, as it gives a great texture.
Remember, the cinnamon-sugar filling can always be adjusted to your taste—don’t be shy with the cinnamon!
Finally, brushing melted butter on top right after baking adds a lovely shine and flavor. Enjoy your baking adventure!