For every sourdough baker, there comes that familiar moment—staring at a jar of extra starter and wondering how to avoid wasting it. This Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe offers the perfect, cozy solution. With just a few pantry staples, you can turn that leftover starter into a soft, cinnamon-swirled cake topped with buttery crumble. In this article, you’ll find everything you need: a simple ingredient list, step-by-step directions, essential baking tips, helpful tools, and creative ways to customize your own version. Let’s transform discard into delight with this comforting homemade sourdough favorite.
From Waste to Weekend Delight
One crisp fall weekend, while feeding my starter for the week ahead, I noticed the growing bowl of sourdough discard sitting sadly on the counter. Instead of tossing it out, I decided to experiment—and the result was this Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe. As the cake baked, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar melting together in perfect harmony. It instantly reminded me of cozy mornings with homemade sourdough bread cooling beside a fresh pot of coffee.
That first bite was pure warmth—moist, gently tangy, and rich with cinnamon crumble. From that day forward, this Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe became part of my weekend ritual. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed in quiet moments, it’s the kind of bake that brings comfort back to the process of bread-making. Versatile, rewarding, and simple enough for beginners, this recipe has a special way of turning leftover starter into something truly memorable.
Each time I prepare this Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe, I’m reminded that sourdough isn’t only about baking bread—it’s about resourcefulness, creativity, and enjoying the small joys that come from homemade goodness. The sweet cinnamon swirl layered with the gentle sourdough tang connects both heart and home in every crumb.
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Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
Transform your extra sourdough starter discard into a moist cinnamon coffee cake with a buttery streusel topping. This simple recipe yields a tender, tangy cake perfect for brunch or afternoon coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch round or 9×9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until combined.
3. In another bowl whisk together sourdough starter discard, melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined.
5. In a small bowl mix brown sugar, a tablespoon of flour, cinnamon, and a few tablespoons of melted butter to form the streusel crumb.
6. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle half of the streusel evenly over the batter.
7. Top with the remaining batter and scatter the rest of the streusel mixture over the top.
8. Bake for 35 minutes or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
Keywords: sourdough, starter discard, cinnamon cake, coffee cake, streusel, easy recipe, fall baking, homemade
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Coffee Cake
What makes this Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe so beloved is its perfect balance of flavor and texture. The natural acidity from the sourdough starter adds a light tang that complements the cake’s sweet spice. Its crumb is soft and tender, yet the buttery streusel topping brings a satisfying crunch in every bite. Together, they create a harmony that’s both rustic and elegant—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
This recipe welcomes both seasoned bakers and complete beginners. You don’t need to be a sourdough expert to make it work—just a cup of discard, a mixing bowl, and the willingness to bake something special. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to keep your sourdough habit sustainable, turning what might be waste into a heartwarming homemade dessert. By the time you slice into your own Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe, you’ll not only taste fall’s finest flavors but also the simple joy of making something from what you already have.
Gather Your Pantry Essentials
Before diving into this Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe, take a few minutes to organize your ingredients and baking tools. Having everything measured and ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll need common pantry staples—nothing fancy—but each one plays an important role in texture, flavor, or lift. Here’s what to prepare:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough starter discard | 1 cup | Adds subtle tang, enhances moisture, and reduces waste |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Forms the cake’s structure for a fluffy crumb |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Sweetens and helps the cake brown evenly |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Deepens flavor and caramel notes in the crumble |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp | Delivers the signature warm spice |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Provides lift for a light, airy texture |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Balances acidity from the sourdough starter |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavor |
| Butter (melted) | ½ cup | Adds richness and keeps the cake tender |
| Eggs | 2 large | Bind ingredients and contribute to fluffiness |
| Milk (any kind) | ¾ cup | Moistens the batter for even baking |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds aroma and depth |
| Optional nuts (pecans, walnuts) | ½ cup | For added crunch in the streusel topping |
Tools You’ll Need:
- 9×9-inch square or 8-inch round baking pan
- Two mixing bowls (one for wet, one for dry ingredients)
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for crumble mixture
- Oven mitts and cooling rack
Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Results
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and sourdough starter discard at room temperature.
- Blend wet and dry mixtures. Pour dry into wet and gently fold with a spatula until just combined.
- Prepare the cinnamon crumble. Mix brown sugar, a bit of flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Layer the batter and crumble. Spread half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with crumble, add the remaining batter, and top with the rest of the crumble.
- Bake to perfection. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice. Let cool for about 10–15 minutes before moving to a rack.
- Serve and savor. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.
Whether you’re baking for brunch or turning leftover sourdough starter into a weekday indulgence, this Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe guarantees tender, flavorful results every time. The crumbly cinnamon layers, golden top, and subtle tang make it a classic you’ll bake again and again.
Pro Tips for the Best Texture & Flavor
To make your Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe turn out bakery-perfect, a few small adjustments make a big difference. Always use room-temperature ingredients so your batter blends smoothly. Avoid overmixing once wet and dry ingredients combine—this keeps the cake soft.
Measure the flour with the spoon-and-level method to prevent a dense crumb. If you want more sweetness, add up to two tablespoons of sugar. For a wholesome twist, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or switch to non-dairy milk. Using brown butter can add nutty depth. After baking, rest the cake for about ten minutes so it sets perfectly tender.
Creative Twists for Every Occasion
- Nutty Crunch: Add pecans or walnuts to the crumble for texture and flavor.
- Autumn Spice: Include nutmeg and allspice for warm seasonal notes.
- Berry Burst: Swirl in blueberries, raspberries, or apple pieces for a fruity accent.
- Glazed Finish: After cooling, drizzle with a simple vanilla icing for an elegant look.
Each variation keeps the same comforting base but lets you showcase creativity. You can double the crumble, add citrus zest for brightness, or mix in cocoa powder for a mocha-inspired upgrade.
Storage & Freezing Secrets
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing to keep the crumble crisp. Place slices in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for three to four days at room temperature. For humid climates, refrigerate, then bring back to room temperature before serving.
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to two months. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about ten minutes or briefly in the microwave with a cup of hot water beside it to refresh texture. Bake ahead for brunch, keep covered overnight, then rewarm—your home will again fill with that cinnamon-and-butter aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes. You can use fed starter—just reduce the liquid slightly. The texture remains moist, though the tang is milder.
How long will this coffee cake stay fresh?
Stored airtight at room temperature, it’s soft for three to four days. Refrigerate or freeze slices to extend freshness.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavor stays rich and comforting.
Can I bake this in muffin form?
Absolutely. Spoon into muffin cups and bake 18–20 minutes for portable cinnamon coffee cake muffins.
Turning Simplicity into Comfort
The Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe embodies everything soulful about home baking—warmth, reuse, and comfort. Instead of discarding starter, you create a fragrant, golden cake layered with sweet crumble and perfect for sharing.
This recipe celebrates the creativity at the heart of sourdough baking. Each step transforms a humble discard into moist, flavorful crumb perfection. Simple ingredients meet soulful satisfaction, proving that the best treats are often born from resourcefulness.
Bake it for a cozy fall day, a weekend brunch, or a handmade gift. Let this Easy Sourdough Starter Discard Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe become your new tradition—one that fills every kitchen with sweetness, spice, and the comforting spirit of homemade sourdough baking.
