Description

The Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Snack Cake brings together autumn flavors of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and the subtle tang of sourdough discard. This tender cake offers a moist crumb and golden crust, perfect for cozy fall mornings or seasonal gatherings. Inspired by sustainable baking practices, it transforms sourdough discard into a flavor enhancer and tenderizer, reducing waste while adding depth. With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, this snack cake is ideal for bakers of all levels seeking a delicious fall treat. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of homemade fall baking.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sourdough discard (100% hydration)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled and diced

1/4 cup milk or buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

4. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until light and combined.

5. Fold sourdough discard into the wet ingredients until evenly blended.

6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stir gently, then add milk and remaining dry ingredients in two additions, mixing until just combined.

7. Gently fold diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

8. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to allow sourdough acids to relax gluten (optional).

9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, lift out using the parchment overhang, transfer to a wire rack, slice into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: snack
Method: baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square

Keywords: sourdough apple cinnamon snack cake, sourdough discard recipes, apple cinnamon muffins with sourdough starter, sourdough fall recipes, sourdough muffin recipe with cinnamon, apple sourdough recipes