There’s a special kind of magic in waking up to the smell of cinnamon drifting through the house. Windows slightly fogged from the oven’s warmth, the table dusted with flour, and a golden loaf cooling quietly on a wooden rack — that’s how my family knows it’s going to be a good morning. Our Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf started as a weekend experiment, just another way to use my lively Sourdough Bread Starter. But the first time the knife revealed that spiral of cinnamon and sugar tucked inside soft, tangy bread, it instantly turned into a family favorite.
What makes this Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe so special isn’t just the aroma or flavor — it’s how the Sourdough Bread Starter transforms a simple loaf into something artisan-like. The gentle fermentation adds depth, balancing the sweetness of cinnamon sugar with subtle notes of natural tang. It’s the same classic comfort as a cinnamon roll but with the heartiness of true sourdough bread. Every slice feels like it holds a happy memory — a cozy breakfast shared, a quiet afternoon snack, or the joyful moment when you realize you’ve successfully baked something truly beautiful from scratch.
That’s the kind of feeling this bread brings: honest, comforting, and warmly homemade. The Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf – Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe captures not just flavor, but a celebration of time, patience, and the quiet joy of baking from your own starter jar.
Print
Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf – Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
A soft, tangy sourdough loaf filled with a sweet cinnamon swirl, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Made with simple pantry staples and an active starter, this bread delivers bakery quality at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. In a bowl combine sourdough starter and warm water until smooth
2. Add bread flour, sugar, and salt and mix until no dry flour remains
3. Cover and rest the dough 30 minutes for autolyse
4. Add melted butter and knead until fully incorporated
5. Cover and bulk ferment 4-5 hours at room temperature, performing three sets of stretch and folds every 45 minutes
6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling
7. Turn dough onto floured surface and roll into a 9×12 inch rectangle
8. Spread softened butter over dough, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then roll tightly from the short end
9. Place seam side down in a greased loaf pan and proof 2-3 hours until nearly risen to the top
10. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 195F
11. Cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour before slicing
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: sourdough, cinnamon swirl, homemade bread, sourdough recipe, breakfast bread, cinnamon bread, sourdough loaf, easy recipe
The Warm Story Behind Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Why Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Belongs in Every Home Baker’s Recipe Box
Few things are more rewarding than filling your home with the smell of freshly baked bread. Baking at home gives a sense of comfort you can’t buy at the store — the sound of bubbling starter, the feel of dough under your hands, the pride of slicing into your own loaf. Among all Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipes, the Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf stands out. It brings together both indulgence and practicality: sweetness that feels like a treat, yet sturdy enough to toast for breakfast or layer into a sweet Sourdough Bread Sandwich.
This recipe is made for any day that needs a little extra warmth. It’s as fitting for a leisurely Saturday breakfast as it is for holiday brunches or gifting to a friend. The swirl makes every slice beautiful, and the sourdough base ensures it stays moist longer than typical yeasted loaves. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to working with a Sourdough Bread Starter, this Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe patiently guides you through the process — from feeding your starter to rolling that perfect swirl.
The Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box because it checks every box: minimal ingredients, stunning results, and a taste that feels nostalgic. It’s comforting like your favorite traditional Cinnamon Swirl Bread but elevated with tangy sourdough complexity. Each bake reconnects you with the rhythms of slow, thoughtful cooking that define the best home-baked bread.
How to Make the Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe Step-by-Step
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
Every Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe begins with simple, honest ingredients. The beauty of this bread lies in its balance of pantry staples and the natural magic of a bubbly Sourdough Bread Starter. Here’s what you’ll need for one beautiful loaf:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Active sourdough bread starter | 100 g (about ½ cup) | Provides natural yeast and tangy flavor |
| Warm water | 250 ml (1 cup) | Activates flour and builds gluten |
| Bread flour | 400 g (about 3 cups) | Creates structure for a soft crumb |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 40 g (3 tbsp) | Adds richness and tenderness |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp | Balances tangy flavor |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances taste and strengthens gluten |
| Cinnamon | 1 ½ tbsp | Provides the signature warmth |
| Brown sugar (for swirl) | 3 tbsp | Caramelizes into sweet ribbons |
| Softened butter (for swirl) | 1 ½ tbsp | Helps filling adhere evenly |
Ingredient notes: The sourdough bread starter should be active and bubbly; brown sugar gives the swirl its classic stickiness, and bread flour ensures loft and chew. Each component works together for a loaf both tender and full of flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method That Brings the Dough to Life
1. Mix the dough
Combine starter and warm water, blend in flour, sugar, and salt. The dough will look shaggy; rest 30 minutes to hydrate before kneading.
2. Incorporate butter
Knead melted butter gently into dough until smooth and elastic. Stretch and fold several times to integrate evenly.
3. Bulk fermentation
Cover and let rise 4–5 hours, completing gentle folds every 45 minutes. It will grow airy and supple as fermentation builds strength.
4. Prepare the swirl filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; keep softened butter ready.
5. Shape the loaf
Spread butter and cinnamon mixture on rolled dough, leaving edges clean, and roll tightly to form a spiral.
6. Pan and proof
Place seam down in a buttered loaf pan; cover and proof 2–3 hours until nearly at pan height.
7. Bake to perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden. Tent with foil if browning early and confirm internal temperature at 195°F (90°C).
8. Cool and slice
Cool one hour before slicing for neat spirals and a tender crumb.
Baker’s notes: Roll snugly to avoid gaps, rotate the pan halfway if the oven bakes unevenly, and brush warm loaf with butter for a softer crust.
Expert Tips to Bake the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread Every Time
Troubleshooting and Texture Secrets for Perfect Bread
Over‑proofing or under‑proofing: Watch dough readiness instead of time. Over‑proofed loaves collapse; under‑proofed ones crack. Dough should spring back slowly when lightly pressed.
Cinnamon gaps: Too much butter or sugar in the filling causes voids. Use moderate amounts and roll snugly for even spirals.
Uneven crust color: Center the pan, rotate halfway, and verify oven temperature for consistency.
Dry crust or tough texture: Avoid over‑baking. Brush butter directly after baking and allow full cooling before slicing.
Flavor development: A well‑fed, active Sourdough Bread Starter ensures balanced tang and soft crumb. Ferment patiently for best taste.
Fun Variations for Your Homemade Sourdough Bread
- Raisin Swirl Sourdough: Add raisins to the filling for classic cinnamon‑raisin flavor.
- Walnut Crunch: Mix in toasted walnuts for texture and rich aroma.
- Vanilla‑Infused: Incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a bakery‑style scent.
- Whole‑Wheat Twist: Replace half the bread flour with whole‑wheat for nuttier notes.
- Citrus‑Spiced: Add orange zest for refreshing brightness.
- Chocolate Marble: Blend cocoa powder with sugar for a chocolate‑spice swirl.
- Sweet Sourdough Sandwich: Layer cream cheese and apple butter or drizzle with honey and banana slices.
Each version highlights sourdough’s character while adding new personality to your loaf—a wonderful chance to experiment and discover your own signature blend of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf
FAQ 1 – Can I Make This Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Without Eggs or Dairy?
Yes. Replace butter with oil or vegan butter for a dairy‑free loaf. The dough naturally stays soft thanks to fermentation, even without dairy ingredients.
FAQ 2 – What’s the Best Way to Store or Freeze the Loaf?
Cool completely, wrap well, and store airtight at room temperature up to three days. Slice and freeze for longer storage; toast slices straight from frozen for fresh flavor.
FAQ 3 – How Active Should My Sourdough Bread Starter Be?
Your starter should double in size 4–6 hours post‑feeding and pass the float test. A lively, bubbly starter guarantees proper rise and signature tang.
FAQ 4 – Can I Prepare the Dough Overnight?
Yes. After shaping, refrigerate 8–12 hours, then bring to room temperature before baking. Overnight fermentation enriches both flavor and texture while fitting a busy schedule.
Bringing It All Together – Why This Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe Is Worth Baking
Homemade bread transforms any day into something special, and this Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Loaf – Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe does so beautifully. From the first mix of your starter to the final swirl revealed in each slice, it embodies patience, craft, and warmth.
The process fills your kitchen with the fragrance of cinnamon and fresh bread, turning humble ingredients into joy. Among Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipes, this one balances elegance and comfort perfectly—whether toasted for breakfast or used in a sweet Sourdough Sandwich.
Ultimately, it’s about more than flavor; it’s an ode to slow, deliberate baking. Start with your vibrant Sourdough Bread Starter, and let this loaf become part of your kitchen tradition. Share it, gift it, or savor it yourself—it will always remind you that the best Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe is the one made with time, love, and a swirl of cinnamon.
