There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread on a crisp autumn morning. This warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf captures that feeling perfectly, combining the tangy depth of homemade sourdough with the sweetness of ripe pears and the coziness of cinnamon spice. It’s a sweet sourdough bread recipe that feels like a warm hug from the oven — ideal for fall mornings or lazy weekend brunches. In this post, we’ll explore the story behind this bread, the ingredients you’ll need, the step-by-step process to make it, useful sourdough tips, and helpful FAQs for perfect results every time.
The Cozy Story Behind the Warm Cinnamon Pear Sourdough Loaf
It all started on a quiet Sunday morning, when the trees outside had just begun to turn golden and the chill in the air begged for something warm from the oven. I remember standing by the window, watching leaves swirl across the yard while the scent of cinnamon and baked pears filled the kitchen. That’s when I created my first warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf — a blend of classic sourdough tang with the sweet tenderness of autumn fruit.
There’s a magic in how this sweet sourdough bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into something deeply comforting. The tartness of the sourdough balances beautifully with the caramelized sweetness of the pears, all tied together by the familiar warmth of cinnamon. Every slice tells the story of slow mornings, with hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee and the sound of the oven crackling in the background.
This bread quickly became a family favorite, finding its way onto our table during cozy brunches and holiday mornings. It’s one of those fall bread recipes that feels nostalgic — reminiscent of seasons changing, sweaters coming out of storage, and the comfort of homemade food shared with loved ones. Whether served fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this loaf embodies everything that makes autumn feel like home.
Print
Warm Cinnamon Pear Sourdough Loaf
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
A cozy fall bread recipe combining tangy sourdough with sweet pears and warm cinnamon for a rustic homemade loaf perfect for autumn mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Whisk sourdough starter and warm water in a large bowl until frothy.
2. Add flours, cinnamon, and brown sugar; stir to form a rough dough and rest 30 minutes.
3. Sprinkle salt and drizzle melted butter; fold until evenly incorporated.
4. Knead or use stretch-and-fold every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
5. Gently fold in diced pears and optional nuts or raisins.
6. Cover and bulk ferment 4–6 hours until doubled.
7. Shape dough into a loaf, place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket, and proof 1–2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
8. Preheat oven and Dutch oven to 425°F (220°C).
9. Invert dough onto parchment, score the top, place in Dutch oven and bake covered 25 minutes.
10. Remove lid and bake 15–20 minutes until golden crust forms.
11. Cool on a rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 10
Keywords: warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf, sweet sourdough bread recipe, fall bread recipes, easy sourdough bread recipe, cinnamon bread recipe, autumn bread, pear sourdough, cozy fall recipe
Why This Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe Screams Fall Comfort
What makes this sweet sourdough bread recipe such a fall essential is its perfect marriage of seasonal flavors. Pears, at their ripest, add natural moisture and mild sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the earthy spice of cinnamon. Together, they create a balance that’s both inviting and sophisticated. The sourdough base adds subtle tang and heartiness — grounding the loaf in that classic rustic flavor we love this time of year.
This cozy fall bread recipe isn’t just delicious — it’s an experience. Baking it fills your home with an aroma so inviting that it instantly sets the mood for the season. Serve it warm with melted butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a touch of spiced jam, and you’ll find yourself savoring more than just a slice of bread — you’ll taste the true essence of autumn. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with friends by the fireplace, the warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf is pure fall comfort, baked from the heart.
Ingredients Needed for the Cinnamon Pear Sourdough Loaf
Every memorable warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf starts with wholesome, high-quality ingredients. Using a mix of pantry staples and seasonal produce, this easy sourdough bread recipe creates the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tang. Below is a detailed table to help you prepare everything before you start baking:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Active Sourdough Starter | 100 g (about ½ cup) | Make sure it’s bubbly and recently fed; can substitute with discard for a denser loaf |
| Bread Flour | 350 g (about 2¾ cups) | For a lighter texture; substitute with all-purpose flour if needed |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 100 g (about ¾ cup) | Adds flavor and density; use spelt or rye for variation |
| Warm Water | 300 g (about 1¼ cups) | Filtered water is best for sourdough activity |
| Brown Sugar | 40 g (3 tbsp) | Adds a warm sweetness that enhances cinnamon flavor |
| Unsalted Butter, melted | 30 g (2 tbsp) | Can substitute with coconut oil or olive oil for dairy-free version |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1½ tsp | Adjust to taste or substitute with chai spice for a twist |
| Ripe Pears, diced | 1½ cups (about 2 medium) | Bosc or Bartlett pears work beautifully; can substitute with apples |
| Salt | 8 g (1½ tsp) | Essential for balancing sweetness and strengthening dough |
| Optional Add-ins | ½ cup (chopped nuts, raisins, or cranberries) | Add texture and extra fall flavor |
This ingredient list stays true to the spirit of a cinnamon bread recipe while keeping the process approachable for bakers of all levels. Fresh pears add natural moisture, ensuring a tender crumb without overpowering the tang of the sourdough. The cinnamon threads warmth throughout the loaf, perfectly complementing the gentle sweetness of the fruit.
For dietary adjustments, whole-grain or gluten-free flours can be swapped in with a 1:1 ratio using high-quality bread mixes or blends. Plant-based butter substitutes and coconut sugar also work well without altering the final flavor profile too much. When preparing your ingredients, ensure your sourdough starter is active — this is the foundation of rise and flavor in this easy sourdough bread recipe. If it floats in water and smells pleasantly tangy, it’s ready to use!
Tools & Equipment You’ll Use
Baking the perfect sourdough loaf isn’t just about the ingredients — it’s about having the right tools to handle and shape your dough effectively. Here’s what you’ll need to make your warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf come to life:
- Large Mixing Bowls: Ideal for mixing the dough, folding pears in, and storing it during proofing.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: Ensures precise measurements for consistency.
- Dough Scraper: Helps fold sticky dough efficiently without deflating it.
- Danish Dough Whisk: Perfect for early-stage mixing.
- Proofing Basket (Banneton): Shapes the dough evenly while rising.
- Dutch Oven or Bread Pan: Creates that classic artisan crust through natural steam.
- Parchment Paper: Simplifies transferring the dough.
- Oven Thermometer: Maintains accurate baking temperature.
- Cooling Rack: Keeps the crust crisp as the loaf cools.
Each tool contributes directly to the structure and appearance of your warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf. Even if your setup is basic, patience and proper technique will ensure a bakery-quality result. Prepare a floured, organized workspace before you start, and take your time — sourdough baking is as much about the journey as it is about the final loaf.
Mixing, Kneading, and Proofing
Making this warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf is a slow, rewarding process that mirrors the gentle rhythm of fall itself. When you mix and knead the dough, you’re not just creating bread — you’re coaxing life and texture out of simple ingredients. This sweet sourdough bread recipe begins with patience, trust in your sourdough starter, and attention to detail.
- Combine Starter and Water: Whisk together your active sourdough starter and warm water until slightly frothy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix flours, cinnamon, and brown sugar until a rough dough forms; rest 30 minutes.
- Add Salt and Butter: Fold salt and melted butter into the dough until cohesive.
- Knead and Fold: Knead for about 8–10 minutes or use the stretch-and-fold method every 30 minutes for two hours.
- Add Pears: Gently fold diced pears (and optional add-ins) into the dough.
- Bulk Ferment: Let rest 4–6 hours at room temperature until doubled and airy.
- Shape: Form into a round or oval, place in a floured proofing basket seam-side up.
- Final Proof: Refrigerate overnight or proof 1–2 hours at room temperature before baking.
Baking and Serving for That Cozy Fall Feel
Preheat: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) with your Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes to trap essential steam.
Score: Turn out your dough onto parchment, dust lightly, and make a shallow cut about ¼ inch deep before baking.
Bake: Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden. The pears slightly caramelize, enhancing sweetness and warmth.
Cool: Let rest on a cooling rack for at least an hour before slicing to set its crumb.
Serve: Enjoy thick slices warm with butter or honey, or toast and top with mascarpone and cinnamon sugar. Slightly stale bread makes incredible French toast — a cozy, weekend-worthy use for leftovers.
Store: Wrap cooled bread in a kitchen towel or paper bag; keeps 3 days at room temp. Freeze slices for later — a quick toast revives them perfectly.
Each golden loaf is both comfort and craft — a tribute to fall’s cozy rhythm and the joy of homemade baking. This easy sourdough bread recipe fuses tangy and sweet, rustic and refined, making the warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf a must-have addition to your fall bread recipes.
FAQs About Warm Cinnamon Pear Sourdough Loaf
- Can I use canned pears? Yes. Drain and pat them dry before folding in to prevent excess moisture.
- How should I store the loaf? Wrap in a towel or store in a paper bag at room temperature up to three days; freeze slices for longer storage.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Substitute a quality gluten-free bread flour mix and a bubbly gluten-free starter; reduce hydration slightly if needed.
- How do I know my starter is ready? It should double after feeding and float when dropped in water, indicating peak fermentation strength.
- Can I add nuts or raisins? Absolutely — fold in chopped nuts or dried fruit with the pears for added fall texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts on This Cozy Fall Bread Recipe
The Warm Cinnamon Pear Sourdough Loaf captures everything to love about fall — the warmth of spice, the sweetness of ripe fruit, and the rustic charm of sourdough. Each step invites you to slow down and savor the process, transforming simple pantry staples into an experience steeped in seasonal comfort.
This easy sourdough bread recipe harmonizes sourdough’s signature tang with caramelized pear sweetness and the cozy aroma of cinnamon. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or quiet mornings, it’s both nostalgic and new — a loaf that warms the heart as much as the kitchen.
Feed your starter, preheat your oven, and let this warm cinnamon pear sourdough loaf fill your home with the scent of autumn. A cozy fall bread recipe like this doesn’t just nourish — it comforts, creating golden moments one slice at a time.
