Sourdough Cinnamon Bread
Something truly magical exists about the aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven—especially Sourdough Cinnamon Bread. This tasty bread mixes the tangy flavor of sourdough with a sweet, spiced cinnamon swirl. The result is a loaf that is both comforting and rich in flavor. Let’s dive into each step, from preparing the active sourdough starter to achieving that perfect golden brown crust.
For bread enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the flavor and texture of Sourdough Artisan Bread. Its crunchy crust and soft, airy inside make it a great choice for many meals. You can enjoy it as a snack or use it as the base for a tasty sandwich.
When searching for a good sandwich bread recipe, sourdough is a great choice. Its natural fermentation process gives it a unique flavor. This process also makes sourdough healthier than regular white bread.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweeter, try a Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls mix the rich taste of banana bread with the warm flavor of cinnamon. They make a great breakfast or dessert. Enjoy them with a slice of artisan sourdough on the side.
Why Sourdough Cinnamon Bread?
Sourdough cinnamon bread is unique. It mixes the rich, tangy flavor of sourdough with sweet cinnamon and brown sugar. This bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert! With a little patience and a few basic dough ingredients, you’ll have a homemade treat that rivals any bakery.
Ingredients for Sourdough Cinnamon Bread
For the best sourdough cinnamon bread, gather these essentials:
- Active Sourdough Starter: The key to flavor and leavening.
- Bread Flour: Provides structure and a chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
- Salt: Enhances flavor.
- Butter: Adds moisture and richness.
- Cinnamon: For that signature spiced swirl.
- Water (Room Temperature): Helps bring the dough together.
How To Make Sourdough Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Preparing the Dough Ingredients
To start, combine your active sourdough starter, water, and flour in a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until they form a rough, shaggy dough. This initial step helps to evenly distribute the starter throughout the dough, ensuring an even rise.
Step 2: Rest the Dough and Begin Stretch and Fold
Once the dough ingredients are mixed, let the dough rest for about 20 minutes. During this period, the flour absorbs the water, making the dough easier to handle. After resting, begin the “stretch and fold” technique to develop gluten, giving the dough structure without traditional kneading.
Step 3: First Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature until it’s doubled in size. This may take 4-6 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Patience is key here—allowing the dough rise slowly contributes to the bread’s rich flavor.
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
The cinnamon swirl is the signature element of sourdough cinnamon bread. To make it:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- After the first rise, roll the dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
Step 4: Roll the Dough
Starting at one end, roll the dough tightly to create a cinnamon swirl inside the loaf. Pinch the edges to seal the roll, ensuring the cinnamon filling stays in place while baking.
Step 5: Second Rise and Proofing
Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise at room temperature until nearly doubled in size, which typically takes another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures a light, airy texture and a well-developed flavor.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is proofing, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the bread a head start in creating a golden brown crust.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Once the dough is proofed, place the loaf in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown. To ensure an even bake, consider covering the loaf with foil in the last 10 minutes if it browns too quickly.
Step 8: Cooling and Slicing
After baking, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This helps the bread set, making it easier to slice. When you cut into the loaf, you’ll reveal the beautiful cinnamon swirl.
Tips for the Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Bread
- Use a Strong Starter: For the best rise, ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients at room temperature make the dough easier to handle and help with even rising.
- Stretch and Fold: This technique is key for building gluten and creating an airy crumb.
- Baking for Color: The bread should be golden brown on top when fully baked. If necessary, cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Variations to Try
If you’d like to experiment with your sourdough cinnamon bread, here are a few ideas:
- Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Add raisins to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Nutty Twist: Include chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon swirl.
- Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: Use the same dough to make delicious rolls instead of a loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon sourdough bread is tasty by itself. Toasting and spreading it with butter, cream cheese, or honey is also great. For a decadent treat, make it into French toast and serve with maple syrup.
Storing and Freezing Sourdough Cinnamon Bread
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze individual slices, so you can reheat in the toaster for a freshly baked taste!
Conclusion
Sourdough cinnamon bread is, accordingly, a treat worth the effort. Also, with its delightful cinnamon swirl and chewy crumb, it’s the perfect breakfast or snack. But most importantly, savor each slice!
Sourdough Cinnamon Bread FAQs
Roll the dough tightly and pinch the edges to seal. Also, this step keeps the cinnamon swirl in place, but be gentle with the dough, so it doesn’t tear.
Yes, simply cut the rolled dough into smaller sections, place them in a greased baking dish, and bake until golden brown.
Make sure your sourdough starter is active, and allow the dough sufficient time to rise until doubled in size.
The dough should rise until doubled in size, which can take anywhere from 4-6 hours depending on room temperature.
Store in an airtight container accordingly, but you can also freeze slices for longer freshness, so they stay ready whenever you want a slice!
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Sourdough Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/2 cup water room temperature
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine starter, flour, water, and salt. Let rest.
- Stretch and fold dough every 20 minutes for an hour.
- Let dough rise until doubled in size.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll dough, spread butter, sprinkle sugar mixture, and roll tightly.
- Place in a greased loaf pan, rise until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375°F, bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool, slice, and enjoy!