If you love the warm, cozy aroma of cinnamon and the delightful tang that sourdough brings, you are going to adore this Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe. This bread is the perfect fusion of sweet and slightly tangy flavors, wrapped up in a tender crumb with beautiful swirls of cinnamon sugar running through every bite. It’s a wonderfully approachable recipe that turns your sourdough discard into a show-stopping treat that’s ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting snack whenever the craving hits. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a treasured favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There are three bowls on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl is clear glass and holds a yellow melted butter mixture with a metal whisk that has a medium brown wooden handle placed inside. To its top right, a smaller clear glass bowl contains a white flour mix with a small amount of brown cinnamon powder on one side. Below that, a white bowl holds several layers of powdered ingredients in white and light brown hues with a greenish spatula resting on the edge. An egg lies next to the smaller bowls on the marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together simply but deliver all the flavor and texture you want in your quick bread. Each plays an essential role, whether it’s the sourdough discard adding that subtle tang, the cinnamon filling providing warmth, or butter bringing that rich, tender crumb.

2 cups flour: Your bread’s sturdy base; all-purpose flour works perfectly here.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the bread.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Mixed in the batter for subtle spice throughout.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become light.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sourdough for that perfect lift and tenderness.
8 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and moistness to the crumb.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the bread nicely without overpowering it.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
3/4 cup sourdough discard: Adds a unique tang and improves texture.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: For the luscious cinnamon swirl inside the bread.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Works with cinnamon for the sweet, caramel-like swirl.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: The key ingredient for the optional glaze on top.
1 tablespoon water: Helps the glaze reach a smooth, drizzle-ready consistency.
1/8 teaspoon vanilla: Adds that faint aromatic touch to the glaze.

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and preparing your loaf pan by brushing it with butter or coconut oil, or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your bread doesn’t stick and makes for easy clean-up.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt 8 tablespoons of butter and allow it to cool until it’s warm but not hot. This is important because adding hot butter directly can scramble your eggs or affect the final texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and the sourdough discard until you have a smooth mixture. This combination creates the flavorful, moist base of your quick bread.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. These dry ingredients provide structure and a light crumb to your loaf while infusing it with a subtle cinnamon aroma.

Step 5: Blend Dry Into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding them together gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing so your bread stays tender and soft rather than tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

Make the magic swirl by mixing 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 1/2 cup brown sugar in a small bowl. This simple cinnamon sugar mix creates that irresistible ribbon of sweetness that makes this quick bread special.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about three-quarters of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar.

Step 8: Create the Swirls

Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar together in the pan. This not only distributes the cinnamon goodness but also creates a gorgeous visual effect inside the bread.

Step 9: Bake

Place your loaf in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes until golden brown. The best way to know it’s done is by inserting a toothpick or sharp knife; if it comes out clean, your bread is perfect and ready to cool.

Step 10: Cool and Glaze

Allow the bread to cool for around 20 minutes, then whisk together powdered sugar, water, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the loaf, adding a sweet finishing touch that elevates this quick bread into a treat everyone will rave about.

How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

The image shows two slices of crumb cake placed on a white plate. Each slice has two layers: a light brown soft cake layer at the bottom and a crumbly, slightly darker brown topping with a swirl of dark cinnamon filling in the middle, giving texture and color contrast. Behind the plate, a part of the full crumb cake loaf, dusted with powdered sugar, is visible on a white marbled surface. To the left side of the plate, a silver fork rests on a gray and white striped cloth. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the glaze offers sweetness and shine, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These little touches add extra charm and accentuate the cinnamon flavors in the bread.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit to balance the rich sweetness of the quick bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and toasting it lightly for a crunchy contrast or use it as the base for a decadent French toast. You can also serve individual slices with cinnamon butter or cream cheese spread for an irresistible treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover slices airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain the soft texture. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the quick bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster or microwave for 20-30 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness and bring out all the cinnamon aroma once again.

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can substitute active sourdough starter, but reduce added liquids slightly since a starter is more hydrated than discard. The flavor will be similar but possibly a bit tangier.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the swirl?

If brown sugar isn’t on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a little molasses. This keeps the caramel notes that are key to the swirl.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

With some adjustments to the flour blend, yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose mix that contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or sharp knife into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks, give it additional baking time, checking every 5 minutes.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! The glaze is optional and adds sweetness and a bit of moisture, but the bread is flavorful and delicious on its own without it.

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Recipe is a perfect way to bring a little extra joy and warmth into your kitchen. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to share with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for cozy mornings or sweet afternoons.