The smell of cinnamon sugar sourdough bread fresh from the oven is simply wonderful. It fills your kitchen with warmth and makes you feel happy and cozy. This bread is special because it combines the tangy taste of sourdough with sweet cinnamon sugar swirls inside. If you want to bake bread that’s both healthy and tasty, this guide will help you make the perfect cinnamon sugar sourdough bread at home.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread
You might wonder why this bread deserves a spot in your baking routine. Here’s what makes cinnamon sugar sourdough bread stand out:
- Flavor Fusion: The natural tang from the sourdough starter balances beautifully with the sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar, creating a layered taste you won’t find in regular loaves.
- Better Digestion: Thanks to the fermentation process, sourdough breaks down gluten and other components, making it easier on your digestive system compared to regular bread.
- Natural Ingredients: This bread relies on simple pantry staples, making it a healthier option free from artificial additives or preservatives.
- Versatility: Whether as a breakfast toast, a snack, or a dessert base, it fits seamlessly into any part of your day.
- Baking Satisfaction: Crafting this loaf connects you to an age-old tradition, providing a rewarding hands-on experience.
Scientific studies also suggest that fermented breads can have a lower glycemic index, making sourdough a more balanced choice for blood sugar levels compared to many other breads. Plus, the surge in home baking has shown how rewarding creating artisan-style bread can be — especially when it’s infused with a touch of cinnamon sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread
Bread Flour – Essential for good gluten development in cinnamon sugar sourdough bread. It gives the loaf structure and chewiness. Avoid substituting with cake flour or all-purpose flour, as they lack the protein needed for proper fermentation and rise.
Active Sourdough Starter – The heart of cinnamon sugar sourdough bread’s tangy flavor and natural leavening. Make sure your starter is well-fed and bubbly for the best rise and taste.
Ground Cinnamon – The key spice that creates the warm, aromatic swirl inside your bread. Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor impact.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon swirl and caramelizes during baking, adding a crunchy, flavorful layer inside the loaf.
Unsalted Butter or Neutral Oil (optional) – Adds richness and moisture to the cinnamon sugar sourdough bread. If using salted butter, reduce the salt in the dough accordingly.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread
Follow these clear steps for a loaf that’s as stunning as it is tasty.
Step 1: Prepare Your Sourdough Starter
Ensure your starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 4-6 hours before baking so it’s at its peak strength.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Combine the bread flour, water, and starter in a large bowl.
- Mix until no dry flour remains; the dough will be sticky but cohesive.
- Add salt and continue folding the dough until it feels elastic.
Step 3: Bulk Fermentation
- Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for about 4-5 hours.
- Every 30-45 minutes, perform gentle stretch-and-folds to develop gluten and structure.
Step 4: Shape and Add Cinnamon Sugar
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
- Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar evenly across the surface, leaving a small border.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch seams to seal.
Step 5: Proof
- Place the rolled dough into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Cover and proof for 2-3 hours at room temperature until noticeably puffy.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife for steam release.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
Step 7: Cooling and Storage
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture.
- Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer freshness.
Expert Tips
Here are some tricks that will elevate your baking:
- Starter Strength: Use a starter that doubles in size within 4-6 hours for best fermentation.
- Water Temperature: Lukewarm water kickstarts fermentation without killing yeast.
- Stretch-and-Fold: This technique replaces kneading to build gluten while preserving dough structure.
- Even Cinnamon Sugar Distribution: Sprinkle sugar in thin, even layers to avoid clumps.
- Loaf Pan Choice: Use a loaf pan with high sides to support the shape and keep cinnamon sugar from leaking out.
- Check Doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when fully baked.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with these delightful twists:
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer for crunch.
- Alternative Sugars: Swap white sugar for brown or coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Fruit Mix-In: Sprinkle raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots for bursts of sweetness.
- Spiced Up: Blend nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice with cinnamon for a warm spice blend.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the bread flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, denser loaf.
Serving Your Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread
This bread is a treat whether fresh or toasted. Here are some serving ideas:
- Toast thick slices and spread with butter or honey for a simple indulgence.
- Serve alongside your favorite warm beverage like tea or coffee.
- Use slices to make French toast for a weekend brunch.
- Cube leftovers to create bread pudding or a sweet casserole.
FAQ: Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread
How long does cinnamon sugar sourdough bread stay fresh?
Your cinnamon sugar sourdough bread will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days when stored in a breathable bag. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly.
Can I make cinnamon sugar sourdough bread without a starter?
While a sourdough starter is key for authentic tang and fermentation, you can experiment with commercial yeast. The flavor will differ, but you’ll still enjoy a sweet cinnamon loaf.
What is the best way to store cinnamon sugar sourdough bread?
Store your bread loosely wrapped in a paper bag or linen cloth at room temperature to maintain crust crispness. Avoid airtight plastic unless it is freezing.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar swirl even throughout the bread?
Roll the dough evenly into a thin rectangle and sprinkle cinnamon sugar uniformly before rolling. Avoid overloading any spot to prevent uneven pockets.
Is cinnamon sugar sourdough bread healthy?
Compared to standard breads, sourdough bread has benefits due to fermentation which breaks down gluten and enhances nutrient absorption. The addition of cinnamon also provides antioxidants, making this bread a wholesome choice.
Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup water lukewarm
- 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, optional
Instructions
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly, feeding it 4-6 hours before baking.
- Mix bread flour, water, and sourdough starter in a large bowl until no dry flour remains; dough will be sticky but cohesive.
- Add salt and fold dough gently until elastic.
- Cover dough and let rest at room temperature for 4-5 hours, performing stretch-and-fold every 30-45 minutes.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface; roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll dough tightly from long side into a log and pinch seams to seal.
- Place rolled dough into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Cover and proof for 2-3 hours until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Slash top of loaf with sharp knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Remove loaf from pan and cool completely on wire rack before slicing.