This Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Sourdough Bread is a cozy delight! It’s fluffy, slightly tangy, and filled with sweet cinnamon goodness that makes your kitchen smell dreamy.
Honestly, the swirl of cinnamon is the best surprise in every slice! I love slathering mine with butter for an extra treat. 🍞❤️ Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Using an active sourdough starter is key to a good rise and flavor. If you don’t have one, you can use commercial yeast (about 7g) to help leaven the bread, but it won’t have the same tangy flavor.
Bread Flour: Bread flour has more protein, giving the bread structure and chewiness. All-purpose flour can be used, but your bread may be less chewy. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a deeper flavor to the swirl. You can substitute it with white sugar, but the taste will be less rich. Coconut sugar is a great alternative for a similar flavor profile.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that classic swirl flavor. For a twist, try using nutmeg or cardamom. You can mix in some vanilla or maple extract for additional warmth.
Unsalted Butter: This helps create a rich filling. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or mashed avocado for spreading.
How Do I Knead Dough for Perfect Texture?
Kneading might seem tricky if you’re new to bread making, but it’s simple and rewarding! Kneading develops gluten, which gives your bread structure. Here’s how to do it:
- Sprinkle some flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough on the surface and push it down with the palm of your hand.
- Fold it over itself, rotate it 90 degrees, and repeat. Keep doing this for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
- If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed. Just avoid over-flouring, or you’ll make it dense!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Sourdough Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sourdough Starter:
- 100g active sourdough starter
For The Dough:
- 400g bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 300g lukewarm water
- 10g salt
- 50g sugar
For The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 60g brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 30g unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
Additional:
- Butter or margarine for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread takes about 4-6 hours for the first rise (depending on the temperature), plus 2-3 hours for the final proof, and then about 40-60 minutes for baking. Overall, you should plan for around 7-10 hours, but most of this is just waiting time! You can easily fit it into your day while doing other things.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the active sourdough starter with lukewarm water until it’s dissolved. Add the bread flour, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until a rough dough starts to form.
2. Knead the Dough:
Next, transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside, as you’ll use it later for that delicious swirl!
4. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 12×16 inches. Try to keep the edges neat for a better swirl.
5. Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle that tasty cinnamon sugar mixture all over the buttered surface!
6. Roll and Form the Loaf:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Make sure to pinch the seam to keep it sealed. Place the rolled dough seam-side down onto a baking sheet or into a proofing basket.
7. Final Proof:
Cover the shaped loaf and let it prove for an additional 2-3 hours at room temperature until it’s nice and puffy.
8. Preheat Oven:
While your dough is proving, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a Dutch oven, pop it inside to preheat as well; this step helps create a crispy crust!
9. Bake:
If you’re using a Dutch oven, carefully transfer the loaf into it, cover with the lid, and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the lid and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. If baking directly on a sheet, bake for 35-40 minutes.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. It’s perfect all on its own, or you can serve it warm with some butter for a truly delicious treat!
This recipe yields a stunning rustic sourdough bread with a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Store-Bought Sourdough Starter?
Absolutely! A store-bought active sourdough starter will work just as well as homemade. Just make sure it’s fed and bubbly before using it to ensure a good rise.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise Enough?
If your dough isn’t rising as expected, it might be due to the temperature of your kitchen or an inactive starter. Try moving the dough to a warmer spot, or if it’s still slow, you can gently knead in a little more active starter or a pinch of yeast to help it along.
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This cold fermentation can enhance the flavor. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out for the filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just slice the loaf before freezing for easy thawing!
