There is something utterly heartwarming about the cozy aroma of fresh-baked bread infused with tender apple pieces and a hint of cinnamon. This Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe brings together the tangy depth of sourdough discard, the sweetness of apples, and a luscious cinnamon glaze that transforms each slice into a little celebration of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it with morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, this bread is bursting with moist texture and comforting spice, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself on a quiet day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen carefully to balance sweetness, moisture, and spice. From the tangy sourdough discard that creates a tender crumb to the fresh apples that offer juicy bursts, every component plays a crucial role in making your bread irresistible.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
- â…” cup sugar: Provides the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Imparts warm spice to the batter that pairs perfectly with apples.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Offers a subtle, nutty hint that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 cups all purpose flour (240 grams): Serves as the sturdy base for the bread’s soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise so it’s light and fluffy.
- ½ cup milk: Adds moisture for tenderness without weighing the bread down.
- ½ cup sourdough discard (125 grams): Provides a tangy depth and keeps the crumb wonderfully moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 cups apples peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples): Give juicy sweetness and texture in every bite.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apple filling): Sprinkled on apples for an extra layer of warm spice.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for apple filling): Sweetens the apple pieces for a beautifully balanced filling.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates the silky, sweet topping that finishes the bread.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze): Makes the glaze smooth and easy to drizzle.
- 2 tablespoons butter melted and cooled (for glaze): Adds richness and a glossy finish to the glaze.
- 1 pinch salt (optional for glaze): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor in the glaze.
How to Make Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan ensures that your bread will come out effortlessly after baking. This small prep step makes a big difference for the perfect loaf shape and easy clean-up.
Step 2: Prep Your Apples
Take about 2 medium apples, peel and core them, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Toss these apple chunks in a small bowl with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. This mixture will infuse the apples with sweet, spicy flavor that melds beautifully in the bread.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, ⅔ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 2 cups flour, and 2 teaspoons baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents throughout your bread for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the dry mix, add ½ cup milk, ½ cup sourdough discard, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a mixer to blend everything until fully combined. This step creates a smooth batter that captures all the wonderful flavors while giving structure to your bread.
Step 5: Fold in the Apple Mixture
Gently stir the spiced apple pieces into your batter with a large spoon. Folding rather than mixing vigorously keeps the apple chunks from breaking down and ensures they are evenly spread throughout your loaf, so every slice has delightful bursts of fresh fruit.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is pure comfort in the making!
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Glaze
While the bread cools slightly, mix together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and a pinch of salt if you like. Whisk until smooth and glossy—it will add that beautiful sweet finish with a delicate cinnamon hint that makes this bread truly special.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread so it seeps into the nooks and crannies. Let it set a few minutes before slicing. This step not only enhances moisture but also adds an irresistible sweet-spicy shine to each slice.
How to Serve Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or dust powdered sugar over the glaze just before serving. A thin pat of butter on a warm slice also elevates the richness and enhances that freshly baked feel.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or snack time. You can also serve it alongside a mild sharp cheddar or cream cheese spread for a savory-sweet combo that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the bread thickly and serving it toasted with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent twist. It also makes an amazing base for a French toast variation that brightens up any brunch table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain the perfect balance of softness and aroma.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, you can freeze it. Slice first for convenience, then wrap each slice individually or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen bread retains its best quality for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, simply thaw frozen slices at room temperature and then warm in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. Reheating gently refreshes the texture and revives the cinnamon glaze’s shine.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sourdough starter instead of discard?
While this recipe calls for sourdough discard to add moisture and tang, using an active starter will work too but may slightly alter rising times and flavor balance. Adjust the liquid as needed to maintain the right batter consistency.
What type of apples work best?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp complement the sweetness of the bread and hold their shape well during baking, giving you those delightful apple bites throughout.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend is possible, but you may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum and adjust baking times. The texture might vary, but the flavor will still be delicious!
How long should I let the bread cool before glazing?
Allow the bread to cool for about 10-15 minutes so that the glaze melts slightly on top without disappearing entirely, creating that perfect shiny coating.
Is the glaze necessary or can I omit it?
The cinnamon glaze adds a lovely finishing touch of sweetness and moisture, but if you prefer a less sweet bread, you can skip it. The bread itself remains flavorful and moist without it.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe a try—it’s one of those comforting bakes that feels like a warm hug in loaf form. Between the tender crumb, the cozy apple-cinnamon combo, and that irresistible glaze, it’s a treat worth sharing and savoring. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sourdough Apple Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf combining the tangy goodness of sourdough discard with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, it’s topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze that adds a delightful finish to each slice.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- â…” cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour (240 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sourdough discard (125 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups apples peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
Apple Filling Mixture
- 2 cups apples peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Glaze Ingredients
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons butter melted and cooled
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare apple filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples. In a large bowl, mix the chopped apples with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons brown sugar to create the apple filling mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, all purpose flour, and baking powder. Stir well to evenly distribute.
- Add wet ingredients: Add sourdough discard, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate apple filling: Fold the apple filling mixture into the batter gently with a large spoon until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool.
- Prepare glaze: While the bread is cooling, combine powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Glaze the bread: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread before serving to add a sweet, buttery finish.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- The sourdough discard adds moisture and a mild tangy flavor but can be substituted with plain yogurt if unavailable.
- Ensure the toothpick comes out clean before removing the loaf to prevent underbaking.
- Glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk.
- Store leftover bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
