There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake wafting through your kitchen. The rich, buttery scent mingles with the warm undertones of vanilla and cinnamon, creating an irresistible invitation to gather around the table. pumpkin spice coffee creamer Imagine the delightful moment when you slice into that golden-brown cake, revealing its tender crumb and sprinkling of luscious toppings, while everyone eagerly waits for that first bite. brown butter dessert recipe.
I recall one rainy afternoon when my friends unexpectedly dropped by. With a bit of sourdough discard lurking in my fridge, I decided to whip up this coffee cake on a whim. As the cake baked, our laughter filled the air, and soon enough, every crumb was devoured! Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy evening treat with a cup of coffee, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, taking just a few minutes to mix
- Its flavor profile blends tangy sourdough with sweet cinnamon and soft textures
- The cake’s inviting appearance makes it a standout centerpiece for any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your favorite toppings or flavors
I still chuckle when my friend declared this coffee cake “the best thing since sliced bread” after devouring two slices in record time.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sourdough Discard: Use about 1 cup of active discard; it adds moisture and a delightful tang.
- All-Purpose Flour: This will form the base; choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference. sugar cookie cheesecake recipe.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that lovely rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice; don’t be shy—it’s the star here!
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for an aromatic lift; imitation won’t do justice.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter brings richness; use good quality for best results.
- Toppings (optional): Consider nuts or a streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prep the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray or butter. This ensures easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly blended. This simple step sets up all those wonderful flavors!
Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry mixture. Pour in melted butter, eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Prepare Topping (optional): If adding toppings like chopped nuts or streusel, mix them now with some extra cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl. This adds delightful crunch on top of your cake!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Let It Cool (If You Can Wait): Allow your coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve warm—or let it cool completely if you’re feeling patient!
And there you have it! A delicious Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake that not only uses up leftovers but also brings joy to every gathering. delicious coffee cupcakes Enjoy each slice alongside friends or simply savor it solo; either way, you’re in for a treat!
You Must Know
- Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake is a delightful way to reduce waste while indulging in a sweet treat
- The cake’s rich aroma and tender crumb make it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack
- Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter when sharing your baking adventures!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the wet ingredients first; then add the dry ingredients for even distribution. This ensures your coffee cake rises beautifully without any lumps.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon to enhance flavors. Experimenting with different add-ins can create numerous delicious versions of this cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it and reheat slices in the microwave when needed. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a better batter consistency
- Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay!
- Baking times may vary based on your oven; keep an eye out after 30 minutes
Baking this Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake turned out to be a delightful surprise during a rainy afternoon when friends unexpectedly dropped by. Everyone devoured it and begged for the recipe!
FAQ
What can I use instead of sourdough discard?
You can substitute with yogurt or buttermilk for similar tanginess and moisture.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 9 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake, perfect for brunches or cozy evenings. The cake’s tender crumb combines the tangy taste of sourdough with warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla, all topped with a crunchy streusel. Easy to prepare, this recipe transforms leftover sourdough into a delicious treat that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- Optional: Toppings (nuts or streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Create a well in the dry mixture; add melted butter, eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.
- If using toppings, mix them separately with some cinnamon and sugar.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or let cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For variations, consider adding chocolate chips or different spices like nutmeg. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
