If you are looking for a cozy, comforting treat that bursts with warm flavors and a hint of tartness, the Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful bread perfectly balances the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the rustic tang of sourdough, enhanced beautifully by a silky cinnamon glaze that adds an irresistible finishing touch. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it unforgettable whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, essential ingredients that come together harmoniously to create a loaf full of flavor and delightful textures. Each element contributes in its unique way—whether providing moisture, rise, sweetness, spice, or that treasured sourdough tang that sets this bread apart.

Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness to the bread.
Sugar: Balances flavors and enhances browning for a beautiful crust.
Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice that complement the apples perfectly.
Nutmeg: Gives a subtle depth of flavour that elevates the autumnal notes.
Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle floral sweetness that ties all the spices together.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bread, supporting the tender crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely and stays fluffy.
Milk: Moisturizes the batter, helping to create a soft crumb.
Sourdough discard: Brings a lovely tang and depth of flavour, making this bread authentically sourdough-based.
Large eggs: Provide richness and help with binding ingredients.
Apples: Fresh and peeled, they add juiciness and a natural fruity sweetness.
Cinnamon and brown sugar for apple filling: Amplify the spiced apple flavor within the bread.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze into a smooth drizzle.
Milk (for glaze): Creates the perfect consistency for the cinnamon glaze.
Melted butter (for glaze): Adds richness and sheen to the glaze.
Pinch of salt (optional for glaze): Balances sweetness to highlight the cinnamon.

How to Make Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Apples

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread bakes evenly and releases effortlessly. Then, peel, core, and chop your apples. Toss them in a small bowl with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. This mixture locks in the apple’s natural sweetness and infuses them with that signature spiced note you’ll love.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir everything together so the spices and leavening are evenly distributed—this is key for flavor and proper rise in the bread.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now whisk in the wet ingredients: milk, sourdough discard, vanilla extract, and eggs. Using a mixer makes this step easier, helping to form a smooth, well-incorporated batter. The sourdough discard adds that subtle tang that makes this apple bread truly special.

Step 4: Fold in the Spiced Apples

Gently fold the cinnamon-browned apples into the batter with a large spoon. This ensures the apple chunks don’t get mushy but are evenly dispersed throughout the bread, giving every slice a juicy burst of fresh fruit and spice.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the apple-filled batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This longer bake time allows the bread to fully set while developing a rich golden crust.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze

While the bread cools, combine powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and ready for drizzling. This glaze is the crowning glory, adding a sweet, creamy finish that perfectly balances the rustic bread beneath.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the bread has slightly cooled but is still warm, drizzle the cinnamon glaze generously over the top. The warmth will help the glaze melt slightly into the loaf, creating an inviting glossy finish that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of delight, sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the glazed loaf. A dusting of ground cinnamon or a few thin apple slices also add visual appeal and a taste boost.

Side Dishes

This bread is wonderful alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. It also pairs beautifully with creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re leaning toward dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice thick, serve warm with a pat of butter melting on top, or cut into smaller pieces for a rustic brunch spread. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper makes for sweet, shareable gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover sourdough apple bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain moisture and freshness without drying out the loaf.

Freezing

To extend its life, slice the loaf and freeze the individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly for a quick snack.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore softness and revive that freshly baked feeling. A quick spread of butter or cream cheese after reheating makes it extra comforting.

FAQs

Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter, but make sure to reduce the added liquid slightly since starter is more hydrated than discard. This will help maintain the correct batter consistency.

What type of apples work best in this bread?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give a lovely contrast to the sweet spices and prevent mushiness inside the loaf.

Is it necessary to use the cinnamon glaze?

The glaze adds a wonderful sweet and spiced finish, but you could enjoy the bread plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if preferred.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

You can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but note the texture and rise may differ slightly from the original. Adding a binder like xanthan gum can help improve structure.

How long does the bread stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this sourdough apple bread stays fresh for about three days, making it perfect for enjoying over several mornings.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe, I have no doubt it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Its heartwarming flavors and comforting texture are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a quiet afternoon. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, and let this bread fill your kitchen with its irresistible aroma and joy.

Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

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3.8 from 61 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in this moist and flavorful Sourdough Apple Bread, combining the natural tang of sourdough discard with sweet apples and warming spices. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this loaf is topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a touch of sweetness to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour (240 grams)
2 teaspoons baking powder
⅓ cup brown sugar
⅔ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

½ cup milk
½ cup sourdough discard (125 grams)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze

½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
1 pinch salt (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the bread does not stick during baking.
Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons brown sugar, mixing well to evenly coat the fruit.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, brown sugar, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg—and stir thoroughly to blend the spices and leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk, sourdough discard, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a mixer, blend everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined, taking care not to overmix.
Combine Apple Filling and Batter: Gently fold the spiced apple mixture into the batter with a large spoon, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
Pour and Bake: Pour the completed batter into the greased loaf pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted and cooled butter, and an optional pinch of salt in a mixing bowl until smooth and pourable.
Glaze and Serve: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top evenly. Slice and serve to enjoy the perfect combination of moist bread with a sweet, creamy finish.

Notes

You can substitute apples with pears for a different fruit twist.
Ensure the sourdough discard is unfed and at room temperature for best results.
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet finish to the bread.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and vegan butter for the glaze.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American