Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you know that the kitchen can transform into a comforting sanctuary, a space filled with warm aromas and the sweet joy of creating something delicious. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also gives new life to your sourdough discard: Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake. This cake is fluffy, flavorful, and oh-so-perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon treat. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Now, you might be wondering, what makes this recipe so special? Here’s the scoop: this coffee cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the addition of sourdough discard. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also adds a unique depth of flavor. The combination of buttery goodness, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a heartwarming topping that will have you reminiscing of lazy Sundays and coffee shop vibes.
Moreover, this coffee cake is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. You won’t need any fancy techniques here, just some basic mixing, pouring, and baking to create a sumptuous treat that everyone will adore. Whether you’re alone with a cup of coffee or hosting friends for a gathering, this cake is sure to impress.
Step-by-Step: Making Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Ready to embark on this delightful baking journey? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sourdough discard or active starter
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cup brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
Directions:
Cinnamon Sugar Filling & Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, 5 tablespoons of flour, and 4 teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
Sourdough Coffee Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing well until combined.
- Gradually stir in the whole milk and sourdough discard, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar filling on top of the batter.
- Add the rest of the batter over the cinnamon filling, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar filling on top.
- Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Serving this delightful cake is just as easy as making it! You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Slice it into squares and serve it alongside a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea for that perfect pair. Consider dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Or, try adding a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated treat!
Feel free to present it on a gorgeous cake stand, inviting your guests to dive in. The best part? This coffee cake is just as enjoyable for breakfast as it is for dessert!
Keeping Your Coffee Cake Fresh
We all want to make sure our delicious creations last as long as possible. To keep your Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week.
For optimal flavor, gently reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving. A quick warm-up really brings out those flavors and makes it feel freshly baked again!
Expert Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s key to use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk. This helps them combine more easily for a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour mixture to the liquid ingredients, stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Use an Oven Thermometer: Oven temperatures can often be off. Using an oven thermometer ensures accurate baking conditions.
Experiment with Spice: If you love a bit of a twist, try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice complementing the cinnamon.
Melt Butter with a Twist: Instead of just melting the butter for drizzling, you could infuse it with some fresh herbs or citrus zest for a unique flavor twist.
Delicious Variations of Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Feel free to customize your coffee cake! Here are a few ideas for variations you can try:
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top for an extra crunch.
Fruit-Filled Goodness: Fold in some fresh or frozen berries or chopped apples into the cake batter for an added fruity flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in melted chocolate or add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent chocolate-coffee combo.
FAQs
1. Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Absolutely! Just remember that you’ll need to adjust your liquid ingredients slightly if your sourdough starter is too thick.
2. How does sourdough discard affect flavor and texture?
Sourdough discard adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor, making your coffee cake incredibly tender.
3. Can I freeze the coffee cake?
Yes! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for about 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Now, it’s time to experience the comforting magic of baking this Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fluffy and flavorful coffee cake made with sourdough discard, perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sourdough discard or active starter
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cup brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, 5 tablespoons of flour, and 4 teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing well until combined.
- Gradually stir in the whole milk and sourdough discard, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar filling on top of the batter.
- Add the rest of the batter over the cinnamon filling, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar filling on top.
- Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for the best results and avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg