Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow kitchen adventurer! If you’ve ever dabbled in sourdough baking, you know that sourdough discard is the little leftover treasure after you feed your starter. Instead of tossing it out (which feels like a total waste), you can transform it into something absolutely divine-like this delicious, tender, and oh-so-moist Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake.

Think of it as the perfect union of tangy sourdough goodness and sweet, crumbly coffee cake magic. It’s the kind of cake that makes your morning coffee ritual feel a little fancier or your afternoon snack totally indulgent. And trust me, once you start baking with your discard, you’ll never want to throw it away again. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Ready to impress yourself (and your family, friends, neighbors) with a simple recipe that’s bursting with flavor and texture? Let’s dive into the deliciousness.

Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is a perfect example of turning something humble (discard) into something spectacular. The coffee cake is moist and tender, with a lightly crisp, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping that literally melts in your mouth. Plus, the subtle tang from the sourdough discard gives it a complexity that plain coffee cake can’t match.

What You Get

• A buttery, soft crumb cake with a golden crust
• Swirls of cinnamon sugar that caramelize slightly during baking
• A touch of sourdough tang that adds depth without overpowering sweetness
• The perfect balance of crumbly topping and tender cake interior

This is comfort food at its best. It’s ideal for brunch, breakfast, or an anytime snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get baking, here’s the lowdown on everything you’ll need. Most of these are pantry staples, and the star here is definitely the sourdough discard (unfed, room temp).

• Sourdough discard (about 1 cup) – unfed, room temperature; this adds moisture, flavor, and a bit of acidity to the cake
• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – for the structure and body
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup) – for sweetness in the cake
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup) – for the rich cinnamon topping
• Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons) – for lift and fluffiness
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon) – works with the acidity of the discard to help rise
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons) – for that signature warm spice in the topping and filling
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons, melted and cooled) – makes the cake moist and tender; some goes into the batter, some into the crumb topping
• Egg (1 large) – binds everything together and adds richness
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – enhances all the flavors with subtle aromatic notes
• Milk (3/4 cup, whole or 2%) – adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb

How To Make Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. This is an easy-to-follow, step-by-step that will have you smelling cinnamon and buttery goodness wafting through your kitchen in no time.

1. Preheat And Prep

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make The Crumb Topping

   • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients

   • In another bowl, whisk the sourdough discard, melted butter (the ½ cup), milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

5. Combine Wet And Dry

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined-be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

6. Layer The Batter And Topping

   • Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle half of the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
   • Spread the remaining batter over the crumb layer (it might seem thin, but it’s okay).
   • Finish by sprinkling the remaining crumb topping over the top.

7. Bake

   • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The topping should be golden and crisp.

8. Cool And Enjoy

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.

Serve it warm or at room temperature, maybe with a drizzle of glaze or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Why does this cake work so well? Let’s nerd out for a sec on the ingredient science behind this beauty.

• Sourdough Discard

  • This is the unfed starter that contains wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, which provide a mild tanginess and contribute to leavening when combined with baking soda. It adds moisture and complexity of flavor, unlike plain yogurt or buttermilk.

• Baking Soda + Baking Powder Combo

  • Baking soda reacts with the acidic sourdough discard to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, helping the cake rise. Baking powder adds additional leavening to give a light, tender crumb.

• Butter And Sugar

  • Butter coats flour proteins to limit gluten formation, creating tenderness. Sugar not only sweetens but also helps retain moisture and creates that lovely golden crust through caramelization.

• Cinnamon

  • Beyond flavor, cinnamon has natural antioxidants and compounds that complement the sourdough’s mild tang, creating a complex, comforting flavor profile.

• Egg

  • Acts as a binder and emulsifier, trapping air in the batter which helps the cake rise and hold its shape.

Understanding these ingredients lets you tweak and play with the recipe confidently!

Expert Tips

To help you nail this recipe like a pro, here are some insider tips:

• Use discard at room temperature: This helps the batter mix more evenly and prevents clumping.
• Don’t overmix your batter: Mix until just combined for a tender cake. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake tough.
• Butter consistency matters: Melt the butter but cool it before mixing with eggs so you don’t scramble them.
• Check baking times early: Ovens vary; start checking your cake around 35 minutes to avoid drying it out.
• Make the crumb topping chunky: The texture adds that perfect contrast to the soft cake.
• For extra cinnamon punch: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top just before baking for sparkle and crunch.
• Store leftovers well: This cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully if wrapped tightly.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun spins you can try on the classic sourdough discard coffee cake:

• Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the crumb topping for crunch.
• Berry Burst: Fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Chip: Mix ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter for pockets of melty goodness.
• Apple Cinnamon: Stir in 1 cup peeled, diced apples to the batter and add extra cinnamon to the crumb topping.
• Glaze it Up: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and presentation.
• Maple Syrup Swap: Use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar in the batter for a deep, rich sweetness.

These variations keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Final Words

Honestly, this sourdough discard coffee cake is a total winner for anyone who loves baking, sustainability, or just good, honest flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a baking genius without hours of work or complicated ingredients. Plus, you get the added satisfaction of rescuing your discard and turning it into something spectacular instead of wasting it.

Every bite tells a story of creativity, thriftiness, and love – whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment with your morning coffee.

FAQs

What Is Sourdough Discard, And Why Is It Used In Coffee Cake Recipes?

Sourdough discard refers to the portion of sourdough starter that is typically removed during the feeding process. It is used in recipes like coffee cake to add a unique flavor, moisture, and texture, as well as to reduce food waste. The tanginess of the discard complements the sweetness of the cake.

Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead Of Discard In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter instead of discard. However, the cake might rise a little differently due to the presence of live yeast. If using active starter, reduce the amount of baking powder or baking soda in the recipe, as the yeast may provide some leavening.

What Are Some Common Flavor Variations I Can Add To My Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake?

Common flavor variations include adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter or the streusel topping. You can also fold in fruits like blueberries, apples, or pears, or add chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest for extra flavor.

Do I Need To Let The Sourdough Discard Sit Out Before Using It In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

No, sourdough discard can be used directly from the fridge without letting it sit out. However, if your discard is cold from the fridge, you may want to bring it to room temperature to ensure better incorporation into the batter.

How Does Using Sourdough Discard Affect The Texture Of The Coffee Cake?

Using sourdough discard adds moisture and density to the cake, creating a tender and slightly chewy texture. The acidity from the discard also enhances the cake’s flavor, making it more complex compared to a standard coffee cake.

Can I Make Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also include a binding agent like xanthan gum or guar gum to maintain the cake’s texture.

What Type Of Pan Is Best For Baking Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake?

A 9×9-inch square pan or an 8-inch round cake pan is ideal for sourdough discard coffee cake. Both pans allow for even heat distribution and a good rise. If you want a more rustic appearance, a bundt pan works well too.

Can I Freeze Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake?

Yes, sourdough discard coffee cake can be frozen. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave.

How Do I Store Leftover Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake?

Store leftover sourdough discard coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it, but the texture may become slightly denser.

What Is The Best Way To Make The Streusel Topping For Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake?

To make a streusel topping, combine cold butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.