Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread

Crusty, aromatic, and utterly delicious, Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread is a treat that elevates any meal or occasion. The enchanting blend of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a delightful swirl throughout the bread, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack. Whether you’re enjoying a slice fresh out of the oven or toasting it with butter, this bread is sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar brings a warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tang of sourdough.
• Unique Texture: The open crumb structure of this sourdough provides a satisfying chewiness with each bite.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it plain, toasted, or as French toast; this bread fits any occasion!
• Homemade Delight: Baking your own bread fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and gives you control over ingredients.
• Great for Sharing: A beautiful loaf makes an excellent gift for loved ones or a centerpiece for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl (ceramic or glass)
• Dough scraper
• Plastic wrap or damp tea towel
• Banneton (or a bowl lined with a floured tea towel)
• Dutch Oven
• Baking paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A good quality bowl allows you to see the dough’s development during mixing and fermentation.
• Dutch Oven: Ideal for creating steam while baking, resulting in a crusty exterior.
• Dough Scraper: Helps in mixing and shaping the dough without mess.

Ingredients

For this delightful bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500 g Bread Flour
• 350 g Water
• 50 g Sourdough Starter
• 10 g Salt
• 50 g Brown Sugar
• 5 g Cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Autolyse – Premixing The Dough

1. Weigh out your sourdough starter and water into a large ceramic or glass bowl.
2. Mix the water and starter together briefly.
3. Add flour and salt to the mixture and stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
4. Cover with cling film or a damp tea towel and let it sit for about 1 hour.

Step 2: Forming Up The Dough

1. After autolyse, bring the dough together into a ball by stretching it up and over itself from the sides of the bowl.
2. Aim for about 20-30 stretches until you achieve a smooth ball.
3. Cover again and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Stretch & Fold – Creating Structure

1. Over the next few hours, perform 4-6 sets of stretches and folds on your dough.
2. For each set, stretch the dough up and over itself four times.
3. Allow about 15 minutes between each set.

Step 4: Bulk Ferment

1. Once finished with stretches, cover the dough again to allow it to ferment for several hours until it has risen.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

1. While fermenting, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Set aside for later use during shaping.

Step 6: Shaping The Dough

1. After bulk fermentation, flip your dough onto the counter sticky side up.
2. Shape it into either a boule or batard by gently pulling outwards into a rectangle shape.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the exposed surface as you fold before rolling up tightly.

Step 7: Placing Into A Banneton

1. Place shaped dough into your banneton smooth side down with seam on top.
2. Ensure it’s well-floured to avoid sticking during proofing.

Step 8: Cold Ferment

1. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or damp tea towel.
2. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or up to 36 hours for enhanced flavor development.

Step 9: Preparing To Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 230C/450F while preparing your Dutch Oven inside.
2. Leave dough in fridge until just before baking.

Step 10: Bake Time!

1. After preheating, transfer your cold dough onto baking paper using care not to deflate it.
2. Score the top of your loaf creatively with a lame or sharp knife.
3. Place into hot Dutch Oven with lid on; bake at high temperature first for about 30 minutes then reduce heat for an additional bake time of 10-15 minutes without lid.

Step 11: Finishing The Bake

1. Once baked, transfer your bread onto a wire rack immediately after removing from Dutch Oven for cooling before slicing.

Enjoy this wonderful Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread, perfect for sharing warmth at any gathering!

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Its sweet, warm flavors make it an excellent choice for breakfast or as a snack. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Toasted with Butter

• Toast slices of this bread and spread a generous amount of butter on top. The warmth of the toast will melt the butter, enhancing the cinnamon flavor.

French Toast

• Use this sourdough bread to make delicious French toast. Dip slices into a mixture of eggs and milk, then cook on a skillet until golden brown for a sweet morning treat.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• For an extra sweet twist, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top of fresh slices. This enhances the existing flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.

Pair with Cream Cheese

• Spread a layer of cream cheese on a slice for a rich and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bread. This combination is perfect for brunch.

Sandwiches

• Create unique sandwiches by using this cinnamon sourdough as your base. Fill it with savory ingredients like ham and cheese to balance its sweetness.

Enjoy with Coffee

• Serve alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices in the bread complement these beverages beautifully.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread

To achieve the best results when baking Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use an Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active. This will give your bread the right rise and texture.
• Monitor Dough Temperature: Keep an eye on dough temperature during fermentation; it should ideally be around 75°F (24°C) for optimal rising.
• Be Gentle When Shaping: Handle the dough delicately to preserve air bubbles which contribute to the open crumb structure.
• Experiment with Cold Fermentation: Allowing the dough to ferment in the fridge extends flavor development; try leaving it overnight for best results.
• Score Before Baking: Scoring allows steam to escape, giving your bread a nice rise in the oven. Be creative with designs!
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let your bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the bread.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with breakfast.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and richness next to sweet slices of sourdough.
4. Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup offers comfort while contrasting nicely with the sweetness of the bread.
5. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses for a savory bite that complements the sweet notes in your sourdough.
6. Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness and helps balance flavors.
7. Nut Butter Spread: Almond or peanut butter offers healthy fats and pairs wonderfully with cinnamon flavors.
8. Jam or Preserves: Spread fruit preserves over toasted slices for an extra layer of flavor that enhances breakfast or snack time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread can be a delightful experience, but certain common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the Starter’s Activity: Always use an active sourdough starter. If it hasn’t been fed recently, the dough won’t rise properly.
• Skipping the Autolyse: This step is crucial for gluten development. Skipping it can lead to dense bread.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Inaccurate amounts can alter the dough’s hydration and structure.
• Overworking the Dough: While kneading is important, overmixing can break down gluten. Aim for gentle handling during shaping.
• Underestimating Fermentation Time: Be patient with the fermentation process. Rushing it can result in flat bread without a good crumb structure.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread

• Wrap the bread tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Best consumed within 1-3 months for peak flavor.

Reheating Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Lightly toast on low heat in a skillet until warmed on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread unique?

This bread combines the tanginess of sourdough with sweet cinnamon swirls, creating a perfect balance of flavors that make it stand out.

Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may affect texture and hydration levels.

How do I know when my dough has fermented enough?

The dough should have risen significantly and appear puffy with bubbles forming on the surface. A gentle poke should leave an indent that slowly springs back.

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn’t rising, check your starter’s activity level. Ensure it’s bubbly and has been fed recently; otherwise, give it more time or adjust the temperature.

Can I customize my Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different spices to create your own variations. The base recipe is versatile and forgiving.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. This recipe invites creativity; try adding nuts or different spices to personalize your loaf. Your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas that will tempt everyone!