Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with extra sourdough starter, this Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This coffee cake takes that tangy sourdough discard and transforms it into a tender, moist cake with a delectably cinnamon-spiced crumb layer that melts in your mouth. Not only does it make excellent use of what might otherwise be wasted, but it also delivers a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors that you’d never guess came from discard. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this coffee cake lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to create layers of flavor and texture that combine perfectly. From the richness of butter and sour cream to the warm spice of cinnamon in the crumb layer, every item plays a crucial role in making this cake irresistibly good.

• 1 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• ½ cup butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and a buttery depth to the batter.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with fragrant warmth.
• 2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and give structure and richness.
• ½ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• ½ cup sourdough discard: Introduces a subtle tang and contributes to moistness.
• ½ cup sour cream: Boosts tenderness and adds a rich, creamy flavor.
• 1½ cup all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Leavens the cake for a light, airy texture.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• For the crumb middle layer:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the deliciously crumbly topping.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the crumb.
• 3 tsp cinnamon: Brings a warm, aromatic spice to the topping.
• ½ cup butter, melted: Binds the crumb ingredients and gives richness.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

Begin by beating the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and light. This process is key because it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender, airy cake. The full aroma of vanilla will start to fill your kitchen making it impossible not to get excited about what’s coming next.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Milk, Sourdough Discard, and Sour Cream

Next, whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then combine milk, sourdough discard, and sour cream. The sourdough discard brings a gentle tang that cuts through the sweetness, while sour cream enhances the moistness, making every bite satisfyingly soft and flavorful.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gentle mixing is your friend here—stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until they’re combined to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and since we want this coffee cake light and tender, patience pays off.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Middle Layer

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter, then stir until the mixture forms lumpy crumbs. This crumb layer is where the magic happens, adding gorgeous texture and that sweet-spiced contrast throughout the cake.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking, then spread half of the batter evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over it, then carefully layer the remaining batter followed by the rest of the crumb mixture. This layering ensures every slice has that perfect balance of soft cake and crumbly topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell heavenly, signaling that this Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe has transformed into the comforting classic it’s meant to be.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before serving. This rest time lets the crumb topping set slightly, making it easier to cut generous squares without crumbling all over the place. You’ll want to savor every bite of this delicious, moist cake.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this coffee cake even further, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. If you want to get fancy, add a smear of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Fresh berries or a handful of chopped nuts on top can also bring refreshing texture and flavor contrasts.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea—the ideal morning or midday pick-me-up. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert twist. You can also cut it into mini squares and place them on decorative skewers with berries in between for a charming finger food option at parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which sometimes is tough since it’s so irresistible), store them covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crumb layer crisp and the cake moist without drying out.

Freezing

This Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm your coffee cake slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and revives the crumb topping’s delicious texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

While you could technically use active starter, this recipe is designed specifically for sourdough discard, which is less sour and doesn’t ferment the batter the same way. Using active starter might affect the cake’s texture and tanginess.

What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?

You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will lend the necessary moisture and slight tang that keeps this cake so tender and flavorful.

Is this coffee cake suitable for freezing after baking?

Absolutely! Both whole cakes and individual slices freeze well and thaw nicely without losing moisture or flavor, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the crumb topping?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even diced apples make fantastic additions to the crumb topping, adding texture and extra flavor layers. Just fold them in before spreading the topping on the cake batter.

How long is the best time to bake this cake?

The best baking time is between 50 and 60 minutes, but ovens vary. It’s best to start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick test to avoid overbaking, which can dry out this moist coffee cake.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to use sourdough discard creatively while rewarding you with the warm embrace of cinnamon, buttery crumbs, and moist, tender crumb. Whether for a casual breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, this cake is sure to brighten your day. Go ahead, try it out—you’ll be so glad you did.

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