Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Dessert Bread

Think banana bread... but with apples.

This Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Dessert Bread is soft, moist, sweet, and packed with chunks of fresh apple, warm cinnamon, and brown sugar. Made with sourdough discard, it's the perfect way to use extra starter while creating a cozy dessert loaf that's equally at home on the breakfast table or beside an afternoon coffee.

Ingredients

Batter

✅ 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard

✅ 2 medium apples, peeled and diced

✅ 2 eggs

✅ ½ cup melted butter

✅ ¾ cup brown sugar

✅ ¼ cup granulated sugar

✅ 1 tsp vanilla extract

✅ 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

✅ 1 tsp baking soda

✅ ½ tsp salt

✅ 2 tsp cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

✅ ¼ cup brown sugar

✅ 1 tbsp cinnamon

Optional Topping

✅ ¼ cup chopped walnuts

✅ 2 tbsp coarse sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease or line a standard loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl combine:

• Sourdough discard
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla

Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Mix until just combined.

Fold in the diced apples.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Mix together:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.

Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Add remaining batter.

Top with remaining cinnamon sugar.

Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool

Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack.

Or ignore this advice and eat a warm slice immediately.

Optional Glaze

Whisk together:

✅ 1 cup powdered sugar

✅ 2 tbsp milk

✅ ½ tsp vanilla

Drizzle over cooled loaf.

Baker's Tip

A combination of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Baker's Warning

You will tell yourself:

"This is basically fruit."

And then eat four slices.

Technically you're getting your apples in. 😆🍎

Want Better Sourdough Baking?

🐿️ Start with Squirrelly Girl Sourdough Starter — our beginner-friendly dehydrated starter from a real working micro bakery.

🌎 https://squirrellygirlstarter.com/products/squirrelly-girl-sourdough-starter

One starter. Endless possibilities.