If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, flavorful treat that brings a perfect balance of sweet and spice to your kitchen, then this Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a beautifully moist loaf that celebrates the natural tang of sourdough discard paired with tender chunks of apple, all wrapped up in a warm cinnamon and nutmeg embrace. The vanilla glaze drizzled on top adds a luscious finishing touch that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple for breakfast, snacks, or a comforting dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component brings something special to the loaf. From the bright, juicy apples that provide moisture and texture, to the aromatic spices that create that inviting fragrance, every element plays its part in crafting this delicious bread.
- Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Sugar (⅔ cup): Balances the tartness of the apples and sourdough, ensuring every bite is just right.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon plus ½ teaspoon for apple filling): Brings warmth and spice, enhancing the apple’s natural flavor.
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle earthiness that layers beautifully with cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Imparts a sweet, fragrant note that ties all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 240 grams): The sturdy base that provides structure and softness to the bread.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the loaf rise to a light and fluffy texture.
- Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness for a perfect crumb.
- Sourdough discard (½ cup / 125 grams): Brings a subtle tang and enhances the bread’s depth of flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and enrich the dough.
- Apples (2 cups peeled and chopped): Fresh and juicy, they are the star ingredient adding bursts of natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar for apple filling (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the apple mixture for a luscious texture.
- Powdered sugar for glaze (½ cup): Creates a smooth, sweet coating that melts into the bread.
- Milk for glaze (1 tablespoon): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
- Melted butter for glaze (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a glossy finish.
- Salt (a pinch, optional for glaze): Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
How to Make Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure a perfect baking environment. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan thoroughly so your apple bread doesn’t stick and comes out in one beautiful, intact piece.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. This apple filling mix will infuse your bread with juicy sweetness and aromatic spice in every bite.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using. Giving these ingredients a good stir ensures even distribution of spices and leavening for consistent results.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
To the dry mix, add your wet ingredients: milk, sourdough discard, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a mixer or a sturdy whisk to blend everything thoroughly until the batter is smooth and creamy, signaling a perfect base for your apple bread.
Step 5: Fold in Apple Mixture
Gently fold the apple filling into the batter with a large spoon. Take care not to overmix; you want the apples evenly distributed without breaking down their shape. This step adds delightful texture and bursts of flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma as the flavors meld and the loaf turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
While the bread cools a bit in the pan, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This glaze is the perfect finishing touch, bringing together the flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in a silky drizzle.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm bread. The glaze will slowly seep in, adding a luscious sweetness and an irresistible shine that invites you to slice in and take your first bite.
How to Serve Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your loaf, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze for an added crunch and visual appeal. A few thin apple slices arranged on top can also highlight the star ingredient.
Side Dishes
This apple bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a chai latte. For a more indulgent spread, serve it alongside creamy butter, softened cream cheese, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn it into a cozy dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe into thick pieces for breakfast toast, topped with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt. You can also turn it into a decadent bread pudding by cubing the loaf and baking it with custard.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, making it an easy grab-and-go treat for busy mornings or afternoon snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save this loaf for later, wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer bag works beautifully. Frozen apple bread lasts up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. The glaze will get slightly melty and perfectly gooey—just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sweet or tart apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp. Each variety brings a unique flavor and texture that can make your Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe even more special.
What if I don’t have sourdough discard?
No worries! You can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk as a tangy alternative, though the authentic sourdough flavor and texture will be slightly different. The bread will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps, yes. Use a plant-based milk of your choice, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and substitute the butter in the glaze with a dairy-free alternative. The result will be a tasty vegan version of the Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. The top should be golden and spring back when gently pressed.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries or raisins can add exciting texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the apples before baking to keep it all evenly distributed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about making and sharing a loaf like this Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that warm smiles and happy memories are made of. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to brighten a regular day, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy every irresistible bite.
Print
Sourdough Apple Bread with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sourdough Apple Bread is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring tender chopped apples and a moist sourdough base. Enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, this bread makes a perfect breakfast treat or dessert. The use of sourdough discard adds a subtle depth and moist texture to the loaf.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Bread Batter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour (240 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sourdough discard (125 grams)
- 2 large eggs
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples. In a large bowl, stir the chopped apples with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons brown sugar to create the apple filling mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, ⅔ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 2 cups all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons baking powder. Stir well to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add ½ cup milk, ½ cup sourdough discard, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a mixer, blend the ingredients until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Apple Filling: Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter using a large spoon, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, combine ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter, and a pinch of salt (optional) in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle Glaze: Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top before serving for a sweet, vanilla-flavored finish.
Notes
- Make sure the sourdough discard is unfed and room temperature for best results.
- If you prefer a more intense spice flavor, you can increase the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet bread.
- If you want a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
