Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake is a delightful, waste-free dessert that transforms sourdough discard into a moist and flavorful cake. If you’ve ever been left with sourdough discard and wondered what to do with it, this recipe is perfect for you! Not only does it eliminate waste, but it also delivers a rich taste with the perfect texture, making it a great addition to any meal or snack time. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
This sourdough discard cake is a must-try for many reasons! First, it’s a fantastic way to utilize your sourdough discard, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Second, the cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the sourdough starter, which adds a unique tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet cinnamon. Third, it’s simple to make—perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Fourth, it offers a delightful crumb that’s both soft and airy, making it a crowd-pleaser. Lastly, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast or dessert, especially paired with coffee. For those looking for easy sourdough discard cake recipes, this is definitely among the best!
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Gather these items:
- ½ cup butter
- 1½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sourdough discard or active starter
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cup brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons butter
How to Make Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Combine the cinnamon topping ingredients: Stir together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly, then set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven: Set the temperature to 375℉ (190℃) for baking.
- Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whip together softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Mix in the wet ingredients: Add vanilla extract, eggs, whole milk, and sourdough discard. Blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gently fold in baking powder and flour until just combined.
- Step 6: Grease the pan: Coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 7: Layer the batter: Pour half of your batter into the greased pan.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the cinnamon topping: Cover the batter with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, pour the remaining batter on top.
- Step 9: Crumble the last of the topping: Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
- Step 10: Bake to perfection: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 11: Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Keep these in mind:
- Use softened butter for a creamy batter that blends well with sugars.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool slightly before cutting; this helps maintain its texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruits or nuts for added flavor, such as blueberries or walnuts.
- This sourdough coffee cake recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment.
Best Ways to Serve Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
There are so many delightful ways to enjoy this cake! Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For breakfast, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it as a snack throughout the day, making it a versatile addition to your meal plan. Try it with fresh fruit for a refreshing twist!

How to Store and Reheat Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
To store your sourdough discard dessert, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. When ready to serve, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole cake in the oven at 350℉ (175℃) for about 10 minutes. This will restore the moistness and flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake?
The secret lies in balancing the wet and dry ingredients. Ensure your sourdough discard is active and bubbly for the best results. This adds a delightful tang and moisture to the cake.
Can I make Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure that your baking powder is fresh for proper rising. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; this can lead to a dense cake.
Variations of Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake You Can Try
Get creative with your sourdough coffee cake with discard! Consider adding fresh berries or chopped nuts into the batter for extra flavor and texture. You could also try different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top once cooled.
For more information on baking with sourdough, check out this guide on sourdough discard. If you’re interested in more dessert recipes, visit our Cranberry Bliss Cupcakes recipe or try our Nutella Snowball Cookies for a sweet treat!
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Delicious Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake is a delightful, waste-free dessert that transforms sourdough discard into a moist and flavorful cake.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sourdough discard or active starter
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cup brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Combine the cinnamon topping ingredients: Stir together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly, then set aside.
- Preheat your oven: Set the temperature to 375℉ (190℃) for baking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whip together softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the wet ingredients: Add vanilla extract, eggs, whole milk, and sourdough discard. Blend until smooth.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gently fold in baking powder and flour until just combined.
- Grease the pan: Coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer the batter: Pour half of your batter into the greased pan.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon topping: Cover the batter with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, pour the remaining batter on top.
- Crumble the last of the topping: Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg










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