Sourdough Discard Coffeecake

You’ve been working hard on your sourdough starter, feeding it every day and making delicious bread with the discard. But have you ever thought about using your sourdough discard in a coffee cake?

 

Sourdough discard coffee cake is a delicious and easy way to use up your discard and create a sweet treat.

 

 

Sourdough discard is the portion of your starter that you remove before feeding it. It’s often discarded, hence the name, but it can be used in a variety of recipes to add flavor and texture.

 

Coffee cake is a classic baked good that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Combining sourdough discard with coffee cake creates a unique and flavorful treat that’s sure to impress.

 

In this article, we’ll explore the world of sourdough discard coffee cake, including what it is, how to make it, and some delicious variations to try.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to sourdough, this recipe is a great way to use up your discard and create a delicious treat for yourself or to share with friends and family. So, let’s get started!

 

Related Article: Sourdough Discard Blueberry Muffins

 

Understanding Sourdough Discard

If you’ve been baking with sourdough, you may have heard of “sourdough discard.” This term refers to the portion of your sourdough starter that you would normally discard when feeding your starter. While it may seem like a waste, sourdough discard can actually be used in a variety of baking recipes, including coffeecake.

 

What Is Sourdough Discard?

 

Sourdough discard is essentially the “leftover” portion of your sourdough starter that you would normally discard when feeding your starter.

 

This discard contains both flour and water, as well as active yeast and bacteria. While it may not be as potent as your active starter, it can still be used in baking recipes to add flavor and texture.

 

Benefits of Using Discard in Baking

 

Using sourdough discard in your baking recipes can provide a number of benefits. For one, it can add a tangy flavor to your baked goods that is characteristic of sourdough bread. Additionally, the yeast and bacteria present in the discard can help to leaven your baked goods, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.

 

Using sourdough discard in your baking recipes can also help to reduce food waste, as you are repurposing a portion of your starter that would otherwise be discarded. This can be especially helpful if you are trying to maintain a sourdough starter on a budget.

 

Overall, using sourdough discard in your baking recipes can be a great way to add flavor and texture to your baked goods, while also reducing food waste. So next time you feed your sourdough starter, don’t throw away that discard – put it to good use in a delicious coffeecake recipe!

 

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

 

Key Ingredients for Coffee Cake

 

To make a delicious sourdough discard coffee cake, you will need a few key ingredients. These include flour, sugar, salt, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.

 

Flour is an essential ingredient in any coffee cake recipe. All-purpose flour is the most common choice, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

 

Sugar is another crucial ingredient that adds sweetness to the cake. You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar for a richer flavor.

 

Salt is necessary to balance out the sweetness of the cake. Butter adds richness and flavor, while vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Eggs are used to bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake. Milk is added to create a moist and tender crumb.

 

All-purpose flour is used to make the streusel topping, which is a key component of the coffee cake. Baking powder is added to the flour to make the cake rise and become fluffy.

 

Alternative Ingredients and Variations

 

If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of alternative ingredients and variations you can try. For example, you can add cinnamon to the streusel topping for a warm and spicy flavor. You can also add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for a crunchy texture.

 

Berries are a great addition to any coffee cake recipe. Blueberries are a popular choice, but you can also use raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Simply fold the berries into the cake batter before baking.

 

Related Article: Sourdough Bread for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Get You Started

 

If you want to make a healthier version of the coffee cake, you can substitute some of the ingredients. For example, you can use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar, or almond milk instead of regular milk. You can also use gluten-free flour if you have a gluten intolerance.

 

Sourdough Discard Coffeecake Recipe

Ingredients:

Mastering the Perfect Topping

 

When it comes to baking a sourdough discard coffeecake, the topping is just as important as the cake itself. A well-made topping can take your coffeecake from good to great, and leave your guests asking for the recipe. Here are some tips for mastering the perfect topping.

 

Related Article: Easy Sourdough Bread Dutch Oven Recipe

 

Creating a Crumbly Topping

 

The key to a great crumbly topping is using cold butter and combining it with dry ingredients until it forms small crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your hands to achieve this. It’s important not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in a tough topping.

 

For a basic crumbly topping, mix together flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices for extra flavor. Sprinkle the topping over the cake batter before baking, and watch as it turns golden brown and delicious.

 

Topping Variations

 

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Here are some variations to try:

• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix together sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the cake batter before adding the crumbly topping. This will add a sweet, cinnamony flavor to your coffeecake.
• Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to your crumbly topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Moist Topping: If you prefer a moist topping, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and flour until crumbly. This will result in a slightly gooey, caramel-like topping that is sure to please.

 

Remember, the topping is just as important as the cake itself. With these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and impressive sourdough discard coffeecake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

 

Storing and Preserving Coffeecake

 

When it comes to storing and preserving your sourdough discard coffeecake, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. Whether you have leftovers or want to make a big batch to freeze for later, following these tips will help ensure your coffeecake stays fresh and delicious.

 

Best Practices for Storage

 

If you plan on eating your sourdough discard coffeecake within a few days, the best way to store it is in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

 

This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. If your coffeecake has any toppings or glazes, it’s best to store it without them and add them just before serving.

 

If you have leftover coffeecake and want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. However, it’s important to note that freezing can affect the texture of the cake.

 

To prevent freezer burn, wrap the coffeecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

 

Freezing and Thawing Tips

 

When it comes to freezing and thawing your sourdough discard coffeecake, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

 

First, make sure the coffeecake is completely cool before freezing it. This will help prevent condensation from forming and affecting the texture of the cake.

 

When you’re ready to thaw your coffeecake, it’s important to do so slowly to prevent it from becoming soggy. The best way to thaw a frozen coffeecake is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are some creative ways to use sourdough discard in baking?

 

Sourdough discard can be used in various baking recipes, including cakes, cookies, and bread. Some creative ways to use sourdough discard in baking include making sourdough discard crackers, waffles, and pancakes.

 

You can also use it to make sourdough discard pizza crust, muffins, and biscuits.

 

How do you incorporate sourdough discard into a traditional coffee cake recipe?

 

To incorporate sourdough discard into a traditional coffee cake recipe, you can replace some of the flour and liquid ingredients with sourdough discard.

 

The sourdough discard adds flavor and texture to the coffee cake. You can also use sourdough discard in the streusel topping to enhance the taste.

 

What are the health benefits of using sourdough discard in cakes?

 

Sourdough discard is a natural source of prebiotics and probiotics, which can improve gut health. It also contains lactic acid, which can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Using sourdough discard in cakes can add nutritional value and enhance the flavor.

 

Can sourdough discard be used straight from the refrigerator in baking recipes?

 

Yes, sourdough discard can be used straight from the refrigerator in baking recipes. However, it is recommended to let it come to room temperature before using it to ensure even mixing and better rise.

 

How do different coffee cake flavors complement sourdough discard?

 

Sourdough discard can complement various coffee cake flavors, including cinnamon, blueberry, and chocolate. The sourdough discard adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake. It also enhances the texture and moistness of the cake.

 

What adjustments should be made when adding sourdough discard to a boxed cake mix?

 

When adding sourdough discard to a boxed cake mix, you may need to adjust the amount of flour and liquid ingredients.

 

Start by replacing a small portion of the flour and liquid with sourdough discard and adjust as needed. You may also need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure the cake is fully cooked.

 

Follow my sourdough recipes board on Pinterest.