Sourdough Coffee Cake (Soft, Tender & Perfect for Using Discard)

Jump to Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. You can view my affiliate disclosure here.

A warm slice of coffee cake on a quiet morning feels like home: the scent of cinnamon, the soft crumb, and a steaming cup nearby. And when you add sourdough into the mix, that simple comfort takes on a deeper, richer flavor.

This sourdough coffee cake is tender, buttery, and layered with a sweet cinnamon crumble. It’s the perfect way to use up sourdough discard while creating something that feels both cozy and a little special.

Whether you’re baking for a slow weekend breakfast or sharing with friends, this is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Coffee Cake

Using sourdough in coffee cake adds more than just a practical way to use discard.

It creates:

• A soft, moist crumb
• A subtle depth of flavor
• A less overly sweet finish
• A beautiful balance with the cinnamon topping

The sourdough flavor is mild, blending seamlessly into the warm, comforting notes of brown sugar and spice.

Ingredients for Sourdough Coffee Cake

For the Cake Batter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup sourdough discard
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Sourdough Coffee Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8 baking dish.

2. Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, combine:

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon

Cut in cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:

• Eggs
• Sourdough discard
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

6. Mix the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

7. Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle half of the crumble mixture over the batter.

Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the crumble.

8. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Add Glaze (Optional)

Once cooled, drizzle with glaze for a touch of sweetness.

Long-Fermented Option

For deeper flavor and improved digestibility:

1. Mix butter, sugar, sourdough discard, milk, and flour.
2. Cover and let ferment overnight (8–12 hours).
3. Add eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla before baking.

Tips for the Best Coffee Cake

Use room temperature ingredients
This helps create a smooth, even batter.

Don’t overmix
Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Use cold butter for crumble
This creates that perfect crumbly topping.

Check for doneness early
Every oven is a little different.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can easily customize it.

Add Fruit
Blueberries or chopped apples pair beautifully with the cinnamon.

Nutty Crumble
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.

Maple Glaze
Swap vanilla glaze for a maple-flavored drizzle.

How to Store Sourdough Coffee Cake

Room temperature:
Store covered for 2–3 days.

Refrigerator:
Keeps for up to 1 week.

Freezer:
Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Coffee Cake

Can I use sourdough discard in coffee cake?

Yes! Sourdough discard works perfectly in coffee cake. It adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor without making the cake taste overly sour.

Does sourdough coffee cake taste sour?

No, the flavor is very mild. The sourdough adds a slight richness, but the cinnamon and sugar flavors are what stand out most.

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes. Both active starter and discard work well in this recipe since the rise comes from baking powder and baking soda not fermentation.

How do I make sourdough coffee cake more fluffy?

To get a light, fluffy texture:

• Use room temperature ingredients
• Avoid overmixing the batter
• Measure flour correctly (don’t pack it)
• Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh

Can I make sourdough coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The flavor often improves by the next day.

Can I refrigerate or freeze sourdough coffee cake?

Absolutely.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week
• Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months

Let thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Can I add fruit to this coffee cake?

Yes! This recipe works well with:

• Blueberries
• Chopped apples
• Raspberries

Fold fruit gently into the batter before baking.

Why is my coffee cake dry?

Dry coffee cake is usually caused by:

• Overbaking
• Too much flour
• Not enough fat or liquid

Be sure to check for doneness early and measure ingredients carefully.

What is the difference between coffee cake and regular cake?

Coffee cake is typically less sweet and often includes a crumb topping or cinnamon layer, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Can I make this recipe long-fermented?

Yes. For a long-fermented version:

1. Mix the flour, milk, butter, sugar, and sourdough discard.
2. Let it rest overnight (8–12 hours).
3. Add remaining ingredients before baking.

This enhances flavor and may improve digestibility.

A Simple Bake for Slow Mornings

Sourdough coffee cake is the kind of recipe that fits into the quiet corners of your day.

It’s simple enough for an ordinary morning, but special enough to share with guests or family gathered around the table.

And like so many good things in a from-scratch kitchen, it brings together what you already have turning a bit of sourdough discard into something warm, comforting, and worth savoring.

Bake Your First Loaf in 7 Days

This free, simple sourdough starter guide walks you step-by-step through creating, feeding, and baking with your very own sourdough starter without overwhelm. Simple, everyday sourdough recipes included.

Download

By signing up, you agree to receive emails from us. Your information will be used in accordance with our

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Built with Kit

📖 Recipe