This Sourdough Discard Apple Bread is a perfect way to use up leftover sourdough discard while enjoying a delicious, comforting treat. With sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of tang from the sourdough, this moist and flavorful bread is great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Simple to make and full of fall flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite!

A Personal Note

I used to feel really intimidated by baking. It took me years to finally gather the courage to try, because I had this idea in my head that you needed to be a master baker to get it right. I worried that it wouldn’t look good and that others would judge me for using “wrong” techniques.

But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it truly doesn’t matter how perfect your baking looks. As long as it tastes good and your family enjoys it, that’s all that really matters.

These days, we’re constantly bombarded with perfect images of baked goods and meals online, and it definitely affects our confidence in the kitchen. When our creations don’t come out as picture-perfect as what we see on social media, it’s easy to feel like we’ve failed.

But here’s what I want you to focus on—forget the flawless images you see online. Instead, pour your heart into the food you make. Use real ingredients and cook with love. If it tastes good and brings joy to your family, then you’ve succeeded in creating something truly special. That’s what really counts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for using up sourdough discard, which would otherwise go to waste. It’s a great way to give your discard a second life and create something delicious.
This bread works well as a snack, breakfast treat, or even a light dessert. It’s great with a cup of coffee in the morning or served with ice cream in the evening.
You can easily customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a sprinkle of oats on top. It’s a versatile base that allows you to experiment and make it your own.
With apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread feels cozy and seasonal during fall. It’s a great recipe to make when you’re craving something warm and comforting for the family.
The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers. It doesn’t require complicated techniques or special equipment, so anyone can enjoy making it!

Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread instead of a light and tender loaf.

Room temperature eggs: Let the eggs come to room temperature before using them. This helps the ingredients blend more easily and results in a more consistent texture.

Test for doneness: Start checking your bread around the 55-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick is still wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Cool before glazing: Make sure the bread is completely cooled before adding the glaze. If it’s too warm, the glaze will melt and not set properly.

Make it your own: Feel free to add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch. You can also adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste or swap in your favorite apple variety.

Equipment

Mixing bowls: to mix the dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and apple filling.
Whisk: for mixing the dry and wet ingredients together smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: fo accurately measure the flour, sugar, milk, and other ingredients.
Peeler and knife: to peel and chop the apples for the filling.
9×5-inch loaf pan: for baking the apple bread.
Parchment paper (optional): to line the loaf pan for easy removal.
Spatula or spoon: to mix and pour the batter.
Toothpick or skewer: for checking the doneness of the bread.
Wire rack: to cool the bread after baking.

Ingredients

Apples: about 2 apples peeled and chopped
Sugar: brown sugar, granulated, and powdered sugar
Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, salt
Vanilla extract
Flour: all purpose
Baking powder
Sourdough discard: it doesn’t need to be active
Eggs
Butter: melted and cooled
Milk: whole milk

How to Make Sourdough Discard Apple Bread

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Prepare the apple filling mixture: In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and brown sugar until evenly coated. Set aside.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and both sugars until well combined.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sourdough discard, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Assemble the bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the apple filling mixture over the top. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining apple mixture.

Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Glaze the bread: Once the bread is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set before slicing and serving.

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