Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (2025)

Jump to Recipe

Discover the tasty blend of sourdough discard, tender apple pieces, and warm cinnamon in these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins, featuring a delectable crumb topping! It’s a delightful twist on a classic treat.

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (1)

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a fantastic and easy-to-make treat using delicious apple, aromatic cinnamon, and of course,sourdough discard!

Don’t have your own sourdough starter? What are you waiting for? Clickherewhere I help you create your own bubbly and active sourdough starter in just 7 days!

These muffins are packed with the flavors of fall. It’s the perfect treat to whip up after apple picking. Each bite features chunks of tart and crisp apples that add both a delightful texture and great flavor.

The addition of ground cinnamon brings a warm and comforting element to these muffins, making them an instant family favorite. Finally, the muffins are crowned with a crumb topping, adding an irresistible touch of sweetness to this already great recipe.

These muffins are not only a delicious recipe but also a healthy breakfast option that your family will love. The muffins are light, fluffy, and incredibly moist. It will be a challenge not to have two..maybe three…in a sitting!

Enjoy these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins as a delicious breakfast treat or quick afternoon snack!

Table of Contents

Pin for Later!

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (2)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosurehere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Moist –

Soft, light, and fluffy, these muffins can be enjoyed for days, while still staying incredibly moist.

Flavor –

These muffins highlight all of fall’s best flavors! From tender pieces of apple, warm cinnamon, and a sweet and salty crumble topping, what more could you want?

Easy Recipe –

This is a no-fuss kind of recipe! Just whisk up these basic ingredients and you are well on your way to simple and delicious sourdough apple muffins.

Discard –

If you’re like me, I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate my sourdough discard into any scrumptious baked treat or savory side dish! From Sourdough Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins to Homemade Sourdough Corn Dogs, sourdough discard adds a delicious twist, just like with these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins!

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (3)

Ingredients

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Flour – I used sifted all-purpose flour for this recipe.

Leaveners– Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and active, otherwise the cupcakes won’t rise properly.

Salt –Any unrefined salt will do, but my favorite isRedmond’s unrefined saltfor some extra minerals!

Ground Cinnamon –Brings some warmth to these sourdough apple muffins.

Sugars– I used a combination of white and light brown sugar for a more caramel-y flavor.

Oil –Select your favorite neutral oil, like vegetable, corn, or canola oil.

Milk –I used whole milk, but this can be substituted 1:1 for non-dairy options.

Large Eggs

Unfed Sourdough Starter –I prefer using sourdough discard that is no older than a week for sweet recipes like these Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Muffins.

Vanilla –Use pure vanilla extract, rather than imitation vanilla, for the best flavor!

Apples –Selecting a crisp apple, like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp will give you the best texture and flavor.

Crumb Topping

Flour– All-purpose flour will work just fine.

White sugar– You can substitute this with more light or dark brown sugar for a more caramel-y flavor.

Ground Cinnamon– Cause why not more cinnamon?

Butter– Melting the butter will give you the perfect crumb consistency.

Supplies

Large Mixing Bowls

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

Muffin Tins

Muffin Liners

Kitchen Scale

Wire Rack

How to Make Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f and line a muffin pan with muffin papers.

Tip: To help prevent the cupcake liners from sticking to the cupcakes, spray the liners lightly with nonstick spray before adding the batter.

Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour the melted butter slowly over the flour mixture, while slowly mixing. Mix until most of the mixture is crumbly. Be careful not to overmix, otherwise, it will become dough. Place in the fridge to chill, until the muffin batter is ready.

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (4)

Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set to the side.

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (5)
Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (6)

Wet Ingredients

In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the sugars and oil until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula when needed.

Add the sourdough discard, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix. It may start to curdle, but that’s okay!

Combine

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low until the dry ingredients are just combined.

Peel and dice the apples. In a small bowl, add the apples, 2 tsps flour, and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, and mix. This coating helps the apples from sinking to the bottom of the muffin.

Carefully fold the apples into the muffin batter.

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (7)

Bake

Divide the cupcake batter evenly into 14 lined muffin pan and fill 3/4 of the way full. Top with a portion of the crumble topping.

Bake the Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins for 17-18 minutes. The muffins are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Remove the muffins from the oven. Keep the muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (8)

How to Store

Store leftover Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins in an airtight container

These also freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place the sourdough muffins in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer and bring back to room temperature on the counter before enjoying.

FAQs:

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

For the best flavor and texture, you will want to select a variety of tart and crisp apples. Fresh apples, like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples are all excellent choices for this recipe.

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (9)

Happy baking!

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (10)

More Recipes Like This:

Sourdough Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Blueberry Lemon Poppyseed Sourdough Muffins

Sourdough Chai Tea Latte Cupcakes

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (11)

Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Muffins (Discard)

Yield: 16 muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Discover the tasty blend of sourdough discard, tender apple pieces, and warm cinnamon in these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins, featuring a delectable crumb topping! It's a delightful twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins

  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (245g) + 2 tsp
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (6g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (4g)
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (8g) + 1/2 tsp
  • 1/2 cup white sugar (120g)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (120g)
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil
  • 1/4 cup milk (70ml)
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unfed sourdough starter, discard (140g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (5g)
  • 2 cups, peeled and diced apples (2 medium apples)

Crumble Topping (optional)

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 Tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f and line a muffin pan with muffin papers.

Tip: To help prevent the cupcake liners from sticking to the muffins, spray the liners lightly with nonstick spray before adding the batter.

Crumb Topping

2. In a small bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour the melted butter slowly over the flour mixture, while slowly mixing. Mix until most of the mixture is crumbly. Be careful not to overmix, otherwise, it will become dough. Place in the fridge to chill, until the muffin batter is ready.

Dry Ingredients

3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set to the side.

Wet Ingredients

4. In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the sugars and oil until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula when needed.

5. Add the sourdough discard, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix. It may start to curdle, but that's okay!

Combine

6. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low until the dry ingredients are just combined.

7. Peel and dice the apples. In a small bowl, add the apples, 2 tsps flour, and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, and mix. This coating helps the apples from sinking to the bottom of the muffin.

8. Carefully fold the apples into the muffin batter.

Bake

9. Divide the muffin batter evenly into 16 lined muffin pan and fill 3/4 of the way full. Top with a portion of the crumble topping.

10. Bake the Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins for 17-18 minutes. The muffins are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

11. Remove the muffins from the oven. Keep the muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

How to Store

Store leftover Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins in an airtight container

These also freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place the sourdough muffins in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer and bring back to room temperature on the counter before enjoying.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

For the best flavor and texture, you will want to select a variety of tart and crisp apples. Fresh apples, like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples are all excellent choices for this recipe.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Discard) (2025)

FAQs

What happens if you bake sourdough discard? ›

You can always use this discard by directly mixing it into a dough for baking. Your discard, as long as it's in good shape, will leaven any bread dough just as well. The discard is just like a levain you would make for a recipe. The only difference is it's the same makeup as your starter.

Can I bake sourdough discard by itself? ›

You can store sourdough discard in a separate container, then bake with it when you want — for instance, maybe you fed your starter on Tuesday, leaving you with discard that you want to use to bake pancakes on Saturday.

Why do you throw away sourdough discard? ›

If you don't get rid of the excess, eventually you'll have more starter than your feedings can sustain. After a few days, your daily 1/4 cup flour and water won't be enough to sustain your entire jar of starter, and your starter will be slow and sluggish, not much better than discard itself.

Why use sourdough discard in recipes? ›

More Moisture: Adding discard to recipes adds extra moisture to the baked good. This can make for delicious muffins, pancakes, waffles and more! Flavor: Discard has gone through the fermentation cycle and typically has a more sour flavor from the bacteria.

What is the best way to use sourdough discard? ›

Don't throw it away! Instead, use it to make delicious and nutritious treats like pancakes, waffles, muffins, and bread. Sourdough discard is a great source of natural yeast and flavor, and can add a unique tangy taste to your baked goods.

Does sourdough discard need to be room temperature before baking? ›

Baking with sourdough discard also adds a great slightly sour flavor and additional lift to your baked goods. When you are baking with sourdough discard, it should always be at room temperature (to help the dough rise), and unfed (i.e. this is the discard, not the fed part of your starter).

Do I need to feed my sourdough discard before baking? ›

Absolutely! A jar of sourdough discard serves as an insurance policy against starter death. If you have some discard on hand, remove a spoonful of it and feed it fresh flour and water in a clean jar. You should have a bubbly starter ready to bake with after a couple of feedings, depending on the discard's condition.

How long can you keep sourdough discard before it goes bad? ›

Sourdough discard only lasts a day or two at room temperature. As such, it is best to keep your discard in the fridge, where it will last for up to one week. Of course, you can only rely on it lasting that long if you store it correctly.

How to tell if sourdough discard is bad? ›

You can store mature sourdough discard in the refrigerator indefinitely. As long as there is no mold, it is good to use. It may develop a grayish liquid on top called “hooch” which can be poured off before use or stirred in. If you stir it in, the flavor will become more sour.

Can I feed my sourdough without discarding? ›

Do I have to discard my sourdough starter? It would be best if you discarded some portion of your starter each time you feed it unless you want to continue to let it grow. Eventually, you need to discard the used “food” (flour and water) that's been used to sustain your starter during the last fermentation period.

What is a substitute for sourdough discard? ›

You can of course use active sourdough starter in place of discard if you wish. Often active sourdough starter gives a better profile for sweet baked good because it's more milder tasting. Try to treat your sourdough discard as a liquid when adding it to recipes.

Is eating sourdough discard healthy? ›

Technically, sourdough discard has the same benefits as sourdough starter, since they are both wild yeast ferments. In terms of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, natural yeasts acetic acid and colonies of microbes, they are both full of them.

Does sourdough discard have to be active? ›

It can be at room temperature or come directly from the fridge. The texture is less bubbly (if bubbly at all) when compared to fluffy active starter. Sourdough discard is not active enough to make bread dough rise, and despite its name the “discard” does not have to be thrown away.

Do you discard sourdough every day? ›

Sourdough has to be fed once every 24 hours. But this is to keep it active. If you want to keep your sourdough for longer without discarding of it, there are several options: Keep it in a fridge and feed once every 3–4 days.

Should I discard liquid on top of sourdough? ›

This is referred to as “hootch”. It is a natural separation that occurs when the starter is entering a semi-dormant state. The hootch has a pungent alcohol smell and taste, and, in part, contributes to the flavour of your sourdough starter. Do not discard the hootch.

When can you start baking with sourdough discard? ›

Remember, you can't use the discard from your homemade sourdough starter for the first 7 days. You can use sourdough discard in all kinds of sourdough discard recipes, including these no wait sourdough recipes, overnight sourdough discard recipes and sourdough discard recipes that use up a lot of discard.

Can you cook with cold sourdough discard? ›

You can utilize a cold starter in any sourdough discard recipe. These recipes don't require a sourdough starter for leavening, so you can use your starter directly from the fridge.

What happens if you just bake a starter? ›

Depends on when you bake it, hydration level... If you've just fed it, it basically is dough. If you've let it ferment like you normally would when you're about to bake bread then it will likely turn out like over fermented bread.

How do you store sourdough discard for baking? ›

How do I store sourdough discard? You can store mature sourdough discard in the refrigerator indefinitely. As long as there is no mold, it is good to use. It may develop a grayish liquid on top called “hooch” which can be poured off before use or stirred in.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 6511

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.