This apple cinnamon sourdough bread is a cozy homemade recipe filled with warm spices and sweet apple flavor. Learn step-by-step how to make this naturally leavened loaf for the perfect fall bake.

Apple cinnamon sourdough bread is the perfect way to bring together the warmth of homemade sourdough with the cozy sweetness of apples and cinnamon. The natural fermentation gives the bread a beautiful depth of flavor, while the apple and spice make it taste like fall in every bite.

Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to bake this recipe again and again:

Seasonal Flavor: Fresh apple and cinnamon make this loaf fragrant, slightly sweet, and ideal for autumn baking.
Naturally Leavened: Using a bubbly sourdough starter gives the bread a rustic rise and tangy undertone without commercial yeast.
Versatile: This bread makes the best morning toast with butter, pairs beautifully with cheese boards, and can even be turned into French toast.
Showstopper Loaf: With its golden crust and spiced aroma, apple cinnamon sourdough bread is as impressive as it is delicious.
Healthier Alternative: Unlike store-bought flavored breads, this loaf has no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, just wholesome, natural ingredients.

Whether you’re new to sourdough or an experienced baker, this recipe will make your kitchen smell incredible and your table feel extra special.

A Brief History of Apple and Cinnamon in Baking

Apples and cinnamon have been paired together in baking for centuries. This classic flavor combination is believed to have roots in European baking traditions, where apples were abundant and cinnamon was a prized spice. From apple pies to spiced cakes, bakers discovered early on that the tart sweetness of apples pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon.

Incorporating these flavors into sourdough takes that tradition to the next level. The natural tang of sourdough balances the sweetness of apples while creating a rustic loaf that feels both comforting and gourmet. That’s what makes apple cinnamon sourdough bread such a timeless recipe, it carries history, tradition, and comfort in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this apple cinnamon sourdough bread, you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples plus one fresh apple:

125g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
375g filtered water (room temperature)
550g unbleached all-purpose flour
1 apple, grated and liquid squeezed out
10g salt
15g sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

The grated apple is added during the stretch and fold process, ensuring it blends beautifully into the dough without adding excess moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and filtered water. Stir in the flour, sugar, and cinnamon until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Add Salt & Stretch and Fold

After resting, sprinkle in the salt. Over the next 2–3 hours, perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes. During the second set of folds, add the grated apple and gently work it into the dough.

3. Bulk Fermentation

Cover the bowl and allow the dough to bulk ferment at room temperature for 6–8 hours, or until it has nearly doubled in size and looks airy.

4. Shape and Cold Proof

Lightly flour your work surface and shape the dough into a round. Place it seam-side up in a floured banneton or lined bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 12–14 hours.

5. Preheat and Score

Preheat your oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Once hot, carefully remove the Dutch oven. Place your dough on parchment paper, score the top, and prepare to bake.

6. Bake with Steam

Add a few ice cubes to the Dutch oven to create steam, then carefully lower in the dough. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Finish Baking

Remove the lid, lower the temperature to 400°F, and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least one hour before slicing. This step helps the crumb set and enhances the flavor.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread

Choose the Right Apple: A crisp, sweet variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji works beautifully.
Don’t Skip Squeezing: Removing extra liquid from the grated apple prevents a soggy loaf.
Add Extra Spice: If you love cinnamon, you can increase it to 1 ½ teaspoons for more warmth.
Balance with Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans during folding gives extra crunch.
Patience Pays Off: Allowing the bread to fully cool before slicing ensures a perfect texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My dough feels too wet: Apples add moisture, so make sure to squeeze them well. If the dough is still sticky, add 15–20g extra flour.
The bread is too dense: This usually means under-proofing. Make sure your dough has risen and looks airy before shaping.
The crust is too hard: Try reducing the final bake time by 5 minutes or wrapping the loaf in a clean towel while cooling to soften the crust slightly.
The flavor is too mild: Increase the cinnamon to your taste or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.

Storage and Freezing

To keep your apple cinnamon sourdough bread fresh:

Store at room temperature wrapped in a clean tea towel or in a bread bag for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze individually wrapped slices. Toast them straight from the freezer for a quick snack.
Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the crumb faster.

Serving Ideas

Apple cinnamon sourdough bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:

Toasted with butter and honey for breakfast.
Paired with sharp cheddar or brie for a sweet-and-savory snack.
As the base for cinnamon swirl French toast.
Served with apple butter, pumpkin spice spread, or cream cheese.
Used for fall-inspired grilled cheese sandwiches.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this apple cinnamon sourdough bread so special is the balance of tangy sourdough with warm, sweet flavors. The grated apple adds natural moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon infuses every bite with coziness. By using a Dutch oven and adding steam, you get a beautiful golden crust and soft interior.

It’s a recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of seasonal magic to your sourdough baking routine.

Final Thoughts

Homemade apple cinnamon sourdough bread is more than just a loaf, it’s an experience. From the aroma that fills your kitchen to the warm slice you enjoy fresh from the oven, every step is rewarding. Whether you’re making it for family brunch, gifting it to a friend, or simply enjoying it on a cozy morning, this bread is guaranteed to impress.

So grab your sourdough starter, a crisp apple, and some cinnamon, and bake a loaf of apple cinnamon sourdough bread that will become a favorite in your recipe collection.