Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe

There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, tender treat that combines the nutty richness of brown butter with the tangy depth of sourdough. That’s exactly what the Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe delivers—a delightful spiced bundt cake that feels both sophisticated and comfortingly familiar. Each bite melts in your mouth, showcasing a perfect swirl of cinnamon sweetness embraced by a luscious cream cheese filling. Whether you’re serving these at brunch, afternoon tea, or any cozy gathering, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crave-worthy snack that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this recipe is straightforward but carefully chosen to make each element sing. The combination of brown butter and sourdough discard lends complexity and moisture, while the cinnamon sugar swirl adds that iconic sweet-spicy kick. Here’s a breakdown of these simple but essential ingredients and why they matter:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly and become fluffy.
• Baking soda: Reacts with sourdough for lift and tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Salted butter: Browned to nutty perfection, it adds deep flavor and rich moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness with a subtle crunch.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel note to both batter and cinnamon swirl.
• Greek yogurt: Brings acidity and moisture encouraging a tender crumb.
• Sourdough discard: Adds depth, complexity, and tender texture; can be swapped for extra yogurt if needed.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Highlights the sweetness with warm, fragrant notes.
• Cinnamon: The star of the swirl, providing that iconic warm spice.
• Cream cheese: The silky filling that adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweet swirl.
• Powdered sugar: For the smoothest, most luscious frosting texture.
• Milk of choice: Adjusts the cream cheese filling to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your mini bundt cake pans thoroughly with butter, then sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking and help achieve that beautifully baked outer crust. If you prefer a loaf, a buttered and parchment-lined 8.5×4.5 inch loaf pan will work just as well. This simple prep ensures your cakes come out looking as stunning as they taste.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place the salted butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning, allowing it to melt and brown slightly. This takes around five to eight minutes, but don’t rush—it’s the key step that transforms ordinary butter into a luxurious, nutty flavor powerhouse that will elevate this entire recipe.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the butter cools for about five to ten minutes, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This step lightens the flour for a tender crumb and ensures even distribution of all leavening agents throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and slightly creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time for proper incorporation, then gently add the sourdough discard, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together for a silky and harmonious batter base.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe delicately tender with a light crumb.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together to make that signature swirl that brings a touch of warm sweetness and spice—pure magic when nestled in the cake.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl

Start by filling each mini bundt cavity about one-third full with the cake batter. Sprinkle a generous tablespoon of the cinnamon swirl on top, then add more batter until each cavity is about three-quarters full. Spread the batter to create a smooth surface. For a loaf version, layer half the batter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, then top with the remaining batter. This layering creates pockets of gooey cinnamon sweetness inside every bite.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake mini bundts for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Loaves will need 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye towards the end of baking—each oven is a bit different, and you want that soft golden color signaling perfection.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cakes are baking, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy. This luxurious filling will be the crowning glory of your Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe.

Step 10: Cool and Fill

Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack. For mini bundts, spoon the cream cheese filling into the center holes; for a loaf, drizzle the filling generously over the top. This finishing touch adds irresistible creaminess and slight tang that pairs perfectly with the brown butter and cinnamon.

Step 11: Optional Powdered Sugar Dusting

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, snowy touch that’s as pleasing visually as it is tasty. Your gorgeous Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe is now ready to delight!

How to Serve Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can add satisfying crunch and an earthy note that complements the nutty brown butter. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves give a refreshing contrast and pop of color if you want to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

These cinnabundts shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even lightly whipped cream to round out a breakfast or brunch spread. For a festive touch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your mini bundts in rustic wooden trays lined with parchment paper for that cozy, inviting vibe. For parties, individually wrap them with twine and a cinnamon stick for a charming homemade gift feel. The cream cheese filling keeps them moist and decadent, so even simple presentations feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cream cheese filling can soften the cake over time, so keep this in mind if you prefer a firmer texture.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooled Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts for up to three months. Wrap each bundt tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and add fresh cream cheese filling just before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your mini bundts gently in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture gummy. A lightly warmed bundt opens up the aromas of brown butter and spices and revives that freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use regular sourdough starter instead of discard?

For this recipe, sourdough discard is ideal because it’s less active and won’t dramatically change the rise or texture. Using active starter might require adjusting rising time or leavening ingredients to prevent overly dense cake.

What if I don’t have sourdough discard? Can I skip it?

If you don’t have sourdough discard, just use an extra 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt as suggested. It provides similar moisture and acidity, keeping the texture tender and delicious.

How do I avoid overbaking mini bundts?

Mini bundts bake quickly—start checking around 15 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are perfectly baked and ready to come out.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

While this recipe is fantastic with all-purpose flour, you could try a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, and adjust baking time accordingly.

Is the cream cheese filling necessary?

While not mandatory, the cream cheese filling is a highlight of the Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe. It adds a luscious tang and softness to complement the cinnamon swirl, elevating the overall flavor experience.

Final Thoughts

This Mini Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnabundts Recipe is one of those rare gems that feels both luxurious and wonderfully homey at the same time. Its inviting cinnamon swirl, richness from brown butter, and surprising depth from sourdough make it a treat you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again. So why wait? Whip up a batch, fill your kitchen with the warm scent of baking, and indulge a little—you absolutely deserve it.

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