1-Preheat and Prepare Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your pan grease and flour a mini bundt pan or line an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan for easy release. This sets the stage for a smooth baking process that yields tender, flavorful results.

2-Brown the Butter: Brown the 1/2 cup salted butter over medium-high heat, stirring for 5-8 minutes until golden brown flecks appear, then let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This step infuses a nutty richness that makes the whole recipe sing. Next, sift together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to ensure even distribution and a light crumb.

3-Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar until well combined. Beat in 2 eggs one at a time, then add 1/2 cup sourdough discard, 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined remember, avoiding overmixing keeps your cinnabundts tender and airy. If you’re interested in more baking tips, check out our guide to sourdough basics for deeper insights.

4-Prepare the Swirl and Bake: Mix the reserved 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the swirl. For mini bundts, fill cavities one-third full with batter, sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over it, then fill to three-quarters full and smooth the tops. For a loaf, spread half the batter in the pan, add the swirl, and top with the rest. Bake mini bundts for 15-20 minutes or the loaf for 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

5-Finishing Touches: While the cakes bake, prepare the filling by beating 6 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 3-4 tablespoons milk until smooth and thick but pourable. Once baked, cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove. For mini bundts, fill the centers with the cream cheese mixture; for the loaf, drizzle it over the top and optionally dust with powdered sugar. This adds a creamy element that complements the cinnamon swirl beautifully.