Cinnamon Donut Bread: A Delicious Twist on Classic Flavors
This Cinnamon Donut Bread combines the comforting flavors of freshly baked cinnamon donuts with the easy preparation of a quick bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe delivers soft, fluffy texture with that signature cinnamon sugar coating everyone loves. Learn how to make this simple yet impressive baked good that will fill your home with irresistible aromas.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread
If you enjoy the taste of cinnamon sugar donuts but want something easier than frying, this cinnamon donut loaf is your perfect solution. The bread bakes up moist and tender with a crisp cinnamon sugar crust that mimics your favorite donut shop treat. It’s excellent served warm with coffee or as a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Donut Bread
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix sugars, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While bread bakes, mix sugar and cinnamon for topping in a small bowl.
- Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then brush top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread
For best results with your cinnamon sugar donut bread, follow these expert suggestions:
- Don’t overmix the batter – stir just until ingredients combine to keep the texture light
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing
- Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven – start checking at 40 minutes
- For extra donut-like flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients
- Serve warm for the ultimate cinnamon donut experience
Variations to Try
This versatile cinnamon loaf recipe adapts well to different flavors:
- Apple cinnamon: Add 1 cup diced apples to the batter
- Pumpkin spice: Replace 1/4 cup milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice
- Chocolate chip: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips before baking
- Glazed: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after the cinnamon sugar topping
Storing and Freezing
Store leftover cinnamon donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cinnamon donut bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Buttermilk will add extra tenderness and a slight tang that complements the sweetness nicely.
Why does my bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the bread is underbaked or if the oven temperature is too low. Make sure to test with a toothpick and consider using an oven thermometer to verify your oven temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe offers all the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts in an easy-to-make loaf form. With its tender crumb and sweet, spiced topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this aromatic bread delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Print
Cinnamon Donut Bread
Description
A deliciously moist and fluffy bread that tastes just like a cinnamon sugar donut. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with coffee.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the cinnamon sugar topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bread bakes, mix together sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the topping.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Brush the warm bread with melted butter and generously coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
