If you’ve ever wanted to transform the irresistible, comforting flavor of a cinnamon donut into something you can slice and savor any time of the day, then this Cinnamon Donut Bread is about to become your new favorite treat. Trust me, this bread is everything you love about donuts, with a little extra love baked in. Picture this: a soft, sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and the whole house will smell like cinnamon bliss as it bakes. This one’s a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Donut Bread
This isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those cozy moments where you take a bite and everything just feels right. Whether you’re making it for your family on a lazy weekend or treating yourself to a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, here’s why this bread will win you over:
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s brunch, a lazy Sunday, or a sweet snack during your afternoon coffee break. It also makes a great gift when wrapped up with a pretty ribbon.
- Budget-Friendly: All you need are a few pantry staples, and you’re good to go. No need to hunt down any fancy ingredients. It’s simple, affordable comfort.
- Quick and Easy: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. The steps are easy to follow, and you’ll have a warm loaf ready to enjoy in no time.
- Customizable: Want to make it extra decadent? Drizzle a little glaze on top or add some chopped nuts. It’s all about making it your own!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for the family or a party, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is a guaranteed hit. Everyone loves that cozy, cinnamon-sugar flavor!
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this bread—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
All-Purpose Flour
The base of the bread. It gives the loaf a tender, soft crumb that makes each slice a delight.
Baking Powder
It helps the bread rise perfectly, ensuring that each bite is light and fluffy.
Salt
Just a pinch adds balance to all the sweetness and highlights the cinnamon flavor.
Ground Cinnamon
This is what gives the bread its signature warm, spicy kick. It’s a must for that donut-like flavor.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the bread, helping it develop that golden, caramelized crust.
Eggs
They help bind everything together and make the texture nice and fluffy.
Milk
A little moisture to keep the bread soft and tender.
Butter
Adds richness and flavor, making the bread melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Vanilla Extract
A dash of vanilla adds a lovely, fragrant sweetness that elevates the cinnamon flavor.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
The finishing touch—this sugary cinnamon mix will create a sweet, crispy crust that makes this bread taste like an actual cinnamon donut. Don’t skip this part!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet, cinnamon-spiced masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake, so your bread will be perfectly golden and fluffy.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are well distributed and ready to absorb the wet ingredients.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. You’ll want to make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it’ll cook the eggs, so let it cool for a moment before mixing.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick, but not too dry.
Prepare the Pan
Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top to make it even.
Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter in the pan. This is what creates that sugary, cinnamon donut crust we all love.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and crispy from the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Let It Cool
Once the bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan. This step helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve while still warm, or let it cool to room temperature for a more firm, sliceable loaf. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!
How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread
This sweet bread pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
Fresh Fruit
Pair with a juicy fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. Berries or apples would be especially delicious.
Coffee or Tea
A warm cup of coffee or a steaming mug of tea is the perfect drink to go with this bread. Imagine biting into a slice of this cinnamon heaven while sipping your favorite brew.
Ice Cream
Top a slice of this bread with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the dry ingredients the night before, so you’re ready to bake the next day with minimal effort.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Crust: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon in the topping.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute [ingredient] with [alternative ingredient]?
A1: Absolutely! For instance, if you don’t have butter, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil instead. It’ll still be delicious!
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It’s a great make-ahead recipe. Simply wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in foil to keep them fresh. It should last for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this bread?
A4: Absolutely! Slice the bread first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Just thaw and enjoy when you’re ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this bread?
A5: Warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or wrap it in foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger loaf pan and check the baking time, as it may need a little longer.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for [specific diet]?
A7: With a few tweaks, yes! You can use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make it vegan.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this bread?
A8: A fruit salad or a hot cup of coffee is all you need. But you can always serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Q9: How can I make this bread healthier?
A9: You can try swapping in whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar a bit.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe. If you don’t have one, any similar-sized pan will do!
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect combination of sweet, cinnamon-y goodness and fluffy, tender bread. Whether you serve it as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or a snack with your afternoon tea, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, go ahead—bake this loaf, and let the warm, comforting aroma fill your home. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
PrintCinnamon Donut Bread
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is a deliciously sweet and spiced loaf, bursting with the flavors of cinnamon donuts. A perfect option for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack with your favorite cup of coffee. With its soft texture and irresistible cinnamon topping, this quick bread will quickly become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 65-75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.
- Prepare the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your Cinnamon Donut Bread as a cozy treat or delightful breakfast.
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond milk.
- Add-Ins: Add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra touch of flavor.
- Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with icing or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg