Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Comfort

Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect dessert or breakfast treat, offering the sweet, spicy flavors of a cinnamon donut in the form of a moist, soft loaf. This easy-to-make bread is infused with warm cinnamon and sugar, creating a cozy, comforting experience in every bite. Imagine the best parts of a donut—the soft, fluffy texture and the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating—transformed into a deliciously rich and tender bread that’s perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat after dinner, Cinnamon Donut Bread is sure to become a favorite. The bread is baked to golden perfection, and when sliced, it reveals a soft, slightly sweet crumb that’s just as delightful as your favorite bakery donut. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation, this recipe comes together quickly and easily. Serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to bring comfort and smiles to anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Donut-Inspired Flavor

This bread combines the flavors of a warm, sugary cinnamon donut in a simple, easy-to-make loaf. Every slice offers the sweet, spicy goodness you love in donut form.

2. Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack in the afternoon, Cinnamon Donut Bread is versatile and perfect for any time of day.

3. Moist and Tender Texture

Thanks to the combination of ingredients, the bread is incredibly moist and soft, making each bite melt in your mouth, just like the best homemade donut.

4. Quick and Easy to Make

Unlike traditional donuts, this recipe doesn’t require frying, and it can be prepared in under an hour—perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

5. Customizable Flavor

Add your own twist to the recipe by experimenting with different spices or adding extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or a glaze to make it your own.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Unsalted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Brown sugar

Variations

  • Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-cinnamon fusion.
  • Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added crunch.
  • Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cinnamon glaze on top of the bread for an extra layer of sweetness.
  • Apples: Add small chunks of apple to the batter for a cinnamon-apple twist, adding a bit of freshness and fruitiness to each slice.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensure that the bread rises properly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, and then sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer, and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar on top.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and have a soft, moist texture inside.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once the bread has cooled slightly. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the bread to become dense instead of light and airy.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure the eggs and milk are at room temperature before you mix them into the batter.
  • Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bread towards the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center to ensure it’s fully baked.
  • Make It Moist: The bread is already moist, but for extra tenderness, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.

How to Serve

Cinnamon Donut Bread is perfect for enjoying as a breakfast treat or a comforting snack throughout the day. Serve it as-is, or spread a little butter on top for added richness. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. If you want to take it up a notch, add a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels extra indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay moist and fresh for several days, making it the perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a zip-top freezer bag. It will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or reheat individual slices in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat slices, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast them for a few minutes in a toaster oven for a crisp, warm treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version, but the texture might be slightly denser.

2. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, almond milk (or other non-dairy milk) can be used in place of regular milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.

3. Can I add nuts to the bread?

Yes, you can fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, you can bake this recipe in muffin tins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter, more indulgent version of the bread.

6. How can I make the bread sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the batter or add a glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

7. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.

8. How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out with batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

9. Can I substitute the cinnamon for another spice?

You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice, but cinnamon is the traditional flavor in this recipe.

10. What should I do if the bread is too dry?

If your bread turns out too dry, you may have overbaked it or used too much flour. Try measuring the flour more carefully or checking for doneness earlier.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful, comforting treat that combines the best flavors of a cinnamon donut with the tender, moist texture of a quick bread. It’s easy to make, wonderfully aromatic, and sure to please everyone from kids to adults. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. A slice of this sweet, cinnamon-infused bread is the perfect way to bring a little warmth and comfort into your day.

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Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Comfort


  • Author: Norah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect combination of fluffy, sweet bread and the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. It’s like eating a donut in bread form, with a rich, buttery texture and a cinnamon-sugar crust that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

  • Make the bread batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

  • In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix.

  • Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  • Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the bread is baking, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping in a small bowl.

  • Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Turn the bread out onto a cooling rack.

  • Coat the bread: While still warm, brush the melted butter over the top of the bread, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the bread. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream if needed for a slightly tangier flavor.
  • This bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to a month.
  • If you prefer a thicker crust, double the cinnamon sugar topping to coat the sides of the bread as well.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Quick Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cinnamon Donut Bread, Sweet Bread, Cinnamon Sugar, Donut Bread, Breakfast Bread, Quick Bread, Cinnamon Recipe, Sweet Snack, Comfort Food

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