Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth craving a warm, comforting treat, Cinnamon Donut Bread is exactly what you need. This delightful baked good captures the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts in every soft, tender slice. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and spiced, with a moist crumb that’s just waiting to be dipped into your morning coffee or enjoyed as an indulgent afternoon snack. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend breakfast or as a special dessert, Cinnamon Donut Bread will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Donut Bread lies in its simplicity. With a handful of everyday pantry staples combined thoughtfully, each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and warmth of this loaf.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb essential to the bread’s soft texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cinnamon’s spice.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the bread rise beautifully and remain fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings the unmistakable, cozy spice that defines the bread’s character.
• Large eggs: Contribute moisture and richness, helping the bread to bind and remain soft.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and enhances tenderness while enriching the flavor.
• Melted butter: Infuses the bread with buttery goodness and a delicate crumb.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a warm environment for perfect baking. Grease your loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and to encourage an even golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that the leavening and spice are evenly distributed, which is key to getting consistent flavor and texture throughout your Cinnamon Donut Bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the large eggs, whole milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth. Bringing your eggs to room temperature before mixing helps the wet ingredients blend smoothly for a more cohesive batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your Cinnamon Donut Bread moist and tender rather than dense.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and, if you like, sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top to create an irresistible crunchy cinnamon crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your Cinnamon Donut Bread is ready and will be perfectly baked with a soft, moist center.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread

Garnishes

Serve your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze to add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving can also add that delightful, nostalgic crunch reminiscent of classic donuts.

Side Dishes

The bread pairs beautifully with a cup of steaming coffee or chai tea, enhancing the cinnamon notes in the bread. For an indulgent brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the Cinnamon Donut Bread into bite-sized cubes and serve as part of a dessert fondue platter with warm chocolate or caramel sauce. You can also toast slices and spread with cream cheese for a tangy counterbalance to the sweet, spiced bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep the bread soft and fresh for up to three days at room temperature. Refrigeration can dry it out, so it’s best saved for longer storage.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Cinnamon Donut Bread later, freeze it by double wrapping the loaf or slices in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen, it will maintain its best quality for up to two months.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth, thaw frozen slices at room temperature and gently warm in a toaster oven or microwave. This step brings back the bread’s tender texture and aromatic cinnamon flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but expect a denser texture and nuttier flavor. For lighter results, stick with all-purpose flour.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the whole milk for almond, oat, or any plant-based milk, and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter. The bread will still be deliciously moist.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even raisins, can introduce lovely texture and flavor contrasts. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?

Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the batter before baking. This forms a slightly crispy, sweet crust that perfectly mimics the outside of a classic cinnamon sugar donut.

How do I know when my Cinnamon Donut Bread is done?

The most reliable method is the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is a true comfort keeper, blending simple ingredients with warm spices to create a treat that feels like a hug in bread form. I can’t recommend it enough for those mornings when you want to start the day with something extra special or for casual gatherings that call for an easy but impressive sweet. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Donut Bread, it will become your go-to recipe for satisfying that cinnamon sugar craving.

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