Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery slice of bread that tastes exactly like your favorite cinnamon sugar donut – that’s the magic of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. This heavenly creation combines the comforting texture of homemade bread with the irresistible flavor profile of a classic donut, all without the hassle of deep frying. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen as this bread bakes, creating an atmosphere of pure comfort. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly moist loaf with a crispy, sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is about to become your new favorite treat for several compelling reasons. First, it delivers all the satisfaction of a fresh cinnamon sugar donut but in a convenient sliceable loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. The contrasting textures are what make this bread truly special – a tender, cake-like interior that practically melts in your mouth, paired with a slightly crunchy, sweet exterior coated in cinnamon sugar that creates a delightful sensory experience with each bite.

What’s more, this donut bread recipe requires no special equipment or complicated techniques. Unlike traditional donuts that require deep frying and careful temperature monitoring, this bread simply bakes in the oven while you attend to other things. The vanilla-infused batter comes together quickly with basic pantry staples, and the butter-cinnamon-sugar coating creates that authentic donut flavor everyone loves. Whether served warm from the oven or toasted the next morning, this versatile cinnamon bread delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

The magic of this bread comes from simple pantry staples that work together to create that authentic donut shop flavor in a homemade loaf.

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
• 1 large egg, (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, (melted)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread requires attention to a few key details that will elevate your results from good to extraordinary:

First, don’t overmix the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated with a few small lumps remaining. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, dense loaf instead of the tender, cake-like texture we’re aiming for. A gentle hand ensures your bread will have that melt-in-your-mouth quality reminiscent of a fresh donut.

Second, apply the butter coating while the bread is still warm but not hot. This temperature sweet spot (about 10 minutes after removing from the oven) allows the melted butter to penetrate slightly into the crust without making it soggy, creating the perfect adhesive for the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Work quickly to coat all sides evenly before the bread cools completely.

Finally, for the most authentic donut flavor, don’t skip the nutmeg. While cinnamon gets top billing, nutmeg is the secret ingredient that gives this bread that distinctive “donut shop” taste. Fresh-grated nutmeg provides the most vibrant flavor, but pre-ground works beautifully too in this cinnamon sugar masterpiece.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 4: Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be a bit runny.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a large piece of parchment paper.

Step 8: While the bread is still warm, gently brush the entire surface with the melted butter for the topping.

Step 9: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the topping.

Step 10: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the butter-coated surface of the bread. Turn the loaf as needed in order to coat all sides of the bread. (You may have some left over, this can be saved and reused.)

Variations

The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread lies in its adaptability to different flavor profiles and dietary needs. For a chocolate lover’s twist, fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking, creating delicious pockets of melted chocolate throughout that complement the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly.

For a gluten-free version that doesn’t sacrifice texture or taste, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it to maintain that tender crumb structure.

During the fall months, transform this into a pumpkin donut bread by replacing ¼ cup of the milk with ½ cup of pumpkin puree and adding ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. This variation creates a seasonal treat that captures the essence of autumn while maintaining that classic donut bread appeal everyone loves.

Storage and Serving

Your freshly made Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread will stay deliciously fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or quickly warm frozen slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for that just-baked taste.

For an elevated breakfast experience, try toasting slices lightly and spreading with a thin layer of cream cheese or butter for added richness. This donut bread also transforms into an impressive dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For brunch gatherings, cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes and arrange on a serving platter with fresh berries and a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping. This interactive presentation turns the humble cinnamon bread into a memorable centerpiece that guests will rave about.

FAQs

Can I make this with non-dairy milk?
Yes! While whole milk provides the richest flavor, you can substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This typically happens when the bread is underbaked or when the oven door was opened during baking. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and use the toothpick test to confirm doneness – a few moist crumbs should cling to it, but no wet batter.

Can I make this in a different size pan?
Yes, but baking times will vary. Mini loaf pans work well (bake for 30-35 minutes), or use a 9-inch round cake pan for a more cake-like result (bake for 45-50 minutes).

How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread should be golden brown on top with a firm spring when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few crumbs but no wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15-20 minutes.

Can I make this ahead for a special breakfast?
Absolutely! Prepare the bread the day before and store at room temperature. For the freshest taste, you can briefly warm slices in the microwave or toaster before serving your cinnamon donut bread the next morning.

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