There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share a treat that captures that cozy feeling perfectly: Cinnamon Donut Bread. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, sweet slice that combines the beloved flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts, minus the fuss of frying or yeast. This quick bread, ready in under an hour, is not only easy to make but incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast option, a brunch showstopper, or a sweet afternoon indulgence, this loaf has got you covered. With its golden-brown crust and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is bound to become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive in and get baking!
Why Choose Cinnamon Donut Bread?
Simplicity at Its Best: This quick bread requires no yeast or complicated techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Sweet Aroma: The irresistible scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is simply delightful.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it’s a versatile treat that impresses every time.
Mouthwatering Texture: Enjoy the soft, moist crumb complemented by a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping for a delightful contrast.
Quick & Easy: With just under an hour of baking time, you can enjoy this sweet delight in no time.
Endless Varieties: Feel free to experiment by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sweet glaze to customize your loaf!
Cinnamon Donut Bread Ingredients
For the Batter
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the bread; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the loaf; can be replaced with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and is essential for balancing sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Delivers that classic donut flavor; using freshly ground cinnamon will enhance taste.
- Milk – Adds moisture to the batter; almond milk or any non-dairy substitute works beautifully.
- Melted Butter – Provides moisture and richness; can be substituted with vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
- Eggs – Binds the ingredients together while adding richness; for an egg-free version, use mashed bananas or applesauce.
- Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor; pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best taste.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Melted Butter – Helps the topping adhere perfectly to the bread.
- Granulated Sugar – Mix with cinnamon for that signature sweet topping.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds a delicious cinnamon flavor to the coating; the more, the merrier!
Get ready to enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread as you savor each delicious slice!
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray for easy removal after baking.
Combine in a large bowl the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to mix thoroughly until the dry ingredients are well distributed.
Whisk together in another bowl the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will create a lovely, rich batter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mix and stir gently until just combined. It’s okay to have a few lumps, as overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top for even baking.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Drizzle the melted butter mixture evenly over the batter, allowing it to create a sweet and crunchy topping as it bakes.
Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want it golden brown on top!
Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely and enhance the flavor.
Optional: Serve slices warm with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top for an added treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to a dense bread. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for a light, fluffy texture in your Cinnamon Donut Bread.
• Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. Expired leavening agents can affect the texture.
• Customize Your Bread: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or a sweet glaze to the top for extra flavor and fun variations of your Cinnamon Donut Bread!
• Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its moist texture.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week to keep it fresh.
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Donut Bread preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon) up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The wet ingredients can also be whisked together and refrigerated overnight to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones, pour the batter into a loaf pan, and top with the cinnamon sugar mixture before baking. This method ensures that your Cinnamon Donut Bread will taste just as delicious and provide the same warm, comforting flavors, making your cooking experience seamless and stress-free!
Variations & Substitutions for Cinnamon Donut Bread
Ready to make this delicious Cinnamon Donut Bread truly your own? Let’s explore some exciting ways to customize this recipe!
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to cater to gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste.
Rich Flavor: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet bread.
Boosted Flavor: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg along with cinnamon to create a warm, spiced twist that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Extra Sweetness: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top once cooled for a sweet finish that takes it to the next level!
Fruit Infusion: Fold in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a sweet and chewy bite in every slice, adding a delightful variation.
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a rich chocolatey surprise that contrasts wonderfully with the cinnamon.
Apple Cinnamon: Add finely chopped apples into the batter for a fresh, fruity flavor that complements the warm spices.
These variations will keep your baking adventures fun and fresh, allowing you to enjoy this delightful loaf in new and exciting ways!
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Donut Bread
• Room Temperature: Keep the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and flavor.
• Fridge: If you need it to last longer, store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Wrap tightly to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze sliced Cinnamon Donut Bread in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in a toaster or microwave, restoring that fresh-baked taste perfectly!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Donut Bread?
Warm slices of sweet cinnamon goodness are calling your name, so let’s pair it with delightful accompaniments that elevate your breakfast experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bread. Consider adding a squeeze of lime for a zesty touch.
Creamy Greek Yogurt: The tanginess of Greek yogurt brings a lovely balance to the cinnamon sweetness and adds a protein boost to your morning.
Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee perfectly complements the sweet notes of the bread, creating a cozy and indulgent breakfast moment.
Spiced Chai Latte: For a warm, aromatic option, serve your Cinnamon Donut Bread with a chai latte. The spices marry beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.
Nut Butter Spread: Spread almond or peanut butter on a slice for extra protein and rich, creamy texture. The nutty notes play well with the bread’s sweet flavors.
Chocolate Milkshake: For a fun twist, pair it with a chocolate milkshake. The creamy sweetness and chocolatey richness are a delightful way to enjoy this treat as a dessert.
These pairings will enhance your dining experience, making each bite of Cinnamon Donut Bread even more delightful!
Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe FAQs
How should I select my cinnamon for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using freshly ground cinnamon. The aroma and taste of fresh spices will elevate your Cinnamon Donut Bread, making it truly irresistible. If you use pre-ground cinnamon, make sure it’s fresh and hasn’t been sitting in your pantry for too long, as dried spices can lose their potency over time.
What’s the best way to store my leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread?
You can store your Cinnamon Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Just remember, if it’s refrigerated, it might need a quick pop in the microwave or toaster to warm it back up perfectly!
Can I freeze my Cinnamon Donut Bread? If so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Cinnamon Donut Bread! I often slice the bread before freezing for convenience. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out how many slices you want and enjoy. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in your toaster for a delicious, warm treat!
What should I do if my bread is dense after baking?
If your Cinnamon Donut Bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Always mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and double-check your leavening agents for freshness. To avoid this mishap next time, stir gently and don’t be afraid of a few lumps!
Is this recipe suitable for special dietary needs?
Yes, certainly! If you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions, this Cinnamon Donut Bread can be easily adapted. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, you can replace the eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce for an egg-free option, making this delicious treat accessible for everyone in your home!
Irresistibly Soft & Sweet Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray for easy removal after baking.
- Combine in a large bowl the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to mix thoroughly until the dry ingredients are well distributed.
- Whisk together in another bowl the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mix and stir gently until just combined.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top for even baking.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the melted butter mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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