cinnamon donut bread

If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing the sweet, soft, and perfectly spiced magic of cinnamon donut bread to your own kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! This cinnamon donut bread is a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon sugar with a tender, cake-like texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this recipe makes baking cinnamon donut bread at home easy and fun. Get ready to fill your home with incredible aromas and enjoy a slice of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, perfect for any home baker.
• Perfectly Flavored: Balanced cinnamon and sweetness create just the right amount of spice and sugar.
• Soft and Moist: No dry crumbs here—this bread stays tender and delicious every time.
• Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• Customizable: A flexible recipe that invites creativity with mix-ins and toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cinnamon donut bread comes from its straightforward yet thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays a role: flour for structure, cinnamon for aromatic warmth, sugar for sweetness, and a touch of butter to keep every bite tender and rich.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the bread, providing structure and heartiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and enhances the caramelized donut flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds the signature spice and warmth that defines cinnamon donut bread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise, keeping it light and airy.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Milk: Moistens the batter for a soft crumb and mild creaminess.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Butter: Melted butter provides a tender texture and buttery flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: A blend of cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top for that iconic donut crust.

Variations for Cinnamon Donut Bread

One of the best parts about making cinnamon donut bread at home is how easily you can tailor it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Try these fun variations to switch things up or cater to everyone’s preferences!

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-intolerant friends.
• Fruity Addition: Mix in blueberries or diced apples for bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Vegan Swap: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
• Extra Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Layer cinnamon sugar inside the batter for a marbled effect and extra cinnamon punch.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. This helps ensure your cinnamon donut bread bakes evenly and comes out cleanly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first ensures the cinnamon and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. These wet ingredients will add moisture, richness, and flavor to your cinnamon donut bread.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and tender—some small lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 5: Add the Batter to the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and level the surface with a spatula. Then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon sugar topping to give the bread that sweet, crunchy donut-like crust.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Measure Flour Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense bread from too much flour.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until moistened to keep the crumb tender and soft.
• Add Extra Flavor: Toast your cinnamon before mixing to deepen its aroma if you like a stronger spice presence.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything combine smoothly and creates a better texture.
• Check Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so begin checking your bread at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze instantly adds a touch of elegance while complementing the naturally sweet cinnamon donut bread.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or slices of pear for a balanced breakfast or snack with fresh bursts of flavor and color.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice thickly and serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a decadent treat, or cut into cubes and skewer for a fun cinnamon donut bread bite platter at your next brunch party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cinnamon donut bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the bread, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back softness, or toast gently in a toaster oven to enjoy that just-baked crispness all over again.

FAQs

Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely! Almond milk or any other plant-based milk works perfectly in this cinnamon donut bread recipe as a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend can produce a great gluten-free cinnamon donut bread. Just ensure your blend is suitable for baking.

Is there a way to make this bread vegan?

Yes! Swap the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives to create a delicious vegan-friendly cinnamon donut bread.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready to enjoy.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped nuts or small fruit pieces like apples or blueberries can be folded into the batter to add extra texture and flavor to your cinnamon donut bread.

Final Thoughts

Making cinnamon donut bread at home is such a joyful experience, especially when you can slice into that warm, fragrant loaf fresh from the oven. It’s a sweet, comforting treat that’s easy enough for any baker to master and always a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients, follow this recipe, and get ready to enjoy your new favorite homemade delight with friends and family!

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