Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread—a soft, fluffy treat coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar that tastes just like your favorite classic donuts. This easy-to-make bread combines the delightful sweetness and spice of cinnamon sugar with a tender crumb, making it ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Whether fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, each bite is pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Soft and Fluffy Texture: Moist bread that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating: A sweet and spicy crust that adds irresistible flavor and crunch.
Simple and Quick: Easy ingredients and straightforward steps make baking a breeze.
Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime sweet snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying solo.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Cinnamon and sugar combine to create a delightful donut-inspired bread experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure and a soft texture.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bread rise, giving it that fluffy quality.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It infuses the bread with warm, comforting notes.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to that irresistible crust.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making each slice melt in your mouth.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add a lovely richness.
Milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender, enhancing the overall texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
Cinnamon sugar topping: A mix of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top for that sweet crunch.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. If you want a sweeter finish, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can elevate your bread even further. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will help your bread slide out easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside for now; it’ll come into play shortly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bread a lovely texture. It should look pale and creamy—just like a cloud of sweetness!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is combined. The mixture should be smooth and inviting, like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This will keep your bread tender and fluffy!
Step 6: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan. Then, pour the rest of the batter on top and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. This layering creates a delightful sweet surprise in every slice!
Step 7: Swirl and Bake
Using a knife, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect. This adds a beautiful touch to your bread. Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
Tips for Success
Measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to a dense loaf.
Let your butter soften at room temperature for easier creaming.
Don’t skip the swirling step; it enhances the flavor and appearance.
Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
Equipment Needed
9×5-inch loaf pan: Essential for shaping your bread. A round cake pan works in a pinch.
Mixing bowls: Use two medium-sized bowls for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients. A fork can also do the trick.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key. A kitchen scale is a great alternative.
Spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding ingredients.
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent twist.
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate 1/2 cup of diced apples or pears for a fruity surprise in every bite.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Spiced Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for added richness.
Top with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Slice it thin and toast for a crunchy afternoon snack.
FAQs about Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread stores well. You can bake it a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain its moisture.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is ready. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Yes! This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What can I do with leftover bread?
Leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread can be transformed into delicious French toast or bread pudding. Just slice it up, dip it in your favorite egg mixture, and cook it on a skillet for a delightful breakfast treat!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the batter. You can also adjust the cinnamon sugar topping to your taste. It’s all about making it your own!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is more than just baking; it’s about crafting memories. The warm, inviting aroma fills your home, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. Each slice offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it solo, this bread brings joy to the table. It’s a simple recipe that transforms ordinary moments into something special. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking fill your heart and home with sweetness!
A delightful bread infused with the sweet flavors of cinnamon and sugar, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the milk and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan.
Pour the remaining batter into the pan and top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
Use a knife to swirl the batter gently, creating a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top after the bread has cooled for an extra sweet touch.
