If you’re looking for a warm, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar, then you absolutely must try this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe. It’s like biting into a sweet, fluffy donut but in the delightful form of a loaf that’s perfect for slicing and sharing. With every bite, you get a tender crumb dusted with cinnamon sugar goodness, making it an ideal snack, breakfast, or dessert. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a household favorite because it’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, using everyday ingredients that come together to create something magically tasty. Each ingredient has a special role, whether it’s building structure, adding sweetness, or bringing that unforgettable cinnamon aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its soft, tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that pretty crust.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Essential for a light, fluffy loaf by helping it rise beautifully.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm, spicy note that defines this bread.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and enrich the texture.
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk): Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled): Adds richness and that irresistible buttery flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light): Gives a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds a lovely aromatic depth.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a loaf pan generously to ensure your bread slides out perfectly once baked. This is a small but crucial step to get that flawless, golden crust every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This blend sets the stage for the flavor and texture of your bread, evenly distributing all the dry components for the best rise and spice balance.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir the melted, cooled butter with eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and inviting. This wet mix brings moisture and richness, making sure every slice is tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones, being careful not to overmix. Overworking the batter can make the bread tough, but a gentle hand ensures a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Mix the brown sugar and additional cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of this sugary mixture into the batter and keep the other half ready for sprinkling on top. This creates pockets of sweet cinnamon delight both inside and on the crust, mimicking the classic donut coating.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the loaf to cool slightly in the pan for around 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack or cutting board. Slicing when warm lets you enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, but cooling just a bit helps keep each slice together perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread is fantastic on its own, try dusting extra cinnamon sugar on top right before serving for an added sparkly touch. A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup also pairs beautifully, adding a glossy finish that enhances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe works wonderfully alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon treat. It also complements a bowl of fresh fruit or yogurt, balancing rich sweetness with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the loaf into thick slices and toast them lightly. Then spread with cream cheese or butter for a luscious texture contrast. Or, cube the bread, toast the pieces, and use them as a base for a decadent bread pudding—your guests will be impressed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it keeps fresh at room temperature for up to three days. This bread’s naturally moist texture means it stays soft and tasty even after a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and freeze the pieces individually in a sealed bag. Frozen, it stays delicious for up to three months, making it convenient to enjoy a slice anytime.
Reheating
To warm up chilled or frozen bread, pop slices in a toaster or microwave until heated through. This simple reheating brings back that freshly baked feel, with the cinnamon sugar aroma filling your kitchen anew.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour in this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal for the right texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. Just keep in mind the texture may be a bit denser, so consider blending half all-purpose and half whole wheat for balance.
Is it okay to use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk works wonderfully in this recipe, keeping it moist and flavorful. Just make sure the milk is unsweetened to avoid adding extra sweetness that could throw off the balance.
How can I make the cinnamon sugar swirl more pronounced?
To amp up the swirl effect, try layering the batter in the pan by adding a bit of batter, sprinkling cinnamon sugar, then repeating the layers. It creates a beautiful marbled look and extra bursts of cinnamon sweetness.
Can this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe be made gluten-free?
For gluten-free baking, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for breads. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too, and expect a slightly different texture, but still delicious.
What’s the best way to serve this bread to guests?
Serve slices warm with a side of butter, cream cheese, or fruit preserves, alongside coffee or tea. Adding a small bowl of cinnamon sugar for extra dipping is a lovely interactive touch that guests will adore.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe that makes it a keeper for any occasion. The combination of simple ingredients, easy steps, and that cozy cinnamon sugar flavor turns everyday moments into special ones. I can’t wait for you to bake it, share it, and fall in love just like I did. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful twist on traditional bread, combining the sweet, warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, this loaf bakes up golden brown with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust that mimics the taste of classic cinnamon sugar donuts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- Additional 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping – included within 2 tsp in dry, so separated for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Ingredients Gently: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with additional cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture into the batter and fold gently to distribute.
- Pour Batter and Add Topping: Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the batter before baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your sweet cinnamon sugar treat!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature to ensure better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; mixing until combined helps keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top before baking creates a sweet, crunchy crust similar to a cinnamon sugar donut.
