Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread

This cinnamon donut bread transforms breakfast into a special occasion without the hassle of deep frying. The loaf captures all the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut in a simple, sliceable form that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes.

The first time I made this bread for my Sunday brunch gathering, guests thought I had purchased it from a bakery. Now it's my signature contribution to potlucks and family gatherings, especially during fall and winter months when cinnamon's warmth is most welcome.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure while remaining tender
• Granulated sugar: Gives just the right sweetness without overwhelming
• Baking powder: Ensures a beautiful rise for a light texture
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic donut shop flavor throughout
• Milk: Creates moisture and richness in every bite
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that authentic donut taste
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the bread to rise properly while developing a golden exterior. For the pan preparation, I recommend both greasing and lining with parchment paper, creating a parchment sling with overhang on the long sides. This ensures perfect removal every time without any sticking or breaking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Whisking the dry ingredients thoroughly at this stage is crucial for even distribution of the leavening and spices. Take at least 30 seconds of vigorous whisking to incorporate air and break up any clumps of baking powder. This ensures your bread will rise evenly without any bitter spots from concentrated baking powder.

Combine the Wet Ingredients:

When mixing the wet ingredients, temperature matters. Allow eggs to come to room temperature and cool the melted butter slightly before combining to prevent curdling. Whisk with purpose until the mixture looks completely uniform with a slight frothiness on top, which helps create a lighter texture in the final bread.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

The key technique here is folding rather than stirring aggressively. Use a wide rubber spatula and cut through the center, then sweep around the edges in a figure eight motion. Stop the moment you no longer see dry flour streaks. Overmixing activates gluten and creates tunnels in your bread.

Bake the Bread:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and tap it gently on the counter twice to release any large air bubbles. Position the loaf in the center of the oven where heat distribution is most even. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Prepare the Topping:

The topping brings this bread to life with that authentic donut shop experience. For the melted butter, use a pastry brush rather than pouring for more even application. Mix the cinnamon and sugar thoroughly with your fingers to break up any clumps and ensure even distribution of the spice.

Coat the Bread:

Timing is everything for this step. The bread should be warm but not hot when you apply the topping. The residual warmth helps the butter absorb slightly into the crust while remaining tacky enough for the cinnamon sugar to adhere. Apply the topping generously, pressing gently to help it stick to the sides.

Serve and Enjoy:

For the best experience, allow the bread to rest for about 20 minutes after adding the topping. This gives the flavors time to meld and the structure time to set, making slicing cleaner and easier. A serrated knife works best for slicing without compressing the soft texture.

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This bread reminds me of Saturday mornings from my childhood, when my grandmother would take us to the local bakery for warm cinnamon donuts. The aroma filling the house when this bakes instantly transports me back to those special moments, which is why I love making it with my own children now.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this donut bread lies in its versatility. While the classic cinnamon sugar version captures that traditional donut shop flavor, you can easily customize it to match your favorite donut varieties. For a chocolate lover's version, add 1/3 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the flour by the same amount. For a fruit-infused twist, fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries or diced apples tossed with a tablespoon of flour just before baking.

Storage Solutions

This donut bread maintains its quality remarkably well when stored properly. Keep it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the cooled bread and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Toast frozen slices directly from the freezer for a quick breakfast treat.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this cinnamon donut bread reaches new heights when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, try toasting a slice and spreading with cream cheese or apple butter. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate, making it perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. For special occasions, drizzle slices with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

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Baking this bread is sure to fill your home with warmth and joy; it's a treat everyone will appreciate!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cinnamon donut bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake this bread 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For the freshest taste, you might want to briefly warm individual slices before serving.

→ How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf - it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter). The top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.

→ Can I add other flavors to this bread?

Absolutely! Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter. You could also add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for more complex flavor.

→ Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or another non-dairy alternative. The texture might be slightly different but the bread will still turn out delicious.

→ How should I store leftover cinnamon donut bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm.

→ Can I make this bread into muffins instead?

Yes! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. After baking, dip the tops in melted butter and the cinnamon-sugar mixture.