There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through my kitchen, especially on a Sunday morning when the world feels a bit slower. Recently, while trying to shake off the fast-food blues that crept into my routine, I decided to whip up a treat that would not only brighten my day but also bring a deliciously nostalgic vibe to our family brunch. Enter this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread—a delightful fusion of sweet, fluffy bread sprinkled with a spiced sugar coating that could easily make any day feel special.
What drew me to this recipe was how effortlessly it blends simplicity with indulgence; you get all the satisfaction of homemade donuts without the fuss of frying. As I mixed the ingredients, anticipation built, knowing that each slice would deliver a heavenly combination of buttery goodness and sugary warmth. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee, this bread has quickly become a go-to for both cozy afternoons and surprise gatherings. Let me share this recipe that’s bound to pull you away from takeout and into a world of homemade delights!
Why is Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread irresistible?
Irresistible aroma: The heavenly blend of cinnamon and sugar fills your kitchen, embracing you in warmth.
Effortless preparation: This recipe is simple and quick, allowing you to enjoy homemade comfort without the frying hassle.
Deliciously versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it suits any occasion.
Crowd-pleaser: Friends and family will rave about this delightful bread, making it an instant favorite.
Homemade nostalgia: Each slice offers a taste of cherished memories, transporting you to sweeter times.
To elevate your breakfast experience even further, consider pairing this delectable bread with a cup of homemade coffee.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – A staple that gives the bread its tender texture, crucial for this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough, helping create that delightful, mouthwatering flavor.
- Baking powder – Provides lift, ensuring your bread rises perfectly for a fluffy texture.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Whole milk – Keeps the bread moist and adds richness to every slice.
- Large egg – Acts as a binder, contributing to the bread’s structure and richness.
- Unsalted butter – Adds a layer of buttery flavor; melted butter mixes easily for a luscious crumb.
- Vanilla extract – A splash of warmth and sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
For the Spiced Sugar Coating
- Unsalted butter – Additional melted butter that helps the spiced sugar mixture adhere perfectly to the bread.
- Granulated sugar – Creates a delightful crunch and sweetness on top of your freshly baked bread.
- Ground cinnamon – The star of the show and what makes this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread feel truly indulgent.
- Ground nutmeg – Adds a warm, nutty flavor that enhances the comforting cinnamon experience.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray so the bread slides out easily once baked.
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Mix in a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Stir until well blended; this will be the base for your delightful bread.
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Combine the wet ingredients by adding the whole milk, room temperature egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined for a tender crumb.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula if needed. The batter should look fluffy and inviting!
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Prepare the spiced sugar coating by mixing the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl. This will create the magical topping!
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Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the batter before it goes in the oven, ensuring every bite will have that warm, crispy topping.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your home!
Optional: Serve warm with a drizzle of icing for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Imagine cozy weekends made even sweeter with pairings that elevate each slice of this delightful bread.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the bread, adding a refreshing touch.
- Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla yogurt offers a cool contrast and pairs beautifully to create a fulfilling breakfast spread.
- Hot Coffee: Rich, dark coffee enhances the warm cinnamon flavors, making every bite even more comforting and satisfying.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the bread for an indulgent twist that takes breakfast to a whole new level!
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Spreadable decadence that creates a dreamy combination for those who love chocolatey treats alongside the bread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of creamy ice cream for a sensational dessert experience that will impress guests.
- Spiced Chai Latte: A cup of spiced chai is perfect with this bread, as its warm spices harmonize with the cinnamon sugar sweetness.
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
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Room Temperature Egg: Using a room temperature egg helps the batter blend smoothly, resulting in a fluffier Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread.
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Proper Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter; stir until just combined for the tender crumb we all love.
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Sugar Coverage: Ensure an even distribution of the spiced sugar coating on your batter to maximize sweetness and flavor in every bite.
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Check for Doneness: Test with a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked.
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Cooling Time: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days; just be aware it may dry out a bit.
Freezer: Wrap slices of the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months!
Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply toast slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread preparations are perfect for those busy mornings or spontaneous brunch plans! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Simply store the dry ingredients in an airtight container and keep the wet ingredients chilled (this prevents the baking powder from prematurely activating). When you’re ready to enjoy, combine the mixture, pour it into the pan, and follow the baking steps. This way, you’ll have freshly baked, delightful bread that tastes just as delicious as if it were made from scratch all at once!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to this delightful bread and make it uniquely yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet, indulgent surprise in every slice.
- Apple Cinnamon: Dice up an apple and mix it into the batter for added moisture and a fruity burst of flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added texture and a delightful crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar coating for a surprising heat that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Citrus Zest: Stir in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist to each bite.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it into the batter for a rich, creamy goodness in every slice.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of flour is best for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Absolutely, I recommend using all-purpose flour for this recipe, as it provides the perfect balance of tenderness and structure. If you’re looking for a little something extra, you can mix in a bit of whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but keep it at about 25% of the total flour amount to maintain that soft crumb.
How should I store Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread to keep it fresh?
You can store your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Doing so helps maintain its delightful softness and flavor. If you’d like it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days in an airtight container, though be aware it might dry out a bit in the fridge.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread? If so, how?
Yes! To freeze, start by slicing your bread after it has completely cooled. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread for up to 3 months this way! When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or toast slices for a quick warm-up.
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What if my batter is too thick?
If you find that your batter is too thick, don’t worry! This can happen if the flour is packed too tightly or you used an extra-large egg. Add in a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach that beautiful, pourable consistency. Remember, gently mixing until just combined is key to keeping that tender crumb!
Can I use a dairy alternative for the milk?
Certainly! If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk work wonderfully in this recipe. Both alternatives will help keep your bread moist while allowing you to enjoy that comforting cinnamon flavor. Just ensure they’re unsweetened to control the sweetness of the bread!
Is Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread suitable for pets?
While this bread is delicious for humans, it’s best to keep it away from pets. Ingredients like sugar and cinnamon can upset their stomachs. If you want to share some love with your furry friends, consider baking a plain version using pet-safe ingredients just for them!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread that Will Make Mornings Magical
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Add the whole milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out.
- Prepare the spiced sugar coating by mixing melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl.
- Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
