Cinnamon Donut Bread

Cinnamon Donut Bread is the ultimate fusion of two beloved treats: the soft, cakey texture of a donut and the comforting loaf-like structure of bread. This sweet, spiced bread boasts a tender crumb with a delightful cinnamon swirl in the middle and a sugary, buttery topping reminiscent of your favorite donut glaze. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack alongside your favorite coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Bread Batter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and spread it gently to cover the cinnamon layer completely.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Add the Topping
While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it generously over the buttered loaf.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced apples for added fruitiness.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace 1/4 cup of the milk with pumpkin puree and add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
• Glazed Donut Topping: Instead of the cinnamon sugar topping, drizzle the bread with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Cooking Notes

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise.
• For an extra-moist loaf, substitute half of the butter with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• The bread stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Serve alongside coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy pairing.
• Top with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.
• Experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a unique twist.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

50-60 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for similar results.

Q: Can I use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, non-dairy milk options work well, but they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect fusion of classic donut flavors and the convenience of a loaf cake. Its sweet, spiced aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this bread is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Try this recipe today and savor the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its finest.