If you’re craving a warm, cozy treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful bread combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon and sugar baked into a soft, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. It has just the right balance of sweetness with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels familiar yet special every time you take a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each pantry staple ingredient works together to create a bread that’s rich in flavor, perfectly textured, and beautifully golden. Using simple ingredients means you can whip up this loaf without any fuss but still get a mouthwatering result.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and crumb to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a golden crust.
- 2 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the bread rise fluffy and light.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with that warm, spicy aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and give richness to the loaf.
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk): Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled): Adds a buttery flavor and soft texture.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Used in the swirl and topping for a deeper caramelized sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings out all the warm flavors beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a steady temperature for perfect baking. Grease a standard loaf pan well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and to create a nice crust on the outside of your bread.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. This step ensures cinnamon is well distributed for every flavorful bite of your bread.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy. Using room temperature eggs and cooled melted butter helps the mixture come together evenly without clumps.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can develop gluten and make your cinnamon sugar donut bread dense instead of tender and soft.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and an additional teaspoon of cinnamon. Fold half of this cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter to create pockets of spice and sweetness. Reserve the remaining half to sprinkle over the top before baking.
Step 6: Bake until Golden
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter’s surface. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. This resting time helps the bread set so it slices cleanly. Then, slice, serve, and bask in the warm cinnamon-sugar goodness!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can dress it up easily. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar adds charm and sweetness. For an extra indulgence, spread creamy butter or cream cheese on warm slices.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon sugar donut bread with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing bite. A cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa complements the warm cinnamon notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bread into cubes and toasting them as cinnamon sugar croutons to sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal. Or slice thickly and serve as French toast with maple syrup and whipped cream for a festive breakfast twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and prevents it from drying out while maintaining that soft crumb you love.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in airtight freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw slices overnight in the fridge or toast them straight from the freezer for a fresh-baked taste anytime.
Reheating
To revive your cinnamon sugar donut bread, warm slices in the toaster or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. The heat brings back the soft texture and intensifies those comforting cinnamon sugar flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives a rich, tender crumb, you can substitute almond, oat, or any other plant-based milk to accommodate dietary preferences. Just keep it one-to-one for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can achieve a similar texture. Just note that the rise and crumb might be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or mixing in chocolate chips can add a lovely crunch or bursts of sweetness, making your cinnamon sugar donut bread even more exciting.
What should I do if the top browns too quickly?
If the bread starts to brown too fast, tent a piece of foil over the top halfway through baking to protect it while the inside finishes cooking. This keeps the crust from burning while preserving that perfect golden color.
How long will this bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, your cinnamon sugar donut bread stays fresh for about three days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe, and it’s a joy to bake and share. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a quiet moment alone, this bread offers a warm hug of cinnamon and sugar in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful sweet treat that combines the flavors of classic cinnamon-sugar donuts in a moist, tender bread. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make loaf features a soft crumb with a cinnamon sugar swirl and topping, baked to golden perfection.
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 Mixture
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (used for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 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 flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir carefully until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and additional ground cinnamon for the swirl and topping.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter and fold lightly to create swirls.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the top 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 and serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth mixing with the wet ingredients.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense texture.
- You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Check bread doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
