I can’t resist the allure of a breakfast treat that effortlessly combines the tender crumb of a quick bread with the irresistible sweetness of a cinnamon sugar coating. This Cinnamon Donut Bread is exactly that—a sweetly spiced twist on a classic favorite that feels like a cozy morning hug straight out of the oven. As someone who’s always on the hunt for an easy recipe to brighten up a sleepy weekend, I was instantly charmed by the idea of slicing into a loaf that tastes like your favorite old-fashioned donut. The soft, pillowy interior studded with warm cinnamon flecks, topped with a perfectly crisp sugar crust, makes every bite a little celebration. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary recipe collection into a go-to morning ritual.
The journey to this loaf is joyful and simple, perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. With just a handful of pantry staples—flour, sugar, egg, milk, oil, and cinnamon—you can whip up a batter in no time. The preparation takes just 15 minutes, followed by about 55 minutes in the oven, and then a short 10-minute rest before you get to indulge. Each slice comes in at an estimated 280 calories, making it a delightful treat that won’t derail your day. Whether you’re savoring it as part of a lazy weekend brunch, pairing it with a steaming cup of coffee, or sharing it as an afternoon pick-me-up, this Cinnamon Donut Bread has a way of creating smiles around the table. And as someone who once tried to turn leftover coffee into a baking masterpiece (with mixed results!), I can confidently say that this recipe is both forgiving and fantastically flavorful.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Donut Bread plays a crucial role in creating its tender texture and sweet, spiced flavor profile. From the structural foundation of flour to the satisfying crunch of the cinnamon sugar topping, here’s a closer look at what makes this loaf so special:
- All-Purpose Flour
Provides the structure and body for the bread, giving it that sturdy yet soft texture that holds up to slicing and topping without crumbling apart.
- Baking Powder
Acts as the leavening agent, creating air pockets throughout the batter so the loaf rises beautifully and stays light rather than dense.
- Salt
Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, ensuring the cinnamon notes stand out without tasting flat.
- Cinnamon
Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic spice, creating those signature flecks of flavor in every tender bite.
- Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the batter and contributes to the tender crumb, keeping the interior moist while caramelizing slightly during baking for a golden crust.
- Egg
Binds the ingredients together and adds structure, moisture, and richness, helping the loaf maintain its shape and texture.
- Milk
Provides liquid to hydrate the dry ingredients, creating a smooth batter and tender crumb, while contributing a gentle richness.
- Vegetable Oil
Keeps the bread moist and soft for days, adding richness without the heaviness of melted butter in the batter.
- Vanilla Extract
Rounds out the flavor profile with a hint of sweet, fragrant warmth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter (for topping)
Creates a luscious base for the cinnamon sugar coating, ensuring it adheres well and adds a buttery richness to every slice.
- Granulated Sugar (for topping)
Mixes with cinnamon to form the signature crunchy coating that mimics a classic donut finish.
- Cinnamon (for topping)
Sprinkled over melted butter, it deepens the spiced flavor and gives the crust that iconic, sweetly aromatic crunch.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
Bringing this Cinnamon Donut Bread to life is a breeze once you’ve gathered your ingredients. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect loaf every time:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, lining it with parchment if you like extra insurance against sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until the mixture is uniform in color and free of lumps.
3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, beating until the batter is smooth and glossy, with no streaks of flour.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tougher crumb.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes up uniformly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
7. While the bread is baking, prepare the topping: combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, mixing them thoroughly.
8. When the loaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, allowing it to firm up slightly.
9. Use a butter knife to carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack for finishing.
10. Brush the top and sides of the warm bread with the melted butter, working quickly so it soaks in evenly. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the surface, ensuring a complete coating.
11. Allow the Cinnamon Donut Bread to cool completely before slicing, letting the topping set so each piece holds onto that sweet crunch.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
Turning your freshly baked loaf into a memorable experience is all about the little extras. Whether you’re serving this for a special brunch or a simple midweek treat, these suggestions will elevate every slice:
- Serve Warm with Butter
Gently reheat slices in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes, then spread a thin layer of high-quality butter. The warmth melts it into the crumb, creating a dreamy, decadent mouthfeel.
- Pair with Fresh Berries
Arrange thinly sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of each slice. The bright, juicy fruit contrasts the sweet cinnamon sugar and adds a pop of color to your presentation.
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup
For extra sweetness and a nostalgic pancake vibe, lightly drizzle pure maple syrup over the slices. It seeps into the cracks of the crumb, making every bite lush and indulgent.
- Toast for Crunch
Pop leftover slices into a toaster or under the broiler for a minute or two. The edges become irresistibly crisp, unlocking an entirely new texture that makes this loaf feel brand new.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
Keeping your Cinnamon Donut Bread at its best involves thoughtful storage so that each slice tastes as fresh as the first. Here are some tried-and-true methods:
Storing baked goods properly safeguards their tenderness and the delicate crunch of the cinnamon sugar coating. Typically, this loaf remains soft for up to two days at room temperature and can last longer when chilled or frozen. Consider these options based on how quickly you plan to consume it:
- Airtight Container at Room Temperature
Place completely cooled slices in an airtight container or resealable bag. This locks in moisture and keeps the crumb soft. Consume within 2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
- Refrigeration for Longer Freshness
If you won’t finish the loaf within a couple of days, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to one week. Bring them back to room temperature before serving or briefly warm them to revive softness.
- Freezing for Extended Storage
For the longest shelf life, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw slices on the countertop or toast them straight from the freezer for a quick treat.
- Labeling and Rotation
Always label your storage containers with the date to ensure you enjoy your Cinnamon Donut Bread while it’s at its peak. Use the oldest slices first to minimize waste.
CONCLUSION
From its humble list of pantry staples to the joyful clink of the cinnamon-sugar topping hitting the warm loaf, this Cinnamon Donut Bread embodies the best of cozy breakfasts and homemade desserts. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who simply delights in the process, this recipe offers a perfect balance of ease and flavor. The step-by-step method ensures success: whisk your dry mix until fluffy, combine your wet ingredients gently, and watch as the oven transforms your simple batter into a golden loaf brimming with warm cinnamon notes. The finale—brushing on melted butter and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar—mimics the satisfying ritual of coating donuts at a bakery counter. It’s a sweet celebration in every slice.
Feel free to print this article, pin it to your favorite recipe board, or save it in your digital cookbook for whenever you crave that sweet, spiced goodness. Scroll down to find a FAQ section that answers common questions on mixing, topping, and storage (so you can dive right in with confidence). If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out, what you paired it with, or if you added your own twist. Share your questions, comments, or feedback below—whether you need a troubleshooting tip on overmixing or want to swap in a non-dairy milk, I’m here to help you make the fluffiest, tastiest Cinnamon Donut Bread imaginable.
Baking is all about community, warm kitchens, and the joyful moment of pulling something delicious from the oven. I hope this recipe becomes one of your go-to treats, whether you share it with family, neighbors, or keep it all to yourself (no judgments here!). Don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have questions about ingredient swaps, toasting techniques, or anything else that comes to mind. Your feedback not only helps me grow as a writer and home cook but also assists fellow readers who are eager to master this sweetly spiced quick bread. Happy baking, and may every slice bring a little extra warmth to your day!
Cinnamon Donut Bread
Description
This Cinnamon Donut Bread blends warm cinnamon flavor with a fluffy texture, topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the bread is baking, prepare the topping by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.
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Carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
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Brush the top and sides of the bread with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over it, ensuring it coats evenly.
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Let the Cinnamon Donut Bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Note
- For a richer flavor, you can swap vegetable oil with melted butter in the batter.
- This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- To enhance the cinnamon aroma, slightly toast your slices before serving.
- The cinnamon sugar topping may vary in sweetness; feel free to adjust according to taste preferences.
