If you have a soft spot for sweet, spiced treats then this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen as you bake a loaf that tastes just like biting into your favorite cinnamon sugar donut—only better because it’s fresh and homemade! This recipe captures that perfect combination of moist, tender bread coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar topping, making it an irresistible treat any time of day. Whether you’re serving it up for breakfast, brunch, or just because, this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to achieving the classic flavor and texture of cinnamon donut bread. Each one plays a key role—flour and baking powder create the perfect rise, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg deliver that signature cozy taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of our bread, giving it structure and softness.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Our trusty leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that defines the recipe’s signature swirl of warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, nutty depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter (1/3 cup): Gives the bread moistness and tenderness—using butter will add richness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the batter just right, while also caramelizing slightly during baking.
- One large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and provides structure.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture for that soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the depth of flavor in the cinnamon and sugar.
- Melted butter for topping (1/3 cup): Creates that luscious buttery glaze for the topping.
- Granulated sugar for topping (1/2 cup): Combines with cinnamon to form the irresistible crisp coating.
- Ground cinnamon for topping (1 1/2 teaspoons): Intensifies the cinnamon sugar crunch you’ll love.
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. This is crucial because it prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust, setting the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors and the right balance of leavening for a light, tender bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, vigorously mix your vegetable oil or melted butter with the granulated sugar until well combined. Then beat in your egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. This combination creates a luscious, moist batter that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want a tender crumb, so stirring until everything is moistened is perfect. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma alone at this point is blissful!
Step 6: Add That Signature Sweet Topping
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While it’s still warm, brush the entire loaf generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the loaf—this step transforms the bread into the ultimate cinnamon sugar delight.
How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra decadence. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also make for an inviting presentation and subtle flavor burst.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon donut bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For something heartier, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a bowl of fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creamy Ways to Present
Try slicing thick pieces and serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert that feels special. You can also try toaster-warming slices and slathering with cream cheese spread for a tangy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, wrap leftover cinnamon donut bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for 2 to 3 days, making it great for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive that freshly baked softness. Reheating also brings back the delightful scent of cinnamon and butter, making every bite just as comforting as the first.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter for vegetable oil in this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Using melted butter instead of vegetable oil adds extra richness and a slightly deeper flavor, which many cinnamon donut bread lovers enjoy. Just be sure to melt your butter before mixing it in.
Is it necessary to use both cinnamon and nutmeg?
While cinnamon is the star, the small amount of nutmeg adds a warm complexity that enhances overall flavor. You can omit it if you’re out, but the nutmeg truly elevates the experience.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
To try a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that already contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly but the flavor will remain delightful.
What’s the best way to ensure the bread is fully baked?
Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. Baking time can vary a bit by oven, so start checking around 45 minutes.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or raisins to this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make lovely additions, adding texture and bursts of flavor. Fold them gently into the batter before pouring it into the pan to keep the bread tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe—it turns simple pantry ingredients into a luscious, cozy loaf that feels like a treat for your soul. Whether you’re gifting it to friends or savoring it yourself with your morning coffee, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten your day. So go ahead, try it out, and enjoy the warm, cinnamony comfort that only homemade donut bread can bring.
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Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a deliciously soft and moist quick bread that captures the classic flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts. This easy-to-make dessert combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a buttery topping, making it perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert lovers seeking a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined to ensure consistent flavor and leavening.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the vegetable oil or melted butter with granulated sugar until well blended. Beat in the egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Add Topping: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the loaf generously with the melted butter.
- Sugar-Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the buttered warm bread to create a sweet cinnamon sugar crust.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly after topping, then slice and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve the bread slightly warm for the best combination of flavors and softness.
- For richer flavor and texture, use melted butter instead of vegetable oil in the batter.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- Use room temperature ingredients to improve batter consistency and rise.
