Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful, sweet loaf that combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and donuts. With a soft, moist interior and a crispy, sugary exterior, this bread is a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. The cinnamon sugar coating gives it that comforting donut flavor, while the dense, soft crumb offers the satisfying texture of freshly baked bread. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted for a warm, comforting bite, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is sure to become a favorite in any household. It’s easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is nothing short of irresistible. It’s like having a donut in the form of bread—sweet, indulgent, and utterly delicious.

The History of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

The concept of combining cinnamon sugar with bread has roots in classic baking traditions, where cinnamon rolls and sweet breads were staples of breakfast or dessert tables. Donuts, which were first introduced in the early 19th century, often featured a cinnamon sugar coating, becoming a popular treat around the world. As time passed, home bakers began experimenting with ways to merge beloved recipes, leading to the creation of treats like Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. By taking the familiar flavors of donuts and blending them with the texture of a rich, soft bread loaf, this recipe captures the best of both worlds. The bread is an homage to the deliciousness of donuts, offering a fun twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Bread:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating: While the bread is cooling, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the still-warm loaf with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top. Ensure the coating covers the entire loaf for maximum flavor.
Serve: Slice and enjoy this sweet, warm, and fragrant bread on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

For a lighter texture, sift the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a thicker cinnamon sugar crust, feel free to double the cinnamon sugar coating and apply it in layers after brushing the bread with butter. Keep an eye on the bread while it bakes, as oven temperatures can vary. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes. Let the bread cool for a bit before slicing for better results.

Variations and Customizations

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the batter for added texture and flavor. For a richer version, replace part of the milk with heavy cream, or try substituting buttermilk for a tangy twist. You can also experiment with adding a drizzle of glaze on top for extra sweetness, or top the bread with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar. For those who prefer a lower-sugar version, try using a sugar substitute in the batter and coating.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

As with many sweet baked goods, Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is indulgent and should be enjoyed in moderation. It’s rich in sugar and butter, which contributes to its delicious flavor and soft texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute some of the butter with applesauce or yogurt to reduce the fat content. Whole wheat flour can also be used to increase the fiber content, though it may slightly change the texture. If you want to lower the sugar content, consider reducing the sugar in the batter and using a sugar substitute in the coating.

FAQs

Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Yes! Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Can I make this bread without butter?
Yes, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
How do I store Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.
Can I add more cinnamon to the batter?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the batter to suit your taste. Just be mindful not to overpower the flavor of the bread with too much spice.
Can I use a different kind of sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor in both the batter and the coating.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a sweet, cinnamon-infused loaf that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and donuts in a simple, easy-to-make bread. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, with endless possibilities for customization and variations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Ingredients

Bread

2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ¼ cups 306 g whole milk
1 large egg at room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Spiced Sugar Coating

¼ cup ½ stick / 57 g unsalted butter, melted
½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be slightly runny.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it onto a large sheet of parchment paper.
While the bread is still warm, brush the entire surface with the melted butter for the topping.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the topping.
Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the buttered surface of the bread. Rotate the loaf as needed to coat all sides. You may have some topping left over, which can be saved for later use.

0 Shares