Cinnamon Donut Bread brings the irresistible flavor of your favorite cinnamon donut to life in a moist, marbled bread form. With its delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl and a sugary topping, this easy-to-make bread delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether served as a breakfast treat or a dessert, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. The texture is light and tender, and the scent while baking is simply heavenly.
Who doesn’t love the taste of a warm, cinnamon-coated donut? Now imagine that flavor in the form of a soft, fluffy loaf of bread. Cinnamon Donut Bread combines the best of both worlds — it’s tender and moist with the delicious cinnamon-sugar topping that mimics the flavor of a freshly fried donut. This recipe offers the perfect way to indulge in that cozy, cinnamon-sugar sweetness without the hassle of frying. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this bread is an easy recipe that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of preparing Cinnamon Donut Bread from scratch, share additional tips, answer common questions, and provide nutritional information to make your baking experience a success.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this cinnamon-infused loaf of deliciousness:
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking. - Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. - Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. - Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the batter just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy. - Prepare the cinnamon-sugar swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will create the sweet, spicy swirl that makes this bread so delicious. - Layer the batter and cinnamon-sugar
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour in the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect throughout the loaf. - Bake the bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread — if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, allow it to bake for a few more minutes. - Cool and prepare the topping
Once the bread is done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. - Add the cinnamon-sugar topping
While the bread is cooling, prepare the topping by brushing the top of the warm bread with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the bread. - Slice and serve
Once the topping has set, slice the bread into thick, generous pieces and serve. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Additional Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: To ensure that your batter comes together smoothly, make sure your buttermilk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense loaf, so mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for a light and fluffy bread.
- Check the bread with a toothpick: Since ovens can vary in temperature, checking the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick ensures that the bread doesn’t overbake or remain underdone.
- Storing the bread: Cinnamon Donut Bread is best eaten within 2-3 days of baking. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze slices for later.
FAQs About Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk. To replicate the tangy flavor of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this bread dairy-free, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. - Can I add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to customize your bread by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips to the batter before baking. - How do I know when the bread is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Just make sure to adjust the baking time, as larger quantities may need more time in the oven. - Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes, you can turn this recipe into muffins! Pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredient brands used.
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a simple yet delicious treat that combines the comfort of homemade bread with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon donuts. Whether you bake it for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a dessert, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Follow the recipe steps, add your personal touch, and enjoy this cozy, cinnamon-swirled bread that will fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma!