Cinnamon Donut Bread: Donut Flavor in Easy Loaf Form

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: 55-60 minutes Servings: 8-10 slices | Calories: 250 calories per slice

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread

Craving the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts but don’t want the hassle of deep frying? This Cinnamon Donut Bread delivers all those beloved flavors in an easy-to-make quick bread form! With its soft, tender crumb and aromatic spices, this bread brings the nostalgic taste of donuts to your breakfast table or afternoon coffee break.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – mix, bake, and enjoy! There’s no need for special equipment or techniques. The result is a deliciously spiced loaf with a hint of nutmeg that truly captures the essence of your favorite cinnamon donuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs

For the optional topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center.
2. Prep
   are your loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal later.
3. Gather your ingredients and allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature for best results.

Making the Batter

1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl – whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
2. Comb
   ine wet ingredients in a separate medium bowl – whisk the melted butter, milk, and eggs until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Gradually combine mixtures by pouring the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Some small lumps are fine – avoid overmixing as this can make your bread tough.

Baking the Bread

1. Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. Bake
   for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
3. Test for doneness at the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes and test again.

Adding the Donut-Style Topping (Optional but Recommended)

1. Prepare cinnamon sugar by mixing 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Brus
   h the warm bread with 2 tablespoons of melted butter while still in the pan.
3. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, allowing it to form a sweet, crackly crust.

Cooling and Serving

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set.
2. Tran
   sfer to a wire rack by running a knife around the edges and gently removing the loaf to cool completely.
3. Slice and serve once cooled to room temperature, or enjoy slightly warm for that fresh-donut experience.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Don’t overmix the batter – stir just until ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
• Use
  room temperature ingredients for the most consistent texture.
• For extra flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the batter.
• Test for doneness carefully – overbaking will result in dry bread.
• For
  mini loaves, divide the batter among 3 small loaf pans and reduce baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
• Enhance the spice blend by adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice for complexity.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Apple Cinnamon: Fold in 1 cup of diced apples for a fall-inspired treat.
• Stre
  usel Topped: Add a crumbly streusel topping before baking for extra texture.
• Glazed: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tablespoons milk).
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
• Mapl
  e Cinnamon: Replace 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk or another plant-based milk alternative.

How should I store leftover bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.