Cinnamon Donut Bread

17

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: Cinnamon Donut Bread! Just the smell of it baking in the oven takes me back to my childhood, when I’d visit the local bakery every Saturday morning with my family. The warm, sugary aroma wafting through the air was enough to make anyone’s day feel special. This bread is like biting into a soft, fluffy cloud of cinnamon-sugar goodness that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat with your coffee.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip this up; just gather a handful of simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating something truly delightful. Seriously, once you get a taste of this Cinnamon Donut Bread, you’ll want to make it again and again! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’ll leave you and your loved ones smiling from ear to ear!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Donut Bread

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is an absolute game-changer! First off, the flavor is simply divine; it’s a sweet delight that perfectly balances the warm, cozy notes of cinnamon with the sugary goodness that everyone loves. Just imagine slicing into that golden-brown loaf, the soft, fluffy texture practically melting in your mouth with each bite.

And let’s not forget about the aroma! As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the enchanting scent of cinnamon and sugar, making it impossible to resist. It’s the kind of bread that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts, whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family, all while being super easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather all the goodies we need to make this scrumptious Cinnamon Donut Bread! Here’s a straightforward list to keep things simple:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft, so it creams beautifully with the sugar. No one likes clumpy butter in their bread!
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This is where the sweetness comes from. Feel free to use a little less if you prefer it less sweet, but I wouldn’t recommend it!
• 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give the bread that lovely, rich texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a nice depth of flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
• 1 cup whole milk: This keeps the bread moist and tender. You could use almond or oat milk if you want a dairy-free version!
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our bread! Don’t swap this out for anything else unless you’re feeling adventurous.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: This is our leavening agent, making sure the bread rises beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those delicious flavors!
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Feel free to add more if you really love that cinnamon kick.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for topping: This is what gives your bread that sweet, crunchy crust on top!
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon for topping: More cinnamon goodness to sprinkle on top before baking!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating something truly special. Let’s get baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this heavenly Cinnamon Donut Bread! Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring delicious slices in no time!

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bread to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You should be able to see the color change a bit, and it should feel nice and airy. Trust me, this step sets the stage for a moist bread!
3. Add the wet ingredients: Next, crack in those two large eggs, pour in the vanilla extract, and add the whole milk. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny; it’ll all come together!
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will help your bread rise perfectly and taste amazing!
5. Mix it all together: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, or your bread might turn out dense. We want it fluffy!
6. Prepare the loaf pan: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. You want that bread to rise nicely!
7. Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the batter. This will create that irresistible crunchy crust!
8. Bake it: Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be divine!
9. Cool and slice: Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial, as it helps the bread set. Then, slice away and enjoy every bite!

And there you have it! This step-by-step guide will help you create a Cinnamon Donut Bread that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to savor the moment when you take that first bite — it’s pure bliss!

Variations

Now, let’s get a little creative! One of the best things about Cinnamon Donut Bread is how versatile it is. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch? Walnuts or pecans work beautifully and add a nice texture contrast to the soft bread.

If you want to make it a bit healthier, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It gives a nuttier flavor and makes the bread a little more wholesome. You could also experiment with different spices! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile and bring a unique twist to your loaf.

And for those who love a bit of fruit, consider folding in some diced apples or even raisins for a fruity surprise in each slice. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

Serving and Storage Tips

Now that you’ve baked this delightful Cinnamon Donut Bread, let’s talk about how to serve it! It’s simply divine warm, straight from the oven, but it’s also fantastic at room temperature. I love to slice it up and serve it with a warm cup of coffee or tea, but you could also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert. Yum!

As for storage, you’ll want to keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, it’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. If you’re lucky enough to have some left after a couple of days, you can pop it in the fridge to extend its life a bit longer. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before enjoying it again. And if you really want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw and enjoy!

Helpful Notes

Before you dive into making your Cinnamon Donut Bread, here are a few extra tips to ensure everything goes smoothly! First off, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and milk. This helps them mix better and contributes to a fluffier loaf. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. You can also cut down on sugar a bit if you’d like, but I wouldn’t go too low; the sweetness is part of the charm! And remember, if you notice your bread browning too quickly while baking, just cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Cinnamon Donut Bread? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:

1. Can I freeze this?
Absolutely! This bread freezes beautifully. Just make sure to slice it first, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

2. What if I don’t have whole milk?
No problem! You can use any milk you have on hand, like almond milk, oat milk, or even low-fat milk. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the richness, but it’ll still taste great!

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative, and use your favorite plant-based milk. It’ll be just as delicious!

4. How can I make this gluten-free?
You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results.

5. Any tips for serving?
This bread is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a drizzle of icing or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also lovely with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a little extra sweetness!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Making Cinnamon Donut Bread is not just a baking project; it’s a delightful experience that fills your home with warmth and sweetness. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. I can’t stress enough how satisfying it is to slice into that golden-brown bread and share it with loved ones.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try! Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own variations and make it uniquely yours. And please, when you do bake it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any twists you added, or how your family enjoyed it. Happy baking, and may your Cinnamon Donut Bread be as sweet as your memories!

Print