Indulgent Cinnamon Donut Bread: A Cozy Treat for All

There’s something magical about the scent of warm cinnamon swirling through the kitchen, especially when it beckons those cozy memories of my childhood. I’ll never forget Saturday mornings spent at my grandma’s house, where the air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked donuts. One rainy autumn day, inspired by those cherished moments, I decided to bring a modern twist to my grandma’s classic recipe and create something even more delightful: Cinnamon Donut Bread. This recipe is a labor of love that's both simple and satisfying, making it perfect for anyone looking to elevate their homemade treats. With its tender texture and a sugary cinnamon topping that crunches with every bite, this bread is a family favorite that effortlessly transforms any breakfast or snack time into a warm gathering moment. So, whether you’re enticed by the allure of homemade indulgence or simply craving a cozy bite, join me in discovering this delightful fusion of flavors!

Why is Cinnamon Donut Bread a Must-Try?

• Irresistible aroma fills your kitchen as this delightful bread bakes, making it perfect for cozy family mornings.
• Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, requiring minimal prep time.
• Decadent flavor combines the sweetness of donuts with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, ensuring everyone would reach for a second slice! Plus, it's incredibly versatile—enjoy it plain, top with glaze, or serve as an indulgent dessert. For more tasty inspirations, check out my easy breakfast recipes.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Ingredients

• Get ready to indulge in a warm, cozy treat!

For the Bread

• All-purpose flour – gives the bread its necessary structure and texture.
• Granulated sugar – enhances sweetness and creates that delightful cinnamon-sugar crust.
• Baking powder – helps the bread rise and keeps it light.
• Salt – balances sweetness and elevates the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon – adds that classic cinnamon flavor, making this a delightful treat.
• Eggs – provide moisture and richness to the bread.
• Buttermilk – ensures a tender crumb and adds a slight tang.
• Vanilla extract – infuses the bread with a warm and inviting aroma.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• Granulated sugar – creates that sweet crust.
• Ground cinnamon – that signature spice that pairs perfectly with the sweet sugar topping.
• Unsalted butter – helps the sugar mixture adhere to the bread, adding richness.

Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking. This ensures your Cinnamon Donut Bread cooks evenly and releases perfectly once baked.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, combining flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended, creating a warm, fragrant base for your batter.
3. Cream the butter and sugar together in a separate bowl until fluffy and light. This step adds richness and sweetness to your bread, helping to create that perfect donut-like texture.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create a stable, cohesive batter, setting the foundation for a delightful loaf.
5. Incorporate the milk and vanilla extract into your wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. The addition of milk adds moisture, essential for that soft and tender crumb.
6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, gently folding them together until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking. This ensures that every slice rises beautifully, just like a fluffy donut!
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The comforting aroma will fill your kitchen as it transforms into a golden-brown delight.
9. Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it firm up, ensuring perfect slices later.
10. For the Topping: In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Brush the warm bread with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the top for that classic donut finish.

Optional: Serve warm with a drizzle of icing for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh cinnamon and high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in your cinnamon donut bread.

• Even Mixing: Ensure ingredients are well combined before baking to avoid uneven texture and dry spots.

• Don’t Over-bake: Keep an eye on the oven as every minute counts. Over-baking can lead to a dry cinnamon donut bread.

• Let it Cool: Allow the bread to cool before slicing to maintain its moisture and to set the flavors perfectly.

• Storage Secrets: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep your cinnamon donut bread fresh for several days.

Storage Tips for Cinnamon Donut Bread

Room Temperature: Keep your Cinnamon Donut Bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its fresh flavor and moist texture.

Fridge: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week. This helps prevent staleness while maintaining its delightful taste.

Freezer: To freeze, slice the Cinnamon Donut Bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, where it can last for up to 3 months. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Delight in a cozy morning or afternoon treat with this warm, sweet, and wonderfully spiced bread.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness with vibrant textures and flavors.
• Creamy Greek Yogurt: Rich and tangy yogurt provides a perfect dip or topping, making every slice feel indulgent yet wholesome.
• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: The warmth and richness of a brew enhances the cinnamon notes, creating the ultimate comforting breakfast or snack experience.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle adds a complementary sweetness, elevating your cinnamon donut bread to an irresistible brunch centerpiece.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing with a scoop of ice cream transforms this bread into a decadent dessert that'll impress family and friends at any gathering.
• Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai play wonderfully with cinnamon flavors, making each bite a warm hug in a cup.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this cinnamon donut bread your own with these delightful twists!

• Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate ½ cup of chocolate chips or a thick chocolate ribbon through the center before baking for a decadent treat. Just imagine the richness!
• Fruit Infusion: Toss in 1 cup of diced apples or pears for a fruity twist that brightens up every slice. Their natural sweetness melds beautifully with cinnamon.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or cardamom for a surprising warmth that dances on your taste buds and adds depth!
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness. It’ll make you think of autumn mornings.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities without losing the delicious taste and texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep it rich and comforting for a dairy-free diet.
• Savory Spin: Replace ½ cup of sugar with shredded cheese (like sharp cheddar) and crumble bacon into the batter for a mouth-watering sweet-and-savory combination. It’s an adventurous breakfast that will wow your guests!

FAQs About Cinnamon Donut Bread

Here are answers to some common questions that may help you in your cinnamon donut bread-making journey!

Is doughnut dough the same as bread dough?

While both doughs share ingredients, doughnut dough is typically richer and sweeter, resulting in a lighter, airier texture.

How much is Dollywood cinnamon bread?

Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread usually costs around $10, but it's truly worth every delicious bite!

What ingredients are needed to make cinnamon bread?

You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, cinnamon, yeast, milk, and eggs to whip up this delightful treat.

How to make cinnamon doughnuts?

To adapt cinnamon donut bread into doughnuts, simply shape the dough into rings and fry until golden brown. Glaze with a sweet icing, if desired!

Are Krispy Kreme donuts cake or yeast?

Krispy Kreme donuts are primarily yeast-leavened, giving them that light and fluffy texture you love.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for donuts?

Yes, you can! However, using bread flour provides a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

Cinnamon Donut Bread

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This delightful Cinnamon Donut Bread combines the flavors of warm cinnamon and sugar, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.

• Author: grace bellamy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. For the topping, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it over the top of the batter.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
• Serve with a glaze for an extra sweet touch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg