If you are looking for a warm, cozy treat that tastes like your favorite bakery donut but with the ease of quick bread, then this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, moist bread infused with fragrant cinnamon and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that melts in your mouth. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet dessert. This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe blends simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create magic you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in bringing out that perfect cinnamon sugar donut flavor and texture. From the richness of softened butter to the tang of buttermilk, these staples come together to produce that soft, tender crumb and irresistible aroma.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a nice crust.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base structure for the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk for lightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice giving that classic donut warmth.
- For the cinnamon sugar topping: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to finish it off perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan well. This step ensures that your bread will bake evenly and release effortlessly from the pan once it’s done.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming process is critical for creating that delicate texture through proper aeration.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Buttermilk, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, which provide moisture and a lovely flavor base for the bread.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed before combining with the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time gives the bread a golden crust with a soft center.
Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the melted butter over the top and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly to create that trademark donut-style finish. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze or a light coating of honey can elevate each bite, making this bread feel special for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread with a fresh cup of coffee or chai tea to complement its cozy flavors. It also goes well alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a balanced mix of sweet and fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf into thick chunks to serve French toast style or cut into cubes for breakfast bread pudding. Wrapping individual slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and serving as on-the-go snacks is another crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve its soft texture and allows the cinnamon sugar coating to maintain its delightful crunch without turning soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or regular oven to keep the crust crisp and the interior warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I substitute buttermilk in this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix plain milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tangy properties and acid content needed for rise and tenderness.
Is this recipe good for breakfast or just dessert?
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is fantastic for both! Its balanced sweetness makes it versatile enough for a morning treat, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert paired with coffee or tea.
How do I keep the bread from becoming dry?
Make sure to follow the baking time closely, and don’t overmix the batter. Using fresh buttermilk or its substitute also helps maintain moisture, contributing to a tender crumb.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add pleasing texture and flavor contrast. Just fold them into the batter gently before baking.
What’s the best way to slice the bread for serving?
Use a serrated bread knife and slice gently to avoid squashing the soft, delicate loaf. Slices about one inch thick work wonderfully for breakfast or snacking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe truly brings the joy of fresh-baked donuts into your home kitchen without the fuss. Soft, flavorful, and dusted with that nostalgic cinnamon sugar topping, it’s a treat everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try it and make some treasured memories around the table with family and friends.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful sweet loaf that combines the soft, fluffy texture of quick bread with the irresistible flavors of cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this easy-to-make bread offers a comforting, donut-inspired treat that’s baked to perfection and coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, combining well to add moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Fill the Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the bread is still slightly warm, brush the top generously with the melted butter and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface to create the signature sweet crust.
- Final Cooling and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and set texture. Enjoy as a delightful breakfast or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute plain milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for the buttermilk if needed.
- This bread tastes best the next day as the flavors develop and meld together.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
