The Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread features a perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor with a delightful cinnamon swirl throughout. This treat’s soft texture and warm, comforting aroma will have everyone reaching for a second slice. It’s not just a great breakfast choice but also an ideal snack or dessert.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family brunch or a quick afternoon indulgence, this bread can easily become a favorite in your home. Its simplicity and sweetness make it a versatile option that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. You can even enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of icing for an extra special touch.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 egg
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1/3 cup whole milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/3 cup melted butter
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
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1 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, beat the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter together until smooth.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
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Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
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Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter gently.
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Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Comforting Aroma of Cinnamon Donut Bread
There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and sugar. It evokes feelings of warmth, coziness, and a deep sense of nostalgia. Cinnamon donut bread, in particular, is a perfect example of how a simple recipe can offer both comfort and joy with every bite. This bread is soft, moist, and slightly sweet, with a cinnamon sugar swirl that adds the perfect touch of flavor. It’s a treat that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a midday snack.
This recipe takes the traditional concept of a donut and transforms it into a versatile loaf of bread that you can easily make in your own kitchen. It’s a great option for those who love a good baked good with a twist. Whether you’re enjoying it with a warm cup of coffee in the morning or sharing it with family at the breakfast table, this cinnamon donut bread will quickly become a favorite.
Why Cinnamon Donut Bread is So Popular
Cinnamon donut bread has grown in popularity in recent years because of its ease of preparation, versatility, and satisfying taste. Many people love the combination of a soft, pillowy texture with the hint of spice that cinnamon brings. The cinnamon sugar swirl inside the bread makes every slice more enticing. It’s a recipe that can be made with simple pantry ingredients, yet it tastes so much more sophisticated. It’s one of those recipes that look impressive but doesn’t require much effort to prepare.
What makes cinnamon donut bread even more appealing is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, or add icing, butter, or even fresh fruit on top. Some people even make it into a dessert by adding a drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting. It’s a treat that can be served in many different ways, and each variation offers a unique experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cinnamon donut bread isn’t just a breakfast treat – it’s a versatile dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or simply looking for something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this bread fits the bill. Its comforting aroma fills the house while it bakes, making it feel like a special occasion every time you prepare it.
It’s also a great choice for busy mornings. Since it’s made in a loaf pan, you can easily slice it into individual servings, making it perfect for portion control. Whether you serve it with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the cinnamon flavor is something that appeals to both children and adults alike, so it’s a treat the whole family can enjoy.
For those who love to entertain, cinnamon donut bread is a fantastic choice for breakfast gatherings, potlucks, or picnics. It can be made the night before, saving you time in the morning, and it’s easy to transport if you need to bring something to a party. Its visually appealing swirls of cinnamon sugar give it an elegant look, making it an impressive dish to share.
Healthier Alternatives and Variations
While cinnamon donut bread is undeniably delicious, it’s also possible to modify the recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences. For those who are health-conscious, you can make a few changes to the ingredients to make the bread a little lighter. For instance, swapping some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour will add fiber and nutrients without compromising the flavor. Additionally, you can reduce the sugar content or opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
For a dairy-free or vegan version, consider replacing the butter with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut oil or vegetable oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or a store-bought egg substitute. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy a plant-based version of this delicious treat without sacrificing taste.
Additionally, cinnamon donut bread can be customized with add-ins to elevate its flavor profile. You could try incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even add chocolate chips for a sweeter, indulgent twist. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apples also make wonderful additions, contributing natural sweetness and texture to the bread.
How to Store Cinnamon Donut Bread
Once your cinnamon donut bread is baked and cooled, you may have some leftovers. If you do, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. Cinnamon donut bread can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. This ensures that the bread remains soft and moist. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Simply wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer, you can toast individual slices to warm them up and enhance the cinnamon flavor.
Cinnamon Donut Bread vs. Traditional Donuts
One of the most appealing aspects of cinnamon donut bread is that it combines the best of both worlds – the comforting, moist texture of bread with the sweet and spicy flavor of donuts. Unlike traditional donuts, which require frying, this recipe uses simple baking methods, making it easier and less messy. You won’t need a deep fryer or a special donut pan; just a loaf pan and basic ingredients.
While donuts have a satisfying, crispy exterior, cinnamon donut bread offers a soft, pillowy texture throughout the loaf. Each slice has a slightly crunchy cinnamon sugar top, giving it a satisfying contrast in texture. For those who love the flavor of donuts but want a less indulgent option, cinnamon donut bread is the perfect compromise. Plus, it’s a great option for those who prefer to avoid the deep-frying process often associated with traditional donuts.
The Joy of Baking Cinnamon Donut Bread at Home
Baking cinnamon donut bread at home is a joyful experience. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward method make it a perfect recipe for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick, easy treat. It’s a great way to introduce children to the joys of baking, as they’ll enjoy mixing the ingredients and watching the bread transform in the oven. The aroma that fills your home as the bread bakes is an added bonus, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Plus, baking at home means you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you like your cinnamon donut bread with extra spice, a bit more sweetness, or an extra swirl of cinnamon sugar, you have complete control over the flavors. It’s a customizable recipe that can easily be tailored to suit your tastes.
Conclusion
Cinnamon donut bread is more than just a delicious treat – it’s a comfort food that brings warmth, nostalgia, and joy. Its soft, sweet texture and irresistible cinnamon swirl make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet breakfast at home. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also versatile, allowing for plenty of room to experiment with different variations and flavors. Whether you enjoy it plain, with icing, or as part of a more elaborate dessert, this cinnamon donut bread is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
The recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers yet offers an impressive final product that will wow your family and friends. And because it’s baked, not fried, you can enjoy all the flavor of a cinnamon donut with less effort and mess. Try this easy cinnamon donut bread recipe today, and savor the sweet, comforting aroma of freshly baked goodness in your kitchen.