Introduction
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful fusion of two beloved treats – cinnamon donuts and soft, moist bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a snac.
it combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a tender, cake-like texture.
This recipe is simple to make and is sure to become a family favorite, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of your bread.
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly before adding the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until fully combined.
The wet ingredients will create a smooth batter that will be added to the dry ingredients.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until the batter is just combined.
Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the bread dense. Once the batter is smooth, transfer it into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick.
inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the final few minutes to avoid overbaking.
While the bread is cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground.
cinnamon until they are well combined. Set this aside to be used once the bread is fully baked.
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool further.
Once the bread has cooled slightly, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, allowing it to stick to the surface for that donut-like finish.
Slice the Cinnamon Donut Bread and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, or with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for extra indulgence.
How to Make
Making Cinnamon Donut Bread is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps.
The key to achieving a soft and moist loaf lies in the balance between the wet and dry ingredients.
Start by ensuring your dry ingredients are well mixed to avoid clumps in the batter. Sifting the flour and other dry ingredients together can also help create a lighter texture.
When mixing the wet ingredients with the dry, it’s important to mix them until just combined. Overmixing will lead to a dense bread, so be gentle and stop as soon as everything is incorporated.
The buttermilk in the recipe not only helps tenderize the bread but also adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon topping.
Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking the bread after about 50 minutes. If you find the top is browning too quickly.
you can cover the bread loosely with foil to prevent it from burning while it finishes baking. Always test with a toothpick to ensure the center is fully baked before removing it from the oven.
Once the bread is done, the cooling process is just as important. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes to prevent it from falling apart.
then transfer it to a wire rack for even cooling. This will help maintain the bread’s structure and prevent it from becoming too soggy.
The cinnamon sugar topping is what takes this bread from good to great. Generously sprinkle it on while the bread is still warm so that it melts into the surface.
This gives the bread a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that mimics the outer layer of a cinnamon donut.
For an extra indulgent treat, try adding a glaze on top of the cinnamon sugar once the bread has cooled.
A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk can give the bread a sweet finish, making it even more dessert-like.
Lastly, remember that Cinnamon Donut Bread is versatile. If you prefer, you can also add chopped nuts or fruit to the batter.
like apples or raisins, for additional texture and flavor. This bread can easily be customized to suit your preferences.
Tips
One of the best tips for this recipe is to make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing them together.
Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and a less desirable texture. Allowing the butter to melt completely also ensures it incorporates better into the batter.
Be careful when measuring the flour. It’s easy to accidentally pack too much flour into your measuring cup, which can result in a dense bread.
Instead of scooping directly from the flour container, fluff the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
For an even more flavorful loaf, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon.
These spices complement the cinnamon perfectly and add complexity to the bread’s flavor.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe. This will create a tangy flavor that’s similar to buttermilk.
If you want a lighter, fluffier bread, you can sift the dry ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
This step helps prevent clumps of baking powder or soda that could result in uneven rising.
When you’re ready to serve the bread, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds or even toast it for a crispy edge.
This adds another layer of texture and makes it even more irresistible.
Finally, make sure to store any leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for several days.
Cinnamon Donut Bread also freezes well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it later.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a simple yet delicious treat that combines the best of both worlds – the soft, spongy texture of a loaf with the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon donuts.
Whether you’re making it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any craving.
With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
Enjoy the comforting aroma and the sweet, cinnamon-infused goodness that will fill your kitchen with warmth.