Name: Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of a cinnamon sugar donut but want something simpler and less time-consuming, this Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect solution. This moist, soft bread is infused with the warm sweetness of cinnamon and topped with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating that mimics the sugary crunch of a freshly fried donut. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. No need for deep frying or rolling out dough—just mix, bake, and enjoy. The bread itself is light and fluffy, and the topping adds a satisfying sweetness and a hint of spice. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or as a comforting treat for yourself, this cinnamon donut bread is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and basic ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time.
Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any time of day.
Versatile: Enjoy this bread on its own, or pair it with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for an indulgent snack.
No Frying Required: Unlike traditional donuts, this bread is baked, making it a much simpler and less messy option.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, this cinnamon donut bread is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon

For the Wet Ingredients:

Milk
Large eggs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract

For the Topping:

Unsalted butter (melted)
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to mix in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to add more texture and flavor to the bread.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in place of or in addition to the cinnamon for a unique twist.
Glaze: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the top of the bread after it’s baked.
Cinnamon Swirl: Create a cinnamon swirl effect by swirling a cinnamon-sugar mixture through the batter before baking.

How to Make the Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.

Step 5: Pour into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the bread should feel firm to the touch.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping

While the bread is baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping by melting the remaining butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Step 8: Add the Topping

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Afterward, brush the melted butter over the top of the bread and sprinkle it generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Enjoy as is, or serve it with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense loaf. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread at around 45 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Ensure Even Coating: When adding the cinnamon-sugar topping, make sure the butter is spread evenly to ensure that the topping sticks well and forms a nice, sweet crust.
Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer storage.

How to Serve

This Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread is perfect for any time of day:

For Breakfast: Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting start to the day.
As a Snack: Slice it and enjoy it as an afternoon treat with your favorite drink.
For Dessert: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a simple yet indulgent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature, or reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place slices of the bread in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also toast individual slices for a crispy, golden finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk (whole, skim, almond, oat, etc.) depending on your preference or dietary needs.

2. Can I make this bread without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan version.

3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread?

Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though it will result in a denser bread.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger loaf pan or divide the batter between two smaller pans and bake for the same amount of time.

6. How can I make the bread extra cinnamon-y?

If you love cinnamon, you can increase the amount in the batter or add a cinnamon swirl by sprinkling cinnamon sugar between layers of batter before baking.

7. Can I use a different topping?

Absolutely! You can swap the cinnamon-sugar topping for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or even serve the bread with whipped cream or fruit.

8. Why is my bread too dense?

If your bread is too dense, you may have overmixed the batter. Be sure to mix until just combined and not too vigorously.

9. Can I make mini cinnamon donut breads?

Yes, you can make mini loaves by dividing the batter into smaller pans and adjusting the baking time. Mini loaves typically bake in 25-30 minutes.

10. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar for a richer, slightly molasses-flavored sweetness, though it may change the texture of the bread slightly.

Conclusion

This Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful, comforting treat that combines the best of both worlds—cinnamon donuts and soft, sweet bread. Simple to make, quick to bake, and absolutely delicious, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your cinnamon cravings. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet dessert, this cinnamon donut bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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