Cinnamon Donut Bread is like the answer to all my “meh, I want something cozy but not too fussy” cravings. Ever had one of those chilly afternoons where you just wish for a sweet treat that tastes homemade (even if you’re usually the person who grabs store-bought everything)? Oh, I have. The first bite of this bread is kinda like getting a warm squishy hug from your favorite donut. If you’d rather try zucchini bread first, this Mom’s Zucchini Bread Recipe might hit the spot too. But if cinnamon is your love language, stick with me. And if you love anything breakfasty and cinnamon, you’ll wanna bookmark these Cinnamon French Toast Rolls. Now, on to the show!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Alright, client list time. You really only need stuff that’s probably knocking around your kitchen anyway. Here’s what’s on deck:
- All-purpose flour: Classic. If you wanna get wild, try whole wheat, but it’s heavier.
- Baking powder and a pinch of salt: Nothing wild, but don’t skip.
- Sugar: White sugar gives that donut sweetness. Brown sugar could work but changes the vibe a bit.
- Eggs: These hold it all together. If you’re low, a flax egg works sorta okay.
- Milk: Full-fat is best, but whatever’s in the fridge is usually fine. Almond? Oat? Sure!
- Oil: Neutral stuff like canola or veggie. Butter melts in if you want it extra rich.
- Cinnamon, obviously: Don’t go easy. More cinnamon = more donut-y.
- Vanilla: Optional but nice. My gran swears by a splash.
- For the sugary top: Some melted butter plus cinnamon and sugar make the magic crust.
Here’s my hot take: Don’t stress if you’re missing something. Swapping is fine—this isn’t a five-star restaurant situation.
<table_seo>
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
This is really where some personal style shows up. There’s not one right way. A few options, simple and straight:
- Cut thick slices, warm them for like 10 seconds in the microwave, and dunk in your coffee. Heaven.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for dessert. Decadent and totally worth the crazy looks.
- Pack a slice in your kid’s lunch or your own bag for a pick-me-up later.
For weekend brunch, stack it up with other treats, like chocolate chip banana bread or maybe some cinnamon apples on the side. Sweet and homey!
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread
Nothing tricky here, promise. First, preheat the oven (don’t forget this, it’s miserable when you realize the bread’s been sitting there raw for 10 minutes). Mix all your dry stuff in one bowl: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a bigger bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until they’re kind of creamy. Splash in the milk, oil, and vanilla. Combine the dry stuff gently—don’t overmix, or the bread’ll get weirdly chewy. Pour half the batter in a buttered loaf pan, sprinkle a bunch of cinnamon-sugar, then add the rest of the batter and another layer of spice on top.
Bake it about 45-50 minutes. It’ll make your entire kitchen smell like a donut shop. Seriously, your neighbors might “happen to swing by.” Cool it for at least 10, then brush with melted butter and more cinnamon sugar. That top will get a little crackly and sweet, just how you want it.
I made this for a brunch swap, and people wouldn’t believe it was homemade. It vanished way before the fancy stuff!
Tips for Perfecting Your Recipe
Messy is good but a little know-how never hurts. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar layers—they’re the secret sauce. If it sinks a bit, just swirl it with a butter knife before baking. Checking for doneness? Jab a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, you’re set. Slices are best a little warm, and you should probably double up if you’ve got family coming. I once tried underbaking a bit for extra gooeyness—not bad, but stick to 50 minutes for classic texture. Oversharing here, but a sprinkle of nutmeg or a tiny bit of cardamom wakes up the flavor too. Sometimes I sneak in a handful of mini chocolate chips for my nephew, who claims chocolate fixes everything.
Don’t worry if the sugary top looks uneven—it should be rustic! That’s what makes it “donut bread” and not something you bought from a supermarket bakery. Just trust the process. If you mess up on the first try? It still tastes good.
How To Store Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
If there’s any left (rare in my house), wrap it up tight in plastic or stick it in an airtight container. Room temp is fine for a couple days. Fridge pushes it to about a week, but warm up a slice before eating for best results—nobody wants cold donut bread. You can even freeze slices, just lay parchment between them and into a freezer bag. Let it thaw and give it a quick nuke in the microwave for a treat as good as day one.
If it starts to dry out (especially after a few days), toast it lightly and slap on some butter. Tastes brand new.
Common Questions
Can I make Cinnamon Donut Bread gluten-free?
Yeah! Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. It might be a little denser, but nobody ever complained in my house.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
No worries, use whatever milk is hanging out in your fridge. Even almond milk works.
How do I know it’s baked all the way?
Stick a toothpick right in the middle, pull it out. If it’s not gooey, you’re good.
Can I double the recipe?
Go for it. Make two loaves and freeze one—if you can resist eating both.
Does the cinnamon sugar on top stay crunchy?
Mostly yes, especially the first day. It gets a little softer after a day or two but still super tasty.
Why You Need to Try This Cozy Recipe
Look, Cinnamon Donut Bread is the answer to “what do I bake when I want to feel like a kitchen champion with little effort.” The cinnamon sugar cracks on top, the middle’s moist, plus your house ends up smelling like a childhood memory. For more nostalgia vibes, you’ll love reading about how every slice of this bread brings back memories. Try this for a lazy Sunday, or impress your brunch crowd with a loaf and see what happens (spoiler: joy). Want to compare notes or try other versions? Check out the recipe from Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread – i am baker, too. Happy baking, friends—let me know how yours turns out!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until creamy.
- Add the milk, oil, and vanilla to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Gently combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour half of the batter into a buttered loaf pan, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top, and then add the rest of the batter followed by another layer of cinnamon sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for at least 10 minutes before brushing the top with melted butter and sprinkling more cinnamon sugar on top.
