Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could eat a cinnamon donut in sliceable, shareable loaf form, then you’re in for a treat. Cinnamon Donut Bread is the kind of recipe that instantly brightens those chilly mornings or makes an ordinary afternoon feel a little special. With its tender crumb, seductive swirl of cinnamon, and an aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen, this loaf brings together everything you love about those nostalgic bakery donuts—minus any deep frying required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Cinnamon Donut Bread is how straightforward the ingredients list is. Each element plays an important role, from creating a pillowy, moist texture to imparting the unmistakable warmth and spice that make this bread irresistible. Let’s break down what each ingredient brings to the table:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, creating the perfect soft, tender crumb everyone loves in a good quick bread loaf.
• Granulated sugar: Adds that essential, sweet donut flavor and creates a slightly caramelized crust on the outside.
• Baking powder: Gives your bread its lovely rise and soft, fluffy structure—don’t skip it!
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice here—fragrant, warming, and oh-so-inviting in every bite.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Help bind everything together while lending richness and structure to the bread.
• Whole milk: Delivers an incredibly moist crumb, ensuring your Cinnamon Donut Bread never turns out dry.
• Melted butter (cooled): Adds richness and a hint of that decadent, classic donut flavor you crave.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your loaf pan a solid greasing with butter or non-stick spray to guarantee easy release—no one wants their beautiful Cinnamon Donut Bread to stick! This step ensures you’re ready to mix and bake without a hitch.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and cinnamon, so every slice bursts with flavor and rises beautifully.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, whole milk, and your cooled melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. The melted butter infuses your batter with a richness that truly sets Cinnamon Donut Bread apart from ordinary quick breads.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently, just until the batter is combined and no large flour streaks remain. For the ultimate tender crumb, avoid overmixing—think gentle folding rather than rigorous beating.

Step 5: Pour and Top

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the surface. This creates a delicious crust and a pretty finish, reminiscent of your favorite donuts.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know your Cinnamon Donut Bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread

Garnishes

For a true bakery-style experience, dust the top with extra cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. A pat of softened butter melting into a warm slice is never a bad idea, either. These little touches make each serving of Cinnamon Donut Bread feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs perfectly with a mug of freshly brewed coffee or a chai latte. For a wholesome breakfast, serve thick slices alongside Greek yogurt and a scattering of berries. If you’re hosting brunch, a fruit salad or scrambled eggs create a beautiful and balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, cut the bread into cubes for a brunch bread platter or layer slices with whipped cream and berries for a quick cinnamon bread trifle. You can even toast and slather leftovers with cream cheese for an almost-dessert snack—there are so many ways to let Cinnamon Donut Bread shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Cinnamon Donut Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days, remaining deliciously soft and moist.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it for grab-and-go treats, wrap individual pieces in plastic, and store in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze Cinnamon Donut Bread for up to three months—just thaw slices at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked flavor, pop a slice into the toaster or microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll love how the aroma of cinnamon fills the kitchen all over again each time you reheat a piece.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Donut Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free loaf to enjoy. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, too.

What if I don’t have whole milk?

No worries—feel free to use 2% milk, non-dairy milk, or even half-and-half for extra richness. Each will give you a slightly different crumb, but Cinnamon Donut Bread is quite flexible.

Can I turn this recipe into muffins?

Definitely! Divide the batter between muffin liners, fill each about two-thirds full, and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. You’ll get cute, individual portions with that signature cinnamon flavor.

Should I add a glaze or leave it plain?

It’s completely up to you! A simple vanilla glaze adds a sweet, donut-like finish, while leaving it plain lets the cinnamon shine. Either way, your Cinnamon Donut Bread will taste amazing.

Why did my loaf turn out dense?

Dense bread is usually the result of overmixing or measuring flour incorrectly. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour, and fold the wet and dry ingredients together gently just until combined for the lightest, fluffiest texture.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings more comfort to the table than a homemade loaf like Cinnamon Donut Bread, brimming with cozy spice and sweet nostalgia. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon—it’s the kind of simple joy you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

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