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Gotta tell you about my go-to comfort treat! This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread takes everything wonderful about donuts and packs it into an easy loaf. I whipped this up one lazy weekend when I wanted donut flavor without the hassle of frying. What came out of my oven? A dreamy bread that makes your house smell amazing and tastes just like those sugar-dusted donuts we all crave!
Effortless and Tasty
What makes this so great is how straightforward it is. Through my baking adventures, I've found the simplest recipes often bring the biggest smiles. This bread needs just basic stuff from your pantry but turns into something truly memorable. Even my friends who barely bake have pulled this off without a hitch!
Must-Have Components
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g) – Just scoop it into your measuring cup with a spoon and level it flat for the right amount.
- Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups (300 g) – You'll use this for both the bread itself and the sweet coating.
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons – This gives your bread the perfect lift.
- Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon – This cuts the sweetness just right.
- Whole milk: 1 ¼ cups (306 g) – Adds a lovely richness to your batter.
- Egg: 1 large, room temperature – Gives your bread structure and moistness.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons melted for the mix, ¼ cup for coating – Makes everything taste better.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon – Adds that cozy flavor everyone loves.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): ½ cup (100 g) – Creates that sweet, donut-like finish.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – The star spice that makes this bread so special.
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon – Adds that warm, toasty note to the coating.
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Quick Steps for Foolproof Results
- Get your oven hot and prep your pan
- Turn your oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray so your bread comes out clean.
- Combine dry stuff
- In a big bowl, throw together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir.
- Mix wet stuff
- In another bowl, beat 1 ¼ cups of whole milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until they're all friendly.
- Put wet and dry together
- Dump the wet stuff into your dry ingredients and stir gently until just mixed. Don't go crazy mixing. The batter should look a bit loose.
- Pop it in the oven
- Pour your batter into the pan, making it nice and even. Bake for 60-70 minutes. It's done when a toothpick comes out mostly clean and the top looks golden. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before taking it out.
- Fix up the coating
- While it's cooling, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. In a dish, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg for that yummy coating.
- Add that sugary goodness
- Brush your warm bread with melted butter, then sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mix all over. Turn the loaf to get sugar on all sides.
Keeping Fresh and Serving Ideas
At my place this bread vanishes pretty quick! But when we do save some, I've learned my trusty sealed container keeps it fresh on the counter. You can freeze it too if you want, just wrap it up tight. My favorite way to enjoy it? Slightly warm with my morning joe.
Cupcake Alternative
I'll often turn this into cute little muffins when friends come over for breakfast. They cook way faster, about 20-25 minutes, and each one gets that awesome butter and cinnamon sugar coating. Everyone likes having their own little treat!
What Makes This a Winner
After making this countless times, I know why folks can't get enough. It's that perfect mix of soft bread inside and sweet cinnamon coating outside that hooks you. It's also super forgiving if you're just starting out with baking. And honestly, just the smell while it bakes will win you over!
Keeping It Fresh
The trick to keeping that just-baked taste is storing it right. I use an airtight bread box, but for freezing, make sure you wrap it up good. There's nothing better than grabbing a slice months later that tastes just as yummy as when you first made it!
Ways to Enjoy
I love this bread warmed up a bit with coffee for breakfast. When I have guests over, I'll set up a nice spread with fresh fruit and whipped cream on the side. Want a killer dessert? Try toasting a slice and topping it with vanilla ice cream. It's so good you won't believe it!
Mini Portion Option
When feeding a bunch of people, muffins are my go-to. They're already portioned out and fun to eat! Just keep an eye on them since they bake quicker than a whole loaf. The best part is rolling them in that cinnamon sugar while they're still warm. So satisfying!
Swap-Out Suggestions
I've tried tons of different tweaks over time. Almond milk works great if you can't do dairy, and you can use applesauce instead of some butter for a lighter version. This recipe doesn't mind changes much, so play around and make it your own!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What happens if I overmix it?
It creates gluten, turning the bread chewy. Stir gently until everything comes together for the best texture.
- → How do I check if it’s ready?
Poke a toothpick in the center. If it’s got a few crumbs and the bread feels firm, it’s done. Look for golden brown edges too.
- → Can this be made early?
Of course! Wrap it tightly, and it stays good for 3–4 days. The sugar topping keeps the crust crunchy.
- → Why coat it while still warm?
When you do it warm, the coating sticks better since the butter melts a bit. Let it cool before slicing for clean pieces.
- → Is freezing an option?
Yes! Wrap it snugly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw entirely before adding sugar topping for the same great flavor.
Conclusion
A fluffy loaf bursting with cinnamon-sugar flavor and a tiny crunch on top. Inspired by snickerdoodles, but as a quick bread treat.