Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for the coziest treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, look no further than this Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe. Imagine all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cinnamon-sugar donut, baked into a soft, tender loaf you can slice and share. This bread is simple to put together with pantry staples, yet it delivers big on comfort and old-fashioned bakery charm. It’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite whenever you crave something homey, sweet, and a little bit special!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is how it uses everyday ingredients yet creates such an irresistible treat. Each ingredient plays a key role in developing the bread’s gorgeous crumb, aroma, and cinnamon-sugar crust.

• All-purpose flour: The reliable backbone of the loaf, giving it a tender yet sturdy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps achieve that classic cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely for a light, cake-like crumb.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance every flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: This is where all the warm, spicy magic happens, both inside and on top of the loaf.
• Whole milk: Keeps the bread ultra-moist and gives richness to every bite.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the batter together effortlessly.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender, donut-like mouthfeel.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the aroma and adds that familiar bakery note.

• For the topping:
• Granulated sugar: The classic partner for cinnamon, creating a crunchy, sparkly top.
• Ground cinnamon: Makes the topping boldly fragrant and irresistible.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the top and adds even more buttery flavor.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter so your cinnamon donut bread pops out easily after baking. This step helps get that signature golden edge.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This simple dry mix guarantees an even flavor and keeps those beautiful cinnamon flecks scattered throughout your loaf.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. The butter goes in melted for a rich flavor that blends seamlessly into every bite of this Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe.

Step 4: Combine Gently

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. The trick is not to overmix—stir just enough to lose most streaks of flour, which gives you that delightfully tender crumb everyone loves.

Step 5: Spread the Batter and Top with Cinnamon Sugar

Smooth the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon until well blended. Brush the top of the batter with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter, then generously sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture all over, covering every inch for the ultimate crust.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—you want the bread to be fluffy, not dry. Let your Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe cool in the pan for about 10 minutes (if you can wait that long!), then slice and serve it warm for the best experience.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A pat of butter melting on a warm slice is heavenly, but you could also dust each piece with a bit more cinnamon sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze for a fancy touch. Even a sprinkle of powder sugar can make this bread look like a bakery masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs perfectly with a frothy latte, a mug of spiced chai, or just a tall glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt for a balance of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe into fingers for dipping, or cut the loaf into cubes for a fun brunch board. For gatherings, bake in mini loaf pans and wrap in parchment for adorable, shareable gifts that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap completely cooled leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to two days, staying soft and flavorful—just what you want for quick snacks!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf first in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop in the freezer, and it’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight on the counter or gently reheat when a cinnamon craving strikes.

Reheating

For ultimate coziness, gently rewarm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a low oven wrapped in foil. The topping crisps up again and the interior turns fluffy, making it taste fresh-baked every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of milk in this Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While whole milk makes the loaf extra rich, any milk—dairy or non-dairy—will work here, though flavor and texture may vary slightly. Just use what you have on hand.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing can make the bread tough and dense, and we want that soft, cake-like feel. Gently fold until the flour is just blended in for the tenderest crumb.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the bread?

Yes! Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or a handful of diced apples make lovely add-ins to the Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe, creating extra texture and flavor.

Does this recipe double well?

It does! Just divide the batter between two pans and check both for doneness, as they may not bake at exactly the same rate. Double the topping too, so every loaf gets properly coated.

What’s the best way to keep the topping crunchy?

The crunchy cinnamon sugar topping is best enjoyed fresh, but storing the cooled bread uncovered for about an hour before wrapping up helps set the topping before putting it away.

Final Thoughts

Warm, nostalgic, and seriously easy to whip up, this Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is always a winner—whether for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet treat to make any day a little more special. I hope you give it a try and share it with your favorite people!

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