Soft Cinnamon Donut Bread

Imagine the best of both worlds - the soft comfort of homemade bread combined with the mouthwatering taste of sugar-dusted donuts. This delightful mashup gives you a soft, tender loaf wrapped in a sweet, crackly cinnamon coating that'll have everyone asking for seconds. It's super easy to whip up, smells heavenly while baking, and works for morning treats, afternoon snacks, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The first time I baked this for Sunday morning breakfast, everyone kept coming back for another piece. It's basically having a dessert you can justify eating before noon! Don't worry if you're new to baking - this recipe won't let you down. I sometimes throw in some chopped pecans for extra texture. That's the fun part - you can tweak it however you want!

What Goes Into This Tasty Bread

* All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): Creates the soft structure that holds everything together. * Baking Powder (2 tsp): The magic that makes your bread puff up nicely. * Salt (½ tsp): Brings out all the yummy flavors and cuts the sweetness. * Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp in bread, 2 tsp for coating): Gives that cozy spice kick everyone loves. * Unsalted Butter (½ cup for bread, ½ cup for coating): Adds a rich taste inside and helps the sugar stick outside. * Granulated Sugar (1 cup for bread, ½ cup for coating): Sweetens the dough and creates that amazing crunchy topping. * Eggs (2 large): Hold everything together and add moisture. * Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Brings in that wonderful background flavor that makes everything better. * Milk (½ cup): Keeps your bread soft and moist.

Crafting Your Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Getting Started Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter your loaf pan really well - either 8x4-inch or 9x5-inch works fine. Make sure you get all the corners! Combining Dry Stuff Grab a bowl and mix your flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Put it aside for now. Mixing Butter and Sugar In your bigger bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it looks fluffy and turns lighter in color - about 3-4 minutes does the trick. Adding Wet Ingredients Drop in one egg, mix it in completely, then add the second egg. Pour in your vanilla and mix until everything's well blended. Bringing It All Together Add some dry mix, then some milk, then more dry mix, and so on, finishing with the dry ingredients. Don't go crazy with mixing - just until everything comes together. Too much mixing will make your bread tough. Baking Time Spoon your batter into the pan, smooth the top, and pop it in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Check if it's done by poking a toothpick in the middle - it should come out clean. Making The Sweet Coating While it's baking, melt your butter in one bowl. In another bowl, stir together your sugar and cinnamon. The Finishing Touch Let your baked bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then flip it out, brush melted butter all over it, and roll it in your cinnamon sugar mix until completely covered.

Pin

During winter, this bread becomes my go-to recipe. Everyone always asks for it, and the smell fills up the house with the most wonderful aroma!

Tasty Companions

This bread tastes amazing when it's still a bit warm alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. For something extra indulgent, spread some butter on a slice or pour a little caramel sauce over the top. Want to turn it into dessert? Add some fresh berries on the side or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Fun Twists To Try

Chocolate Lover's Version: Just toss ½ cup chocolate chips into your batter before baking for hidden melty surprises. Crunchy Addition: Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for some texture contrast. Sweetness Overload: Make a quick glaze with powdered sugar and milk to drizzle over the finished loaf.

Keeping It Fresh

Your bread will stay good for about 3 days if you keep it in a sealed container on your counter. Want to save it longer? Wrap it up tight and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. I can't count how many times I've made this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. It's so straightforward but always hits the spot. Every single person who tries it wants the recipe. It's become my signature bake for good reason - it's just that good!

Pin

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I switch buttermilk for regular milk?

Sure! Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, then let it stand for 5 minutes.

→ Is it freezable?

Yep, wrap it up tightly and freeze for a month. Let it defrost at room temp before eating.

→ What’s the best way to store the leftovers?

Use an airtight container. Keep it at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I throw in some nuts or raisins?

Of course! Blend ½ cup of chopped nuts or raisins into the mix for a nice twist.

→ How should I serve it?

Enjoy it warm, room temp, or with coffee, tea, or a sweet glaze drizzle on top.