Cinnamon Donut Bread is a moist and fluffy quick bread with a sugary cinnamon swirl and a buttery glaze reminiscent of your favorite donuts. This delightful loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no yeast make this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: Combines the comforting taste of cinnamon donuts with the texture of a soft loaf.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings, bake sales, or gifting.
- Customizable: Add mix-ins like nuts or raisins to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Eggs
- Milk
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream (for the glaze)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Create the Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and additional cinnamon. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then pour in the remaining batter. Top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the bread and enjoy its moist, cinnamon-swirled goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour and replace half the sugar with honey or coconut sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore its freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, try a cream cheese glaze or a caramel drizzle for a unique flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use almond milk or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
3. Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause a dense texture. Mix just until combined.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use two loaf pans and bake simultaneously, adjusting the baking time slightly if needed.
5. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a donut-like touch.
6. What’s the best way to create the swirl?
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a marbled effect.
7. Can I use a Bundt pan?
Yes, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
8. Can I add a streusel topping?
Definitely! Mix butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon for a crumbly topping.
9. How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
10. What can I serve with this bread?
Pair it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Donut Bread combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic donut with the ease of a quick bread. Its moist texture, warm cinnamon swirl, and buttery glaze make it an irresistible addition to your recipe collection. Bake it today for a comforting and crowd-pleasing treat!
Print
Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Donut Bread combines the soft, moist texture of a quick bread with the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon donuts. It’s topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- Brush the top of the warm bread with melted butter.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle it generously over the bread.
- Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Serve as is or with a smear of butter.
Notes
- No buttermilk? Make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.