Cinnamon Donut Bread Loaf

This cinnamon donut bread is the fastest way to bring the sweet nostalgic bakery flavor home without the fuss of frying. It bakes up soft and tender with a buttery crumb and is crowned with a shimmering blanket of spiced sugar that crackles when you slice. It is my go-to for cozy weekends when I crave something warm with my morning coffee, and it is always a hit with friends who stop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides the perfect tender texture look for unbleached varieties for best crumb
• Granulated sugar: gives that classic donut sweetness use fine grain for even mixing
• Baking powder and baking soda: help the bread rise high and fluffy check the expiration for best results
• Ground cinnamon: brings the signature donut flavor choose fresh spice for a strong scent
• Salt: balances out the sweetness sea salt offers more pure flavor
• Eggs: give richness and structure farm fresh eggs add the best taste and color
• Buttermilk: keeps the crumb moist and tangy use real buttermilk if possible for authenticity
• Unsalted butter: supplies rich flavor and moisture melt gently and do not overheat
• Vanilla extract: layers in cozy warmth pure extract adds depth you will notice
• For the topping granulated sugar and cinnamon: replicate that classic donut finish and the melted butter helps it all stick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Make sure your oven is at 350 F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy removal. Proper prepping means you will not lose any precious crumb to the pan.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda cinnamon and salt until evenly blended. Breaking up any lumps here helps the bread bake up uniform and smooth.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

Whisk together eggs buttermilk melted butter and vanilla in a separate bowl until fully combined. This little step ensures the batter is even and everything blends smoothly.

Combine Batter:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Stir slowly and only until you do not see streaks of flour. Overmixing at this stage toughens the finished bread.

Bake the Bread:

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out. Bake in the center of the oven for forty five to fifty minutes. Test with a toothpick in the center it should come out clean or with a tender crumb.

Cool and Add Topping:

Let the bread rest for ten minutes so it sets up then remove from the pan. Brush melted butter over the top and coat with the cinnamon sugar mix for that classic donut sparkle.

Slice and Serve:

Slice thick while it is still a little warm or enjoy at room temperature. This bread is perfect with coffee or tea or a cold glass of milk.

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You Must Know

I am shamelessly in love with the cinnamon sugar topping because it has just the right crunch and keeps the bread from drying out. One of my favorite memories is making this with my niece who giggled at how her fingers turned sparkly from the sugar crust.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container. This bread keeps soft at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage freeze wrapped slices for up to two months and thaw at room temperature before eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buttermilk add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup milk and let sit five minutes. You can use a plant based butter or dairy free milk to make it dairy free. Whole wheat pastry flour often works nicely for a heartier version.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve thick slices with a pat of salted butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra treat. This bread tastes especially good fresh from the oven but is also delicious the next day as a sweet snack. Try toasting a slice and pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Cultural Inspiration

This bread is inspired by the American tradition of cakey donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar a flavor fondly linked with fairs and festivals. Adapting it into a loaf makes it perfect for sharing as a breakfast treat or after school snack.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the bread moist?

Ensure the batter isn't overmixed, and avoid overbaking. Buttermilk in the mix also keeps each slice tender and moist.

→ Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Yes, you can mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes as a buttermilk alternative.

→ What's the best way to apply the cinnamon sugar topping?

Brush melted butter on the loaf and sprinkle or roll the top in the cinnamon sugar while the bread is still warm for best adherence.

→ How should I store cinnamon donut bread loaf?

Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

→ Can I make this with whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture, though it may be slightly denser.