Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe: Irresistibly Simple
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing the baking pan so the bread won’t stick.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until well blended.
- Pour in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then combine gently just until everything comes together without overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for a smooth surface.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to make the spiced sugar topping.
- Evenly scatter this cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter’s surface.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Why This Recipe Fits a Healthy Routine
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread shows that treating yourself doesn’t mean abandoning your wellness goals. Unlike traditional fried donuts loaded with oil, this baked version offers all those cozy bakery flavors using ingredients you can actually pronounce.
What I love most is how it satisfies weekend cravings without the sugar crash. The whole milk provides protein, while the simple batter method means no mysterious preservatives or additives. Plus, you control every ingredient that goes in.
Perfect for: Weekend breakfast treats, afternoon coffee breaks, or whenever you want something sweet that won’t completely derail your day. It’s indulgent enough to feel special but wholesome enough that you won’t feel guilty about having a second slice.
Power Ingredients & Nutrition Benefits
Let’s explore what makes this donut bread recipe work so beautifully. The all-purpose flour creates a tender, cake-like crumb, while baking powder gives us lift without any yeast fussiness.
The whole milk isn’t just for moistureit adds calcium and protein, making this more satisfying than empty-calorie pastries. The single egg binds everything together while sneaking in a little extra protein too.
Smart swaps I’ve tested: Greek yogurt can replace half the butter for extra protein, and you can use 2% milk instead of whole if that’s what you have. The cinnamon isn’t just deliciousit actually helps with blood sugar balance, which is a nice bonus.
| Ingredient | Healthier Swap | Result |
|---|---|---|
| All butter | Half butter, half Greek yogurt | More protein, still moist |
| Whole milk | 2% or almond milk | Lighter, slightly less rich |
| White sugar | 3/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup applesauce | Reduced sugar, extra moisture |
Quick Steps
The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward it is. No fancy techniques, no waiting for dough to risejust mix, pour, sprinkle, and bake. I’ve made this on rushed Saturday mornings more times than I can count.
Start by preheating your oven and greasing the pan while you gather ingredients. The wet and dry ingredient method keeps everything tender, so don’t overmix once you add the milk and egg.
Time-saving tip: Measure out your spiced sugar coating ingredients while the bread bakes. That way, you’re ready to sprinkle as soon as it comes out of the oven, and the coating sticks perfectly to the warm surface.
| Step | Time | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Prep & mix | 10 minutes | Don’t overmix batter |
| Bake | 40-45 minutes | Golden brown, springs back |
| Cool slightly | 5-10 minutes | Warm enough for topping |
Smart Swaps & Meal Prep
This recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for using what you have on hand. I’ve successfully made it with different milk types, reduced the sugar slightly, and even added a tablespoon of ground flaxseed for extra fiber.
For meal prep lovers, this bread actually tastes better after a day. The cinnamon sugar coating softens slightly and creates an amazing tender crust that’s even better than day one.
- Make ahead: Bake on Sunday, wrap tightly, and enjoy all week.
- Portion control: Slice and freeze individual pieces for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Healthier boost: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the batter.
- Protein power: Serve with Greek yogurt or a glass of milk for a more balanced treat.
Storage + Expert Tips
Store this bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or wrap individual slices and freeze for up to three months. I like to toast frozen slices directly from the freezerthey taste like fresh-baked magic.
Pro tip: If your bread seems a little dry the next day, wrap a slice in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven.
The secret to keeping the cinnamon sugar coating perfect? Let the bread cool for exactly 10 minutes before adding the toppingwarm enough to help it stick, but not so hot that the butter melts completely off. Trust me on this timing!
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Perfect Donut Bread
According to pastry chef and cookbook author Sally McKenney, the key to authentic cinnamon sugar donut bread lies in the technique:
“The magic happens when you coat the batter-dipped bread in cinnamon sugar while it’s still warm this creates that signature donut shop texture and allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the crumb.”
Sally’s Baking Addiction: Donut Bread Techniques
This temperature timing transforms ordinary quick bread into something that truly captures that beloved donut experience.
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My Personal Story
I’ll never forget the morning my daughter walked into the kitchen and asked if we were running a bakery! This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread was cooling on the counter, filling our entire house with the most incredible cinnamon aroma. Now it’s become our Sunday morning tradition, and honestly, it tastes just like those glazed donuts from the corner shop but so much easier to make at home.
FAQs ( Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread )
Can I make this recipe without yeast?
Yes! This no yeast donut bread uses baking powder instead, making it much quicker to prepare. You’ll have fresh bread ready in about an hour from start to finish. The texture is tender and cake-like, perfect for busy mornings when you want homemade goodness without the wait.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
This recipe stays soft and delicious for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. The cinnamon sugar coating may soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains amazing.
What pan size works best for this loaf?
A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan gives the best results for even baking and perfect slicing. You can also use an 8×4 inch pan, but increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes. Grease your pan well and dust with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and easy removal.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips work wonderfully in this recipe. Add up to 3/4 cup of mix-ins, folding them gently into the batter before pouring into the pan. Toss nuts in a little flour first to prevent them from sinking.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread usually results from overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Mix just until ingredients are combined – a few lumps are fine. Check that your baking powder is fresh by testing it in warm water first. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate with a thermometer.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread delivers all the bakery vibes with zero fussjust 10 minutes of mixing and your kitchen will smell like weekend magic. The tender crumb and buttery cinnamon coating make every slice feel like a warm hug. You’ll love how it turns out perfectly golden and impossibly soft every single time.
Try swapping half the butter for Greek yogurt if you want extra protein, or add a handful of mini chocolate chips for the kids. It keeps beautifully wrapped on the counter for days, and toasted slices taste amazing with your morning coffee. A trick I learned: freeze individual slices for grab-and-go breakfasts that taste bakery-fresh.
I’d love to see your Homemade Donut Bread creationstag me in your photos! Did you grow up with something similar that filled your house with cinnamon sweetness? Save this recipe for those cozy weekend mornings when you want something special without the bakery trip. Your family will ask for it again and again.
