🍩 Cinnamon Donut Bread: Your New Favorite Sweet Breakfast! 🍞✨

What is Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Are you searching for that perfect something sweet to elevate your breakfast routine? Did you know that globally, 70% of people consider breakfast the most important meal of the day, and a significant portion of those crave something sweet to start their morning? If that sounds like you, then get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible Cinnamon Donut Bread! It’s the ultimate breakfast mashup, ingeniously combining the comforting, soft texture of fluffy bread with the irresistible sugary, spiced goodness of your favorite classic donuts. Easy to whip up, this recipe is your secret weapon for those hectic mornings when you need a quick win, or for leisurely weekend brunches where you want to impress your family and friends with minimal fuss. Save this pin to try it out and treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly delightful, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a cherished staple. 💕👩‍🍳

Ingredients for Cinnamon Donut Bread

Creating this magical Cinnamon Donut Bread starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each contributing to its unique flavor and texture. We’ve broken them down for clarity, with notes on what gives them their special role.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation of our bread, providing structure. Sifted for an extra tender crumb.
• 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar: For that quintessential sweetness, mimicking the sugar coating of a donut. Can be reduced slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread.
• 3 teaspoons Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring a beautifully light and fluffy rise.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Use a good quality cinnamon for the most aromatic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Nutmeg: Adds a warm, slightly sweet, and earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup Milk (whole or 2% recommended): Provides moisture and richness. Buttermilk can be used for a tangier flavor.
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted: Adds moisture, tenderness, and a rich, buttery flavor base.
• 2 Large Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the bread’s structure and richness.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a delicate, comforting aroma.

Donut Topping

• ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted: This generous butter bath is key to getting that classic donut glaze to adhere beautifully.
• 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): The sweet, smooth base of our glaze.
• 2 tablespoons Milk (or Cream): To achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: For that irresistible donut flavor infusion in the topping.

When to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Compared to traditional yeast donuts, which can take hours to prepare due to rising times, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is significantly faster. While the average quick bread might take around 10-15 minutes of prep and 40-50 minutes of baking, our recipe slightly extends the prep to ensure all those delicious donut-like spices are perfectly incorporated, with a baking time that’s right within the typical range. This makes it an ideal candidate for a busy weekday morning or a relaxed Sunday brunch without the commitment of a multi-step donut process.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Follow these simple steps to create your slice of heaven. Remember to work with a gentle hand for the best texture!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This consistent temperature is crucial for even baking. Next, generously grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper. This step is vital to prevent your beautiful bread from sticking, ensuring a clean release and perfect presentation.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give these dry ingredients a good whisk. This not only ensures everything is evenly distributed but also helps break up any lumps, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform crumb in your finished bread.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot, as it could potentially scramble the eggs. A smooth, emulsified mixture here will contribute to the rich, tender texture of the bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry to Form Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Now, mix gently until just combined. It’s really important here not to overmix. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a tough, dense bread instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 5: Pour Batter and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Prepare the Donut Topping

While your bread is baking, let’s get that irresistible donut topping ready. In a small bowl, melt the ½ cup of butter. Once melted, whisk in the confectioners’ sugar, milk (or cream), and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, drizzle-able glaze. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency – you want it thick enough to coat but thin enough to pour or brush on easily.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial – if you try to glaze a hot bread, the glaze will melt and run off. Once the bread is completely cool, generously brush or drizzle the prepared cinnamon donut glaze all over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. A typical slice (assuming 12 slices per loaf) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Sugar: 30-40g
• Fat: 12-18g
• Protein: 5-7g

Healthier Alternatives

While this recipe is a decadent treat, you can make a few modifications to lighten it up without sacrificing too much flavor:

• Reduce Sugar: You can decrease the sugar in the bread batter by ¼ to ½ cup. The glaze is where most of the sweetness comes from, so consider a lighter glaze or serving it plain.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out 1 cup of all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Greek Yogurt/Applesauce: Replace some of the butter or milk with unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt for added moisture and reduced fat.
• Lighter Glaze: For the topping, use half the amount of sugar and more milk for a thinner, less sweet glaze, or opt for a light dusting of cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is fantastic on its own, fresh from the oven. However, it also pairs wonderfully with:

• A warm cup of coffee or tea.
• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
• Fresh berries on the side to add a burst of freshness.
• A light dusting of powdered sugar if you find the glaze too sweet.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This is the most common culprit for tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Opening the Oven Door Too Soon: Avoid opening the oven door during the first 30-40 minutes of baking, as this can cause the bread to sink.
• Glazing While Hot: Ensure the bread is completely cool before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting into a puddle.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F (175°C).

Storing Your Cinnamon Donut Bread

Once completely cooled and the glaze has set, store your Cinnamon Donut Bread at room temperature. Tightly wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

To Reheat: If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

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