Craving the taste of a warm, sugary donut but don’t have the time to make a batch from scratch?This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the perfect solution! It’s a soft, moist quick bread infused with cinnamon and sugar, with a delicious buttery crust reminiscent of a classic donut. The best part? No frying required! This bread is easy to whip up, and it’s perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even dessert. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
Step 5: Pour into the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the bread is baking, mix together the cinnamon sugar topping by combining the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the bread is out of the oven and still warm, brush the top with the melted butter and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire loaf.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread with a cup of coffee or tea!
Cooking Notes
- Buttermilk Option: For extra moisture and a slight tang, use buttermilk instead of regular milk in this recipe.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for later.
Variations
1. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
Instead of making a loaf, pour the batter into a muffin tin to create muffins. Bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature, then brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar for individual donut muffins.
2. Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
For a fun twist, layer half the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then add the rest of the batter. Swirl a knife through the batter to create a beautiful cinnamon swirl inside.
3. Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread
Add 1 cup of finely diced apples to the batter for a delicious fall-inspired version. The apples add extra moisture and a slight tartness that complements the cinnamon sugar topping.
4. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Bread
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of this bread, try the following substitutions:
- Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour (keep in mind that coconut flour requires more liquid).
- Replace the granulated sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Swap out the milk for unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream for a richer, low-carb option.
This will give you a lower-carb, sugar-free version of the bread while still maintaining that sweet, cinnamon donut flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the bread ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If making it ahead for an event, you can also freeze the loaf. Thaw it at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Q: How do I freeze this bread?
To freeze the bread, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature and reheat in the oven to warm it up.
Q: Can I make this bread without butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or margarine for a dairy-free version.
Q: Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol for a lower-sugar or sugar-free version.
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the perfect treat for anyone who loves the flavor of a classic cinnamon donut in a more convenient loaf form. It’s easy to make, deliciously soft, and has a crunchy, sugary topping that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread will quickly become a family favorite. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a slice of cinnamon sugar heaven!
