Cinnamon Donut Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: Utilizing simple pantry staples, this recipe comes together effortlessly, requiring no advanced baking skills.
  • Versatile Delight: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this bread caters to various occasions and cravings.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of a moist crumb, cinnamon swirl, and a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes reminiscent of your favorite donut.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • For the Bread:
    • All-purpose flour
    • Granulated sugar
    • Baking powder
    • Salt
    • Whole milk
    • Large egg
    • Unsalted butter, melted
    • Vanilla extract
  • For the Spiced Sugar Coating:
    • Unsalted butter, melted
    • Granulated sugar
    • Ground cinnamon
    • Ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Batter:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly runny; avoid overmixing.
  3. Bake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
    • Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown.
  4. Add the Spiced Sugar Coating:
    • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a large piece of parchment paper.
    • While the bread is still warm, gently brush the entire surface with the melted butter prepared for the topping.
    • In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Evenly sprinkle this spiced sugar mixture over the butter-coated surface of the bread, turning the loaf as needed to coat all sides.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 slices.
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

  • Muffin Adaptation: Transform this recipe into muffins by dividing the batter evenly into a prepared muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, then apply the spiced sugar coating as directed.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom into the batter for added warmth and complexity.
  • Add-Ins: Fold in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits like raisins for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: To extend freshness, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore freshness.

FAQs

What is Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a quick bread that combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut into a loaf form. It features a moist crumb, a cinnamon swirl, and a spiced sugar coating.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, while whole milk provides a rich texture, you can substitute it with low-fat milk, almond milk, or other plant-based milks. Note that this may slightly alter the bread’s texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to use both butter and oil in the recipe?

The combination of butter and oil contributes to the bread’s moistness and flavor. However, if preferred, you can use only butter or only oil, keeping in mind that this may affect the final texture.

Can I omit the molasses in the cinnamon swirl?

Yes, if you don’t have molasses on hand, you can omit it or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too dense?

Ensure not to overmix the batter, as this can develop excess gluten, leading to a denser texture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

 

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