Sweet Cinnamon Donut Bread

This cinnamon donut bread brings the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts into an easy-to-make loaf that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. I created this recipe for those mornings when you crave something special but don't want the hassle of frying donuts.

I first developed this recipe during a snowy weekend when my children were disappointed we couldn't visit our favorite donut shop. Now they actually prefer this homemade version and request it for weekend breakfasts and after-school snacks.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for this quick bread
• Granulated sugar: Creates sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb
• Baking powder: Ensures a proper rise without being overly complicated
• Ground cinnamon: Brings that classic donut shop flavor
• Large eggs: At room temperature help bind everything together
• Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture
• Melted butter: Gives irreplaceable flavor and that donut-like texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Heat your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the bread to bake evenly without burning the edges. Thoroughly grease your loaf pan paying special attention to the corners where sticking is most common.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl until evenly distributed. Breaking up any clumps now prevents flour pockets in your finished bread. The cinnamon should create beautiful speckles throughout the mixture.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and cooled melted butter until they form a smooth liquid. The butter must be cooled slightly to prevent cooking the eggs on contact. The mixture should look like a rich custard.

Create Your Batter:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients in a steady stream while stirring gently. Mix just until no dry spots remain, about 10 to 12 folds of your spatula. Overmixing will develop gluten, making your bread tough rather than tender.

Bake To Perfection:

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top if desired. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Save

The cinnamon is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I keep a special jar of high quality Ceylon cinnamon just for this bread because its sweet complex flavor makes such a difference. My grandmother taught me that quality cinnamon is worth every penny and this recipe proves her right every time.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon donut bread stands beautifully on its own but transforms into something truly special when served warm with a pat of salted butter that melts into each slice. For a more decadent treat drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar vanilla extract and a splash of milk.

For brunch gatherings I like to slice the entire loaf arrange it on a pretty platter and serve alongside fresh fruit and hot coffee. The contrast of the warm spiced bread with cool juicy fruit creates a perfect balance that guests always appreciate.

Storage Tips

This bread maintains its quality remarkably well if properly stored. Once completely cooled wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens slightly after the first day making it perfect for make ahead preparations.

For longer storage freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer bag. This method allows you to thaw only what you need. Reheat frozen slices in a toaster or microwave for 20 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

Make It Your Own

While the classic version is perfect you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture. Fold in a cup of diced apples tossed with extra cinnamon for an autumn variation. Replace a quarter cup of the regular flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and additional fiber.

The basic batter also works beautifully in muffin tins for individual portions. Reduce the baking time to 18 to 20 minutes for perfectly portioned breakfast treats that children especially love.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I add other spices to this cinnamon donut bread?

Absolutely! While ground cinnamon is the star, you can enhance the flavor by adding 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, a pinch of cloves, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. These complementary spices will add depth while maintaining the classic donut flavor profile.

→ How should I store leftover cinnamon donut bread?

Store completely cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly microwave for that fresh-baked taste.

→ Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the whole milk with any plant-based milk alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk. Replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in equal amounts to maintain the right moisture level and texture.

→ What's the best way to serve cinnamon donut bread?

Serve slices slightly warm to enhance the aromatic cinnamon flavor. For an extra treat, spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on each slice. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

→ Why did my bread sink in the middle after baking?

A sunken middle typically indicates underbaking or opening the oven door too early in the baking process. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and use the toothpick test to verify doneness - it should come out clean from the center. Also, avoid overmixing the batter which can incorporate too much air.

→ Can I make muffins instead of a loaf with this batter?

Definitely! This batter works beautifully for muffins. Simply divide it among 12 lined muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Reduce baking time to approximately 18-22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for that classic donut finish.