Introduction
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is one of those nostalgic, bakery-inspired treats that instantly makes a kitchen feel warm and inviting. This recipe captures everything people love about cinnamon donuts and transforms those flavors into a soft loaf perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting. The charm of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread lies in its delicate crumb, buttery aroma, and the signature cinnamon-sugar crust that forms as it bakes. Many home bakers appreciate how simple quick breads are to prepare, and this one stands out for its straightforward method and big flavor payoff. Whether you enjoy cozy weekend baking or you’re looking for a sweet loaf that feels familiar yet special, this bread fits beautifully into any season and satisfies every age group.
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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
- Total Time: 70 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, bakery-style Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread with warm cinnamon ribbons, fluffy crumb, and a crispy sugar top.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for swirl)
1 tablespoon cinnamon (for swirl)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until smooth.
5. Mix cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
6. Pour half the batter into the pan, add cinnamon-sugar, then top with remaining batter.
7. Swirl with a knife and bake 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool before slicing.
Notes
Brush the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar for a donut-like finish.
Freezes well for up to two months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Sweet Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Below is a clear, organized ingredient list to help streamline your prep.
Main Batter Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
Cinnamon-Sugar Layer
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
Optional Additions
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | Up to 1/4 cup |
| Mini cinnamon chips | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Creating Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is uncomplicated and enjoyable, especially for bakers who love quick, mix-and-pour recipes. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a standard loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. Begin the batter by whisking together the dry ingredients in a large bowl flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the batter is smooth and fully combined, being careful not to overmix.
Prepare the cinnamon-sugar layer by combining the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small dish. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, then sprinkle a generous spoonful of the cinnamon-sugar blend over the surface. Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture into the batter, creating ribbons of spice throughout the loaf.
Bake the bread for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. During baking, the cinnamon-sugar topping creates a delicate crust that mimics the flavor of classic cinnamon donuts. After removing the loaf from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This helps the crust set and makes slicing easier.
Helpful Tips:
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the crumb tender.
- If you like a deeper cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- For extra richness, substitute 1/4 of the sugar with light brown sugar.
- To enhance the donut-like texture, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter before serving and sprinkle with extra cinnamon-sugar.
- Slice once fully cooled for neat, clean cuts.
Storage and Freezing
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread stores beautifully. Keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. The loaf also freezes well wrap slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm them briefly in a toaster oven.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a comforting, flavor-packed loaf that brings nostalgic bakery flavors into your home kitchen with ease. Its soft crumb, cinnamon swirl, and donut-like sweetness make it a versatile treat you can enjoy anytime. From breakfast to dessert, this loaf is a reliable recipe you’ll return to often. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and consistently delicious results make it ideal for both new and seasoned bakers.
FAQ: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
1. Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread ahead of time?
Yes, this loaf stores very well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle. Wrap it tightly to keep moisture locked in.
2. Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely. Buttermilk adds a slightly tangy flavor and creates a softer crumb, making the bread even more tender.
3. How do I prevent the bread from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and ensure the loaf is wrapped immediately after cooling. Moisture escapes quickly if left uncovered.
4. Can I turn this recipe into muffins?
Yes, the batter works well for muffins. Simply divide into a 12-cup pan and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.