Cinnamon Donut Bread

Introduction

I recently tried out this Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe, and it was a huge hit with my family! The smell of cinnamon wafting through the house as it baked was simply irresistible. Each slice of this soft, sweet bread is reminiscent of a freshly fried cinnamon donut, making it the perfect breakfast treat or snack. It’s easy to make, and the combination of cinnamon and vanilla with a tender crumb makes it utterly delicious. My family couldn’t stop reaching for another slice, and it quickly became a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast idea, a comforting snack, or a sweet treat for your next family gathering, this Cinnamon Donut Bread will not disappoint!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well mixed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the bread stays tender.
5. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly cracked.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the bread’s structure while cooling.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 10
• Calories per serving: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

• Freshly baked: Serve warm right out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Sliced: Slice the bread into thick pieces to enjoy as a snack or dessert.
• With butter or jam: Spread some butter or fruit preserves on top for added flavor.
• As a gift: This bread makes a wonderful gift when wrapped up in parchment paper or placed in a decorative loaf box.
• For breakfast: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as part of a light breakfast spread.

Additional Tips

1. Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
2. Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to ensure the bread is light and tender.
3. Add a dash of nutmeg: For an extra warm flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the batter.
4. Check doneness with a toothpick: To avoid overbaking, check the bread with a toothpick starting at 50 minutes. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
5. Top with a glaze: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the top with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.

Recipe Variations

1. Add-ins: Stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
2. Apple cinnamon: For a fall twist, add finely chopped apples to the batter and use cinnamon sugar on top for an apple-cinnamon donut flavor.
3. Chocolate chip version: Add a half cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet chocolate-cinnamon combo.
4. Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer instead of the regular ingredients for a vegan-friendly version of this bread.

Serving Suggestions

• With a hot drink: Pair it with a warm beverage like coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a cozy treat.
• As a dessert: Serve it as an after-dinner treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• With fruit: Top each slice with fresh berries or a fruit compote to balance the sweetness.
• For breakfast: Enjoy it with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
• For a snack: This bread is great on its own or with a glass of milk in the afternoon.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Keep the bread stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. To extend freshness, store it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
• Thawing: To thaw, let the bread sit at room temperature for a few hours or heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
   Yes, use 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
2. Can I use a different sugar for the topping?
   You can use brown sugar for a richer, molasses flavor in the topping.
3. How can I tell when the bread is done?
   Test the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
   Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. How long should I bake the bread?
   Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness starting at 50 minutes.
6. Can I add other spices?
   Yes, you can add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a different spice profile.
7. Can I make this bread in a round pan?
   Yes, you can use a round cake pan but adjust the baking time as needed, starting with 45 minutes.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter, though it may slightly affect the texture.
9. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make it ahead and store it at room temperature or freeze it for later use.
10. How can I add more flavor to the bread?
    Try adding vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for an added depth of flavor.

Conclusion
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a warm, comforting treat that brings the nostalgia of cinnamon donuts to life in a simple, easy-to-make loaf. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this bread is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. With its tender crumb, sweet cinnamon topping, and delightful aroma, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy day at home. Enjoy!

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