Cinnamon Donut Bread

Introduction

As soon as I pulled my loaf of Cinnamon Donut Bread out of the oven, the entire house was filled with the irresistible scent of warm cinnamon sugar. It’s a comforting smell that brings back memories of cozy mornings with family. The bread itself was soft, tender, and perfectly spiced, with just the right amount of sweetness to make it feel like a special treat. The topping of cinnamon and sugar gave it a delightful crunch that complemented the soft interior, making each slice a bit of heaven. My family loved it from the very first bite, and it’s quickly become a go-to recipe for our gatherings. Whether served as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, this Cinnamon Donut Bread never fails to impress.

Ingredients

For the bread:

• 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well blended.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix, or the bread may become dense.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
6. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of the loaf)
• Calories: Approximately 220 calories per slice
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve

• Slice the bread once it has completely cooled. You can serve it:
• As a breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea
• As a snack, especially with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of butter
• As a dessert, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Topped with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices
• Paired with a glass of milk for a classic, comforting treat

Additional Tips

1. Don’t overmix the batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing will result in a dense loaf.
2. Use room temperature ingredients: Bring your eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter to room temperature before mixing them to ensure the batter comes together smoothly.
3. Add a dash of nutmeg: If you love the classic cinnamon-doughnut flavor, a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the spice profile of the bread.
4. Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary, so start checking the bread with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark.
5. Let it cool before slicing: Cooling the bread before slicing ensures it sets properly and doesn’t become too crumbly.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Donut Bread: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
• Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples to the batter for a fruit-forward version.
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Donut Bread: Substitute half the buttermilk with canned pumpkin for a fall-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Donut Bread: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free treat.
• Vegan Cinnamon Donut Bread: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter substitute to make this recipe vegan.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing.
• For a breakfast spread, pair with scrambled eggs, sausage, or bacon.
• Pair with a rich, flavored coffee like a caramel macchiato or cinnamon latte.
• Serve at a brunch gathering with fresh fruit and yogurt on the side.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This bread freezes well. Once it has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Storage: Keep the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
   You can substitute regular milk, but the buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps the bread rise better.
2. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
   Yes, you can use flax eggs or another egg substitute to make the bread vegan.
3. Can I add nuts to the batter?
   Yes, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
4. What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
   You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half.
5. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
   Use a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.
6. Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
   Yes, pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
7. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
   Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread.
8. Can I make this bread without cinnamon?
   You can omit the cinnamon, but it will no longer have that signature “donut” flavor.
9. How can I make this bread spicier?
   Add more cinnamon or include spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for extra warmth.
10. Can I add glaze to this bread?
    Yes, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bread for a sweeter treat.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful way to start your morning, offering the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a soft, tender loaf. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or freezing it for later, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a recipe that you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy each slice with your loved ones and create sweet memories around the table.

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