Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt; 1.25 cups whole milk; 1 large egg (room temperature); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 0.25 cups unsalted butter (melted); 0.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Introduction to Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is more than just a delicious breakfast option; it's a delightful experience packed into a moist, tender loaf. If you're a home cook looking to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen, this is your game-changing recipe. The combination of velvety bread texture with the nostalgic flavors of a sugar-coated donut will have everyone coming back for seconds!

So why is this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread a staple in my kitchen? For starters, it's incredibly easy to whip up! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total bake time of around an hour, you can enjoy this delightful treat with minimal fuss. Plus, the unique spiced sugar coating elevates it from ordinary bread to something truly special—ideal for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Did you know that baking with spices like cinnamon not only enhances flavor but can also have health benefits? Research suggests that cinnamon may help in regulating blood sugar levels (Healthline), making this indulgence feel a little less like a guilty pleasure. Don’t wait any longer; let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and bring a slice of joy to your kitchen!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Essential ingredients for the bread

When whipping up a batch of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, you'll want to gather a few key ingredients that create its moist, delicious texture. Here’s what you need:

All-purpose flour: 2 cups will give the bread its structure.
Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups for that sweet flavor that makes this bread irresistible.
Baking powder: 2 teaspoons to help the bread rise perfectly.
Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon enhances the sweetness without making it salty.
Whole milk: 1 ¼ cups for moisture and tenderness.
Egg: 1 large, at room temperature, binds everything together.
Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons melted, it adds richness and flavor.
Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon for a lovely aromatic touch.

Spiced sugar coating components

The finishing touch to your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is the delectable spiced sugar coating. To create this irresistible topping, you'll need:

Unsalted butter: ¼ cup, melted, to help the sugar coating stick.
Granulated sugar: ½ cup for sweetness that adds a touch of crunch.
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for that warm, cozy flavor.
Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon elevates the taste with a hint of spice.

This blend of ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes this bread feel like a treat!

Preparing Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Baking can often feel daunting, but making this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. You’ll have sweet, fragrant bread perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack in no time! Let’s break this down into easy steps.

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:

Ingredients for the Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ¼ cups whole milk
1 large egg (room temperature is best)
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Spiced Sugar Coating:
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Tools:
8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Having your work area organized and your ingredients ready is half the battle won!

Mix the Dry Ingredients Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sifting these ingredients may help with even mixing, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Don’t forget to check out King Arthur Baking for some fantastic tips on handling dry ingredients if you're unsure!

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended. The key is to make sure everything is mixed nicely—an even blend will result in a consistently flavored bread.

Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to unite the two mixtures! Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones, utilizing a rubber spatula to combine. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are perfectly okay. Your batter should have a slightly runny consistency — this ensures a moist loaf!

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 60-70 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs.

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack or a piece of parchment paper.

Create the Spiced Sugar Coating

While the bread is cooling, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl for that irresistible topping.

Once your bread is still warm, brush it with melted butter and sprinkle the sugar mixture generously over the top. Feel free to rotate the loaf to ensure every side is coated — it’s the finishing touch that elevates your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread!

Enjoy this scrumptious treat and be prepared for compliments from friends and family! Baking at home can be such a joyful experience, and with this recipe, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Happy Baking!

Variations on Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is already a treat on its own, but why stop there? Here are a couple of variations that can elevate this delicious baked good to even greater heights:

Adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist

For all the chocolate lovers out there, consider folding in chocolate chips to your batter. Just ½ to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips will transform your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread into an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The gooey chocolate complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully, making each slice a delightful surprise.

Incorporating nuts for crunch

If you're a fan of texture, adding nuts can do wonders for your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. Try incorporating ½ cup of walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. The crunch of the nuts paired with the soft, moist bread creates a delightful contrast that's hard to resist. Plus, nuts add a delightful nuttiness that balances the sweetness!

For more tips and ideas, explore some creative baking blogs like Food52 or King Arthur Baking. Happy baking!

Baking Notes for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Common Baking Pitfalls to Avoid

When crafting your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, watch out for overmixing. This can lead to a dense texture rather than the light, airy result you want. Don't forget to check your oven temperature — it should be set correctly for even baking, as an oven that’s too hot can cause the bread to bake unevenly.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

For a truly delightful loaf, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This simple step can make a world of difference in creating a fluffy crumb! Finally, don’t skip the cooling step; letting the bread sit in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to parchment keeps it moist. If you're interested in more baking techniques, check out King Arthur Baking for expert tips!

Serving suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Best pairings for brunch

When it comes to the ultimate brunch experience, Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread shines! This sweet treat pairs wonderfully with:

Turkey Bacon for a salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
A side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, adds a refreshing touch.
A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai enhances the cozy flavors, making every bite feel special.

You might find that a light drizzle of maple syrup brings out the cinnamon notes beautifully!

Unique ways to enjoy for dessert

Why reserve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread just for brunch? Transform it into a charming dessert:

Serve slices warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting delight.
Create a decadent French toast by soaking slices in an egg mixture and pan-frying them.
Layer the bread with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a simple, yet elegant parfait.

Your friends will be amazed by the creativity, and you'll enjoy every delicious bite!

Time Details for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

When you're ready to whip up your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, understanding the timing can really help you plan. Here's how it breaks down:

Preparation Time

Getting ready to bake takes about 15 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and mixing them all together. Quick and easy!

Baking Time

For that perfect golden-brown crust, you'll need to bake the bread for 60 minutes. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.

Total Time

In just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering loaf of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread to enjoy. Just imagine the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!

For more tips and guidance, consider checking out Baking Tips for Beginners or How to Store Homemade Bread. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Calories per slice

This decadent Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread packs about 180 calories per slice, making it a delightful treat you can enjoy without guilt (in moderation, of course).

Sugar content

With a generous 14 grams of sugar per slice, this bread satisfies your sweet tooth perfectly, striking a balance between flavors and sweetness for any time of day.

Estimated fat content

Each slice contains roughly 7 grams of fat, primarily from the butter used in the recipe, which contributes to that irresistible moist texture. Enjoy it as a special breakfast or snack!

For more insights on sugar and fat content, check out resources like Harvard Nutrition.

FAQs about Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

How long does cinnamon sugar donut bread last?
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for about 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you notice the bread becoming a little dry, it’s still perfectly fine to toast it lightly before serving.

Can I freeze leftover cinnamon sugar donut bread?
Yes! Freezing is a great option to extend the life of your bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should hold up well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat.

What can I substitute for whole milk in the recipe?
If you don’t have whole milk on hand, feel free to substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or even low-fat milk. You might consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar richness that whole milk provides, enhancing the overall flavor of your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread.

Conclusion on Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

A final thought on why you should try this recipe

If you're searching for a scrumptious way to elevate your breakfast, look no further than Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. With its moist texture and delightful spiced sugar coating, it’s not just a treat; it’s an experience! Perfect for brunch or a cozy evening snack, this recipe will undoubtedly impress your friends and family. Don't miss out on the joy of homemade comfort—you're just a few ingredients away from bliss!