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Turn classic donut flavors into an easy homemade loaf with this cinnamon sugar donut bread. It's got a soft, fluffy texture wrapped in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that brings all those bakery vibes without any frying mess. Grab a slice for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack!
I came up with this idea during a snowstorm when my kids wanted donuts but we couldn't leave the house. Now this bread has become our family's weekend tradition and honestly, it vanishes even quicker than regular donuts would around here.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Gives you that soft texture with good structure
- Granulated sugar: Brings the sweetness that makes donuts so irresistible
- Baking powder: Makes your bread fluffy without getting too heavy
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness throughout every bite
- Melted butter: Brings flavor and softness to both bread and topping
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Create that signature donut shop taste
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with lovely background notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
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- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and coat your loaf pan completely with nonstick spray. Don't forget the corners! Good pan prep means your bread will come out clean when it's done.
- Combine Dry Stuff:
- Put flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a big bowl and whisk them together. This spreads out the baking powder so you won't bite into any bitter spots later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla until they're fully blended. Make sure there aren't any egg streaks left so everything mixes smoothly with the dry stuff.
- Make Your Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ones and fold gently with a spatula. Stop mixing right when the flour disappears. Too much stirring will make your bread tough instead of tender.
- Bake It Up:
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. It's ready when a toothpick comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Look for a golden brown top with a slight rise.
- Butter It Up:
- When the bread is warm but not super hot, brush melted butter all over it. Work fast to cover all sides so the cinnamon sugar will stick properly.
- Finish With Sugar:
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix all over your buttered loaf. Flip it around to coat every side, pressing lightly if needed to help the sugar stick better.
The touch of nutmeg in this recipe really makes it special. My grandma always put a bit in her donuts and swore it was her trick for that professional bakery taste. Whenever I bake this bread, that wonderful smell instantly takes me back to cooking in her kitchen.
Storage Tips
Keep your donut bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic or storing in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. The sugar coating might soak up some moisture over time, changing the texture a bit but it'll still taste wonderful.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy a slightly warm slice with your morning coffee or hot chocolate for a real comfort food moment. Want something extra indulgent? Try toasting a piece and topping it with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fluffy whipped cream.
Delicious Variations
Throw in 1 cup of chopped apples to the batter for an apple fritter twist. The fruit adds extra moisture and creates a nice texture contrast against the soft bread.
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Start your own family tradition with this treat and enjoy all those cozy bakery feelings right in your own kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this bread ahead of time?
You bet! You can bake it a day early. Just keep it in an airtight container on your counter. The sugar coating might soak up some moisture overnight, but it'll still taste amazing.
- → Can I use milk alternatives in this bread?
For sure. You can swap in unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk instead of whole milk. Each one will give you a bit of a different taste, but your bread should turn out just as soft.
- → Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Mixing too much makes the gluten work overtime and gives you heavy bread. Just mix until everything comes together. Also, make sure your baking powder isn't old, because outdated raising agents won't help your bread puff up properly.
- → Can I freeze this bread?
You can totally freeze it. Let it cool all the way, then wrap it good with plastic wrap and foil or pop it in a freezer bag. It'll stay good for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw naturally before you eat it.
- → How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Stick a toothpick in the middle and look for a few moist crumbs but no wet stuff. The top should look golden brown and the bread should bounce back a little when you gently press it.
- → Can I add other flavors to this bread?
You sure can! Try some orange peel in the mix, throw in some chocolate chips, or add a bit of cardamom to the sugar coating for something different.