Cinnamon Donut Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: cinnamon donuts and fluffy bread. This recipe brings the comfort of cinnamon-sugar goodness into a loaf that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Each slice is warm, moist, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor. It’s an excellent way to start your day or to satisfy those mid-afternoon cravings. Best of all, it is simple to prepare, making it an ideal project for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.

The appeal of Cinnamon Donut Bread goes beyond its taste. The aroma of cinnamon baking in your oven is sure to evoke comfort and warmth, creating a feeling of home. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just enjoying it by yourself, this bread is a guaranteed hit. It allows you to indulge in a treat that feels special without needing complicated techniques or ingredients.

Plus, this recipe is versatile enough that you can customize it to your liking. Want a little more spice? Add more cinnamon! Prefer a different topping? Mix it up with some chocolate chips or nuts. Cinnamon Donut Bread encourages creativity in the kitchen, inviting you to make it your own.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Making Cinnamon Donut Bread is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

To create this delightful treat, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

These ingredients come together to create a loaf of bread that is light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

Directions

Follow these step-by-step directions to make your Cinnamon Donut Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a moment to grease a loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out smoothly after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of granulated sugar, one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, one tablespoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. This step combines the dry ingredients, making sure they are evenly distributed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them until they are light and frothy. Next, add the half cup of whole milk, the melted unsalted butter, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the optional half teaspoon of almond extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are completely combined. The melted butter must be cool enough not to cook the eggs, so be aware of that when combining.

4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures
   Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixtures together until just combined. Take care not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to a denser bread.

5. Prepare the Topping
   In a small bowl, mix together the packed quarter cup of brown sugar and one tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar mixture will give your bread its delicious, donut-like topping.

6. Layer the Batter
   Pour half of your batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar topping over this layer. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar topping. This layering method creates a delightful cinnamon swirl throughout the bread.

7. Bake
   Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread

Serving Cinnamon Donut Bread can be as simple or as fancy as you like. For a cozy breakfast, slice it while it’s still warm and serve it with a pat of butter on each slice. You can also dust it with a little powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. If you want, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning ritual.

You can also serve this bread as a dessert or snack. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm bread with cold ice cream is a treat to savor! For special occasions, you might plate the slices and garnish them with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Just pop a slice in the toaster for a quick breakfast or snack!

How to Store Cinnamon Donut Bread

Cinnamon Donut Bread stores quite well. After your bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature.

If you want to keep the bread for a longer time, consider freezing it. To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for added protection. This way, you can enjoy a slice even weeks later! When you’re ready to eat it, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the freshly baked taste once again.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Sift Your Flour: Sifting the flour before measuring can help incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter bread. It’s an extra step, but it can make a beautiful difference.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature can help them blend more easily with the batter. Room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a fluffier bread.

• Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, mix until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the bread, so it’s better to have a few lumps than a dense loaf.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the 45-minute mark. If your toothpick comes out with moist but not wet crumbs, it’s perfectly baked.

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add your twist to the recipe with spices such as nutmeg or cloves. You could also include chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Variation

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a wonderful base recipe that you can customize. Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Donut Bread: Fold in a cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will enjoy.

• Glazed Version: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread. This adds an extra sweetness and gives it a lovely shine.

• Fruit-Infused Bread: Add one cup of chopped apples, bananas, or even cranberries to the batter for added flavor and texture. This can also introduce some pleasant moisture.

• Nutty Bread: Mix in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. The crunch can add a delightful contrast to the soft bread.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! If you want to make a gluten-free version of this bread, you could try a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

2. Can I substitute the eggs?
Absolutely! If you are looking for an egg-free option, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted margarine for unsalted butter. Make sure it’s melted before adding it to the wet ingredients.

4. How can I tell when the bread is done?
The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.

5. Can I add frosting to the bread?
While the bread is delicious on its own, you can add a simple frosting made from powdered sugar and milk if you prefer a sweeter touch!

Cinnamon Donut Bread is an easy and rewarding recipe that everyone can enjoy. With its delightful flavor and tender texture, it’s bound to become a household favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread!

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