Description: A soft, sweet, and spiced loaf with the delicious flavor of cinnamon donuts. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat with a cup of coffee! It combines the ease of a quick bread with the comforting taste of a warm cinnamon donut. This recipe is perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is a reward in itself. The moist, tender crumb and the crunchy, sugary topping will make this Cinnamon Donut Bread a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 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, for a hint of marzipan flavor)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Preparation:
This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. The key is to avoid overmixing the batter, which can result in a tough bread. Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread bakes evenly.
- Grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisking ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for a consistent texture.
- The baking powder acts as a leavening agent, giving the bread its rise and airy crumb.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Make sure the melted butter is not too hot, as it could cook the eggs.
- The vanilla and almond extracts add depth of flavor to the bread. Feel free to experiment with other extracts, such as maple or butterscotch.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Step 5: Assemble the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- The brown sugar adds a molasses-like flavor and helps create a delicious, caramelized crust.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the prepared loaf pan.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
- The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cooling the bread slightly in the pan helps it retain its shape and prevents it from crumbling.
- Once the bread is completely cool, slice and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. You’ll adore the soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the crunchy, sugary topping. This bread is incredibly versatile – enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or even dessert. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that everyone will love.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. It’s quick to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of almond extract (if using) creates a symphony of flavors that evoke the taste of a classic cinnamon donut.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Ingredients: 5/5 (Readily Available)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Delicious and Addictive)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Warm with Butter: Simply slice a piece of bread and spread it with softened butter for a classic and comforting treat.
- Toasted with Cream Cheese: Toast a slice and top it with cream cheese for a more decadent option.
- Drizzled with Glaze: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the bread for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Served with Coffee or Tea: This bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- As French Toast: Dip slices of the bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then fry in a pan until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
- As the base for bread pudding: Cube the bread and use it to make a delicious bread pudding.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This will help the ingredients blend together more easily.
- Measure flour accurately: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Ovens vary, so check for doneness starting around the 50-minute mark.
- Store properly: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Add nuts: For extra texture and flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Use different extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as maple or butterscotch, to customize the flavor.
- Make muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins instead of a loaf pan for individual portions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 65-75 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per slice – varies based on slice thickness)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 4-5 grams
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
Conclusion:
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its easy preparation, comforting flavor, and versatile serving options make it a winner in every kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a cozy snack, or a sweet dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade cinnamon donut bread! It’s a recipe that will become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for its consistent results, you can experiment with other types of flour. Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and denser texture. If using whole wheat flour, you may need to add a bit more liquid to the batter. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can also be used, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted to be vegan. Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use plant-based milk instead of whole milk. Ensure the butter you use is also plant-based.
Q3: How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
A: The best way to prevent the bread from sticking is to thoroughly grease the loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This ensures that the bread comes out cleanly every time.
Q4: Can I add a glaze to the bread?
A: Absolutely! A simple glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the bread. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract to the glaze for extra flavor.
Q5: How long does the bread stay fresh?
A: This Cinnamon Donut Bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the bread at room temperature before serving.
