Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the perfect fusion of two beloved treats: the soft, fluffy texture of sweet bread and the delightful, spiced flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts. This moist, tender bread is coated with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, creating a sweet and irresistible dessert or breakfast option that everyone will adore. Whether you’re serving it to family, sharing it with friends, or enjoying it yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
The warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar pair beautifully with the soft crumb of the bread, making it an easy and satisfying bake for any occasion. Ideal for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet dessert, this cinnamon sugar donut sweet bread will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s simple to make, and the resulting treat is incredibly satisfying—perfect for those who love the comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts, but in a different form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating
The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a crunchy, sweet coating that perfectly complements the soft, pillowy bread inside.
2. Easy to Make
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy for anyone to tackle, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
3. Perfectly Moist and Fluffy
This bread has a melt-in-your-mouth texture—moist, fluffy, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming.
4. Versatile
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread can be served as a breakfast bread, dessert, or snack, making it suitable for various occasions.
5. Customizable
You can easily add your favorite extras, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit, to tailor the bread to your taste.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon (for coating)
Variations
- Add-ins: Consider mixing in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even dried fruit like raisins for added flavor and texture.
- Glazed Version: For a sweeter twist, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the bread after it’s baked and cooled.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use non-dairy milk and plant-based butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Spiced Twist: Add nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon sugar for a spicier, more aromatic flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the bread is baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Step 7: Coat the Bread
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the bread from the pan and roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture and the sweet, cinnamon-coated crust.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in dense bread.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary, so use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Let the Bread Cool: Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. This helps maintain its shape and texture.
How to Serve
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing breakfast or afternoon treat. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. It also works well as a brunch dish, alongside fresh fruit or a fruit salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It will remain soft and moist, perfect for snacking or breakfast.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the bread and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat slices in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds or toasting them in a toaster oven for a warm, crispy finish.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the bread may be denser and have a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or other nuts for added texture and flavor.
3. Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or oat milk) for regular milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.
4. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or another egg substitute.
5. How can I make the cinnamon sugar coating extra crunchy?
For a crunchier coating, add a little extra brown sugar to the cinnamon sugar mixture or lightly toast the bread after it’s coated.
6. Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, you can. Simply divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. How can I make this bread sweeter?
You can increase the amount of sugar in the batter or add an icing drizzle on top after baking for extra sweetness.
8. Can I add fruit to the batter?
Yes, small fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or even fresh blueberries would be a great addition to the batter.
9. How do I prevent the bread from getting too dry?
Make sure not to overbake the bread, and store it in an airtight container to keep it moist.
10. Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and let it thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the ultimate combination of sweetness and comfort in a simple, easy-to-make recipe. The fluffy, moist texture and the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating make it a treat that everyone will love. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every slice of this delightful, cinnamon-sugar goodness!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a soft, sweet, and flavorful bread that tastes just like a warm cinnamon sugar donut, but in loaf form! With a perfect combination of tender dough, cinnamon-spiced filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, this bread is a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a cup of coffee, this sweet bread will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the cinnamon sugar filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Make the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. - First rise:
Lightly oil the dough and place it in a clean bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. - Prepare the cinnamon sugar filling:
While the dough is rising, in a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the filling. In another small bowl, melt the butter for the filling. - Shape the bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Brush the melted butter for the filling over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. - Roll and slice:
Starting at one end, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 6-8 even pieces. - Place the dough into the pan:
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the slices of dough into the pan, arranging them to fit snugly. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan. - Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough finishes rising. - Bake the bread:
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil. - Prepare the topping:
While the bread is baking, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar for the topping in a small bowl. Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before brushing the topping over the top of the warm bread. - Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This sweet bread is best served fresh but can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.
- If you prefer a more donut-like texture, you can fry individual slices of the dough instead of baking it in a loaf pan.
- Try adding a drizzle of glaze or frosting on top for extra sweetness!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American