This Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect fusion of a soft, sweet bread and the beloved flavors of a classic cinnamon donut. The tender, moist bread is swirled with cinnamon sugar, delivering a delicious cinnamon sugar crust and a warm, comforting flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping (Optional):

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

1. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set this aside for later. This will be the swirl mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 4: Layer the Cinnamon Sugar

1. Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Add the remaining bread batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the second layer of batter.

Step 5: Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar

1. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to swirl too much; you want distinct layers of cinnamon sugar, not fully incorporated.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
2. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Add the Topping (Optional)

1. While the bread is baking, you can prepare the optional topping. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup melted butter, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
2. Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
3. Brush the top of the warm bread with the cinnamon butter mixture for a sweet, crunchy topping.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the loaf pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Once cool, slice and enjoy your delicious cinnamon donut bread!

Cooking Notes

• Flour Substitutes: For a slightly healthier version, you can swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind it may make the bread denser.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk) and substitute the butter with a non-dairy option like coconut oil.
• Sugar Alternatives: If you want to cut back on sugar, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or coconut sugar. However, the cinnamon sugar swirl may not be as crispy if you make this substitution.

Variations

1. Add-ins

• Chopped nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
• Chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, add chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Dried fruit: You could also add raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity note.

2. Glaze the Bread

For a sweet finishing touch, drizzle the bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.

3. Make Mini Cinnamon Donut Loafs

If you’d like to make smaller individual loaves, divide the batter into mini loaf pans (around 3×5 inches) and adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Storage and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, store the bread in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: To freeze the bread, slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place the slices in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a warm treat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?

Yes! You can make a basic donut bread by omitting the cinnamon and nutmeg, or you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a simple sweet flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar for the swirl?

Yes, you can use brown sugar for the cinnamon sugar swirl, which will give it a deeper, caramelized flavor.

3. Can I use self-rising flour in this recipe?

Yes, if using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt, as self-rising flour already contains those ingredients.

4. Can I make this recipe without a loaf pan?

You can make this recipe in a round cake pan or even in a muffin tin. If using a cake pan, adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes. For muffins, bake for 18-20 minutes.

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is the ultimate treat for cinnamon lovers! It combines the warmth and sweetness of cinnamon donuts with the comforting texture of a homemade loaf. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, enjoying it with your afternoon tea, or sharing it with friends, this bread is sure to be a hit. With its tender crumb, cinnamon sugar swirl, and optional buttery topping, it’s a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!