Cinnamon Donut Bread

Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my obsession with Cinnamon Donut Bread! It all started when I desperately needed something sweet for a last-minute brunch. I threw together this magical loaf, and now my friends beg me to make it every weekend. The smell alone - that warm cinnamon sugar goodness wafting through my kitchen - is enough to make anyone's mouth water.

What I love most is how ridiculously simple this recipe is. Just mix, bake, and drown it in buttery cinnamon-sugar topping. Seriously, it's easier than making actual donuts but tastes just as indulgent! The bread comes out moist and tender with that perfect crunch from the sugar crust. It's breakfast, dessert, snack time perfection - basically whatever excuse you need to slice off "just one more piece." Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked too!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread

This isn’t just any quick bread – it’s basically breakfast and dessert rolled into one irresistible loaf. Here’s why it’ll become your new obsession:

• Crazy easy to make - No fancy techniques or equipment needed. Just mix, pour, and bake!
• That perfect donut flavor - The cinnamon-sugar crust gives you that classic donut-shop taste without the deep frying mess
• Soft as a pillow - The buttermilk makes it so tender, it practically melts in your mouth
• Works for any occasion - Fancy enough for brunch guests, simple enough for lazy Sunday mornings
• Smells like heaven - Your whole house will smell like a cinnamon bakery for hours

Seriously, once you taste that first warm slice, you’ll understand why I make this weekly!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Donut Bread

Here's everything you'll need to create this magical loaf - I promise it's all simple pantry staples! Pro tip: measure everything before you start mixing. Trust me, it saves so much frantic rummaging through cabinets mid-recipe.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour - spooned and leveled for accuracy
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - make sure it's fresh!
• ½ teaspoon baking soda - the secret lift for our bread
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - the star of the show
• ½ teaspoon salt - balances all that sweetness
• ¾ cup granulated sugar - for the perfect sweetness level
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs - room temperature blends better
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - pure vanilla makes a difference
• ¾ cup buttermilk - don't skip this! It makes the bread super moist

For That Irresistible Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - for brushing
• ½ cup granulated sugar - mixed with cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - because more is always better!

See? Nothing fancy required! Just good ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Now let's get mixing!

Equipment You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, just like grandma would want! Here's what you'll need to make your Cinnamon Donut Bread magic happen:

• 1 loaf pan (8x4 or 9x5 inches both work great)
• 2 mixing bowls - one for dry, one for wet ingredients
• Whisk - for blending those eggs and buttermilk perfectly
• Rubber spatula - to gently fold everything together
• Toothpick - the ultimate doneness tester
• Pastry brush - for that glorious butter topping

That's it! No fancy gadgets required - just good old-fashioned baking tools. Now let's get to the fun part!

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Making this bread is seriously foolproof - just follow these simple steps, and you'll have the most amazing cinnamon-scented kitchen in no time. I've made this recipe dozens of times, and these little tricks guarantee perfect results every single time.

Preparing the Batter

First things first: preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan. Now, let's make magic happen!

1. In your dry ingredients bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Really get those spices evenly distributed - you want cinnamon in every bite!
2. In your other bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until they're best friends. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. The mixture should look smooth and slightly fluffy.
3. Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Start and end with the dry stuff - this prevents overmixing. Stir just until combined! A few lumps are totally fine; overmixing makes tough bread.

Baking and Testing Doneness

Pour that gorgeous batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Now for the hard part - waiting!

1. Bake for 45 minutes, then start checking. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should pull slightly away from the pan.
2. Here's my pro tip: insert a toothpick near the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it's perfect! Overbaking dries it out, so err on the side of slightly underdone.
3. Mine usually takes exactly 48 minutes, but ovens vary. Trust the toothpick, not the timer!

Adding the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

This is where the donut magic happens! Act fast while the bread is still warm.

1. Mix your sugar and cinnamon topping in a small bowl while the bread bakes. Have it ready to go!
2. As soon as the bread comes out, melt the extra butter. Use your pastry brush to generously coat the entire top surface. Work quickly - the butter helps the topping stick.
3. Now, sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mix over every glorious inch. Don't be shy! The warmth helps create that crunchy, crackly donut-like crust we all crave.
4. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. I know it's tempting, but wait at least 30 minutes before slicing - it'll hold together better.

There you go! Three simple steps to the most irresistible breakfast (or dessert... or snack...) you'll ever make. That first bite of warm, cinnamon-sugar-crusted bread? Absolute heaven.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I've learned a few tricks to guarantee bakery-worthy results every single time. These little details make all the difference!

• Room temperature ingredients - Those eggs and buttermilk really do incorporate better when they're not cold! I leave them out for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Don't overmix - Stir just until the flour disappears. A few lumps are actually good - they promise a tender crumb!
• Cool completely before slicing - I know it's tough to wait, but cutting warm bread makes it crumble. Give it a good hour if you can.
• Storage secrets - Keep it wrapped tight at room temp for 3 days, or freeze slices separated by parchment for up to 3 months. Just pop a frozen slice in the toaster for instant warm cinnamon goodness!

Follow these simple tips, and you'll get that perfect balance of moist interior and crispy cinnamon-sugar topping every time!

Variations for Cinnamon Donut Bread

While I adore the classic version, sometimes I love playing with different twists on this recipe! Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Nutty delight - Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
• Apple cinnamon - Add 1 cup diced apples tossed in cinnamon for fruity pockets of joy
• Glazed perfection - Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar-milk glaze instead of the cinnamon-sugar topping
• Chocolate chip - Because everything's better with chocolate! Use ½ cup mini chocolate chips

The possibilities are endless - this recipe is like a blank canvas for your cinnamon-spiced dreams!

Serving and Storing Cinnamon Donut Bread

Here's the best way to enjoy (and keep enjoying!) your masterpiece:

• Serve it warm - Pop slices in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic
• Go fancy - Top with whipped cream and extra cinnamon for dessert
• Storage must - Wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container to keep it moist
• Freezer hack - Slice before freezing so you can grab single servings whenever cravings hit!

This bread stays delicious for days - if it lasts that long in your house!

Nutrition Information

Here's the scoop on what's in each delicious slice (based on 12 servings per loaf). Remember, these are just estimates - your exact numbers might vary depending on specific ingredients or how thick you slice it! One thing's for sure though - every calorie is totally worth it for that cinnamon-sugar bliss.

Per serving: About 250 calories, 35g carbs, 4g protein, 10g fat (6g saturated), 1g fiber, 20g sugar. It's an indulgence, but hey - life's too short to skip the cinnamon-sugar topping!

FAQs About Cinnamon Donut Bread

I get asked these questions all the time - here are the answers that'll help you bake with confidence!

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! For each cup of buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. It works like a charm in this cinnamon donut bread recipe!

How long does cinnamon donut bread stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays moist for about 3 days at room temperature. After that, it's still good but loses some of that fresh-baked magic. That's why I usually freeze half the loaf!

Can I freeze cinnamon donut bread?
Yes! Slice it first and freeze portions separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature or pop frozen slices straight into the toaster. The cinnamon-sugar topping stays perfect - you'd never know it was frozen!

Got more questions? Just ask - I'm always happy to share my baking secrets!

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