Imagine a treat that combines the irresistible warmth of a cinnamon sugar donut with the comforting ease of a homemade sweet bread. That's exactly what you get with this incredible Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread! This recipe delivers a tender, moist loaf crowned with a sparkling, crunchy cinnamon sugar crust that will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite bakery.
Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack, this quick bread is surprisingly simple to make. Forget the deep fryer and complex yeast doughs; this baked version brings all the beloved flavors of a donut into your kitchen with minimal effort, making it an instant family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Donut-Inspired Sweet Bread
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is more than just a recipe; it's an experience. Its simplicity and delicious outcome make it a standout choice for any baker, whether novice or experienced. Here are just a few reasons why this will become a staple in your home:
- Effortless & Quick: No yeast proofing means you get from mixing bowl to delicious loaf in no time.
- Unforgettable Flavor: The classic combination of sweet cinnamon and sugar is always a winner.
- Perfect Texture: Every slice boasts a wonderfully tender crumb contrasted by a delightful crunchy topping.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it warm, plain, or with a cup of coffee or tea.
The magic truly happens with the generous cinnamon sugar topping. Brushed onto the warm bread, the butter soaks in, creating a rich base for the sugar to form that signature donut-like crust that’s utterly addictive. For another sweet treat, you might enjoy these Irresistible Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Making the Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Topping
The topping is what sets this sweet bread apart, giving it that distinct 'donut' feel. It's a simple two-step process: melted butter brushed over the warm bread, followed by a generous sprinkle of granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon. The warmth of the bread is crucial, as it allows the butter to absorb and the sugar to adhere, forming that coveted crispy layer.
Baking Success: Tips & Tricks
Achieving a perfectly baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is straightforward with a few helpful tips:
- Measure Accurately: Especially with flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can lead to a dry loaf.
- Don't Overmix: For a light and tender crumb, mix your wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter.
- Test for Doneness: A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
If you love warm, comforting baked goods, you might also want to try this Decadent French Toast Casserole with Buttery Croissants. For more general baking guidance and techniques that can elevate any recipe, check out helpful resources like Serious Eats' Baking Glossary.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This sweet bread is best enjoyed warm, sliced thick, and perhaps with an additional drizzle of glaze or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. It’s an excellent companion to your morning coffee or a glass of cold milk. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its delightful freshness. For longer storage, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in a toaster oven for a quick treat.
Your New Favorite Sweet Bread Awaits!
Bringing this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread to life in your kitchen is a rewarding experience, from the incredible aroma that fills your home to the first tender, cinnamon-kissed bite. It's a simple pleasure that truly satisfies and is guaranteed to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Get ready to bake, share, and savor every delicious moment!
FAQs
Can I make this sweet bread ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is perfect for making ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. It's delicious warmed up slightly before serving.
What's the secret to a super moist sweet bread?
The key to a super moist sweet bread is to not overmix the batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tougher texture. Also, using room temperature ingredients helps everything incorporate smoothly.
Can I add different mix-ins to the batter?
Certainly! Feel free to customize your sweet bread. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or even a handful of dried cranberries would be delicious additions. Just fold them gently into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan.
How do I get the perfect crunchy cinnamon sugar topping?
The trick is to apply the melted butter and cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after the bread comes out of the oven, while it's still very warm. The heat helps the butter soak in and the sugar to create that signature crunchy, donut-like crust.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy-to-make sweet bread captures the beloved flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts in a tender, moist loaf, perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
½ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ½ cup granulated sugar.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the bread is baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. In another small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Step 8: Once the bread is out of the oven, immediately brush the top with the melted butter.
Step 9: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the warm, buttered bread.
Step 10: Let the sweet bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm.
Notes
For an extra treat, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bread before serving. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water until smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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