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I'm excited to share one of my go-to comfort treats! This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread wraps up all the yummy stuff we love about donuts but in a simple loaf. I came up with this when I was lounging around one Sunday morning wanting donuts without the hassle of deep frying. What came out of my oven? A wonderful bread that makes your house smell amazing and tastes just like those sugar-dusted donuts we all crave!
Easy and Tasty
What makes this so great is how straightforward it is. Through my baking journey, I've found the simplest recipes often bring the biggest smiles. This bread needs just basic stuff from your pantry but turns into something really special. Even my friends who barely bake have knocked this one out of the park!
Essential Components for Best Results
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g) – Just spoon the flour into your cup and level it off for the right amount.
- Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups (300 g) – You'll use this in both the bread and the outer coating.
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons – This makes sure your bread puffs up nicely.
- Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon – This cuts through the sweetness just right.
- Whole milk: 1 ¼ cups (306 g) – Gives your batter that smooth, rich feel.
- Egg: 1 large, at room temperature – Adds moisture and holds everything together.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons melted for the batter, and ¼ cup for the topping – Makes everything taste better and richer.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon – Brings in that nice background flavor that ties everything together.
- Granulated sugar (for the topping): ½ cup (100 g) – Creates that sweet crunch on the outside.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – The star flavor that makes it taste like a donut.
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon – Adds that cozy warm touch to the coating.
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Simple Instructions for Fantastic Bread
- Get your oven hot and loaf pan ready
- Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Give an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan a good spray with nonstick cooking spray so the bread comes out clean.
- Combine the dry stuff
- In a big bowl, throw together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix them up well.
- Blend the wet stuff
- Take another bowl and mix up 1 ¼ cups of whole milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until they're all combined.
- Mix everything together
- Pour your wet mix into your dry mix and stir it gently until just blended. Don't mix too much. The batter should look pretty loose.
- Pop it in the oven
- Pour all that batter into your loaf pan, making sure it's even. Bake it for 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick comes out mostly clean and the top looks golden. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before taking it out.
- Get your topping ready
- While your bread is cooling, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Mix up ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg for the coating.
- Cover with sweet cinnamon coating
- Brush your warm bread with the melted butter, then sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mix all over it. Turn the loaf around to get all sides covered nicely.
Keeping Fresh and Serving Ideas
At my place this bread usually disappears fast! When we do have some left, I've learned my trusty airtight container keeps it fresh on the counter. If you want to save it for later, it freezes great too. Just wrap it up good. My favorite way to eat it is slightly warm with a cup of coffee.
Mini Donut Version
I often turn this into cute little muffins when friends come over for breakfast. They cook a lot quicker, about 20-25 minutes, and each one gets that yummy butter and cinnamon sugar coating. People love having their own personal little treat!
The Appeal of This Treat
After making this countless times for family and friends, I know why everyone asks for it again. It hits that sweet spot between soft bread inside and sweet cinnamon coating outside that nobody can resist. And it's so easy to make, even if you're not a baking pro. Just the smell while it's cooking will win you over!
Keeping Your Loaf Fresh
The trick to making it last is good storage. I use a special container that keeps air out, but if you want to freeze some, make sure to wrap it up tight. There's nothing better than grabbing a slice weeks later and it still tastes amazing!
Ways to Enjoy
I love eating this bread lightly warmed with my morning coffee. For special brunches I'll put out fresh fruit and some whipped cream on the side. Want a killer dessert? Try toasting a slice and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It's so good you won't believe it!
Bite-sized Alternative
When I'm cooking for a big group, I usually go with muffins instead. They're the perfect size and so fun to eat! Just keep an eye on them since they bake faster than a whole loaf. The best part is rolling them in that cinnamon sugar while they're still warm. So satisfying!
Swap-out Options
I've tried lots of different versions over time. Almond milk works great if you can't do dairy, and you can use some applesauce instead of butter if you want something lighter. This recipe doesn't mind a few changes, so feel free to play around with it!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the issue with overmixing?
Too much mixing makes the bread chewy since gluten develops. Stir just until everything's mixed for a soft loaf.
- → How do I check if it's baked through?
Poke the center with a toothpick—if it comes out with only a few crumbs and the top is golden, it's ready. The loaf should feel firm when pressed gently.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
Sure thing! Keep it wrapped up tightly, and it stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature. The coating adds a nice crunch too.
- → Why add sugar coating while hot?
Warm bread allows the butter and sugar to meld more easily, giving you a better stick and flavor. Let it cool fully before slicing it up.
- → Is it okay to freeze this loaf?
Yep! Wrap it up tight, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely first, and then add the sugar topping for the best results.
Conclusion
A cozy, sugar-coated loaf inspired by snickerdoodles. It's fluffy inside with a crispy cinnamon-sugar layer outside. So simple and tasty.