Cinnamon Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Deliciousness

Cinnamon Donut Bread: Just imagine biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, but in the form of a perfectly sliceable, shareable loaf. Sounds divine, right? This isn’t just any bread; it’s a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, bringing the comforting flavors of cinnamon donuts to your breakfast table in a whole new way.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from our collective love for classic American donuts, those sweet, fried rings of dough that have been a staple at bakeries and breakfast tables for generations. While the exact origins of the donut are debated, its popularity is undeniable. What we’ve done here is taken those iconic cinnamon-sugar flavors and reimagined them in a soft, tender bread that’s easier to make and even more satisfying to share.

People adore this Cinnamon Donut Bread because it captures the essence of a freshly baked donut without the fuss of deep-frying. The aroma alone, as it bakes, is enough to make your mouth water! The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and a soft, slightly chewy texture is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, toasted with your morning coffee, or even as a decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite, bringing joy and deliciousness to any occasion.

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, or brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Vanilla Glaze (Optional):

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Bread and Custard:

1. Cube the Bread: First, you’ll want to cube your bread. I find that 1-inch cubes are perfect because they soak up the custard nicely without becoming overly soggy. If you’re using challah or brioche, you might want to let it sit out for a little while to dry out slightly. This will help it absorb even more of that delicious custard. Texas toast is already a bit drier, so you can use it right away.
2. Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined, and the sugar is fully dissolved. This custard is the heart of our donut bread, so we want it to be perfect!
3. Soak the Bread: Now, gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture. Be careful not to mash the bread. You want each cube to be nicely coated. Once the bread is coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This soaking time is crucial because it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a super moist and flavorful baked bread. I usually prepare this the night before so it’s ready to go in the morning.

Baking the Cinnamon Donut Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easier to serve.
2. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly.
3. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding the cinnamon sugar coating. This will prevent the coating from melting completely.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well until evenly distributed. This is our simple yet irresistible cinnamon sugar mixture that will give our bread that classic donut flavor.
2. Brush with Melted Butter: Brush the top of the slightly cooled bread with the melted butter. Make sure to cover the entire surface so that the cinnamon sugar will adhere properly.
3. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered bread. Use your hands to gently press the sugar into the bread so it sticks. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar – the more, the merrier!

Adding the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):

1. Whisk the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, prepare the vanilla glaze (if using). In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like my glaze to be thick enough to coat the bread but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread has cooled slightly and the cinnamon sugar has set, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top. You can create a simple pattern or just drizzle it randomly – it’s up to you!

Serving and Storing:

1. Serve Warm: Serve the cinnamon donut bread warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! It’s the perfect marriage of comforting cinnamon rolls and the ease of a quick bread, delivering that warm, familiar donut flavor without all the fuss of deep frying. Think of it as a hug in bread form – sweet, comforting, and utterly irresistible. The soft, tender crumb, swirled with that gooey cinnamon-sugar mixture, is guaranteed to brighten even the gloomiest of days. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While it’s absolutely divine served warm with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, the possibilities are endless. For a truly decadent experience, try drizzling it with a cream cheese glaze – the tangy sweetness perfectly complements the cinnamon spice. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, whip up a batch of vanilla bean ice cream and serve a warm slice alongside a scoop. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!

Looking for variations? You could easily add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful crunch. A sprinkle of chocolate chips would also be a welcome addition, especially for the chocolate lovers out there. For a more festive twist, consider adding dried cranberries and orange zest during the holiday season. And if you’re feeling particularly creative, you could even try making mini loaves to give as gifts – they’re sure to be a hit!

Beyond the delicious taste and versatility, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is also incredibly easy to make. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in a snap, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you might have lurking in your pantry. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is simply divine – a guaranteed mood booster!

Serving Suggestions:

* Warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
* Drizzled with cream cheese glaze.
* Served alongside vanilla bean ice cream.
* Toasted with butter for breakfast.
* As a sweet addition to brunch.

Variations:

* Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts).
* Incorporate chocolate chips.
* Include dried cranberries and orange zest.
* Make mini loaves for gifting.
* Swirl in a layer of apple butter.

I truly believe that everyone should experience the joy of baking and enjoying this incredible Cinnamon Donut Bread. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, passed down through generations. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried or how you served it. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Cinnamon Donut Bread adventures!