Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for Breakfast or Dessert

Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Overview

This easy cinnamon donut bread recipe is a wonderful fusion that brings the beloved taste and comforting aroma of a classic cinnamon donut into a convenient, sliceable loaf format. Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh-baked goods, reminiscent of a pastry shop, right in your own kitchen. This homemade donut bread delivers exactly that experience with minimal fuss. It’s a perfect option for those who crave the sweet, spiced flavor of a donut but prefer the ease of baking a quick bread. The simple preparation makes it approachable for even novice bakers, ensuring a delicious treat every time.

What makes this bread special?

What sets this bread apart is its incredible texture and distinctive flavor profile. The batter bakes into a wonderfully moist crumb, infused with a subtle vanilla note, providing the ideal base for the star of the show: the cinnamon sugar swirl. This delightful swirl not only adds visual appeal but also creates pockets of intensely spiced, sugary goodness throughout the loaf. Unlike a fried donut, this baked version is lighter yet still incredibly satisfying, making it a less guilt-inducing but equally indulgent option. It’s a comforting flavor that truly stands out among other sweet breakfast loaf recipes, offering something uniquely delicious.

Perfect for breakfast or dessert.

One of the best aspects of this easy cinnamon donut bread is its versatility. It shines equally as a sweet breakfast loaf alongside a cup of coffee or tea, providing a wonderful start to your day. Its comforting flavor and simple sweetness make it an ideal breakfast pastry that feels special without requiring extensive effort. Furthermore, it transforms effortlessly into a fantastic dessert bread. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy a slice after dinner. It’s also a delightful snack idea for an afternoon pick-me-up or a treat to share with friends and family during gatherings. No matter the occasion, this quick baking recipe fits right in.

Gather Your Recipe Ingredients

Successful baking begins with having all your ingredients measured and ready before you start mixing. This method, known as mise en place, streamlines the process and helps prevent errors, ensuring your easy cinnamon donut bread comes out perfectly. For this homemade donut bread, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples that work together to create its signature moist crumb and comforting flavor. Let’s break down the essential components for both the batter and the delectable cinnamon swirl that makes this recipe a true delicious treat.

Dry ingredients for batter.

The foundation of your sweet breakfast loaf starts with the dry ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, which provides the structure for the bread. Make sure to measure it correctly, typically by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to too much flour. Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, contributing to the overall deliciousness of this simple dessert bread. Baking powder is crucial for leavening, giving the bread its soft, airy texture, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. These elements combine to create a sturdy yet tender base for your quick baking recipe.

Wet ingredients for batter.

The wet ingredients are what bring the batter together, adding moisture and richness. Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is key for creaming with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy base. Large eggs, also at room temperature, help bind the ingredients, add richness, and contribute to the bread’s structure. Whole milk provides moisture and tenderness, ensuring a moist crumb, while pure vanilla extract infuses the entire loaf with a warm, inviting aroma and comforting flavor. Together, these wet ingredients make the batter smooth and ready to embrace the cinnamon swirl, making for an irresistible breakfast pastry.

Prepare for Baking Donut Bread

Proper preparation is a vital step in ensuring your easy cinnamon donut bread bakes beautifully and consistently. Taking a few moments to set up your baking environment can make all the difference in the final outcome, from the bread’s rise to its golden-brown crust. This homemade donut bread will fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma, but only if it’s baked under the right conditions. Don’t skip these initial steps; they lay the groundwork for a truly delicious treat.

Preheat oven and grease pan.

First, preheat your oven to the specified temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C). Allowing the oven to fully preheat before placing your loaf inside is crucial for even baking and a good rise. If the oven isn’t hot enough, the bread can bake unevenly or become dense. While the oven preheats, prepare your loaf pan. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) with butter or cooking spray. For extra insurance against sticking and easier removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides to create “handles.” This simple step ensures your sweet breakfast loaf can be easily removed once baked and cooled, preserving its perfect shape and moist crumb. Preparing your pan correctly is a small but significant part of this quick baking recipe.

Combine Dry Batter Elements

Once your ingredients are gathered and your oven is preheating, the next step in creating your easy cinnamon donut bread is to properly combine the dry elements. This might seem like a simple task, but doing it correctly ensures that the leavening agents and flavor enhancers are evenly distributed throughout the batter. An even distribution means your homemade donut bread will rise consistently and have a uniform texture, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients or an uneven crumb. This foundational step is essential for achieving that light, fluffy, and moist crumb that makes this simple dessert bread so appealing. Properly combining the dry ingredients contributes directly to the overall comforting flavor of your delicious treat.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to vigorously combine these ingredients for about 30 seconds to a minute. Whisking serves several purposes: it breaks up any lumps in the flour, aerates the mixture slightly, and most importantly, it ensures that the baking powder and salt are thoroughly integrated. This even dispersion is critical because it guarantees that the leavening agent will activate uniformly when it comes into contact with the wet ingredients, allowing your sweet breakfast loaf to rise consistently. A well-mixed dry component is the silent hero behind a perfectly baked bread, leading to a much better experience when enjoying this breakfast pastry or snack idea.

Cream Butter and Sugars

The creaming method is a cornerstone technique in baking, and it’s particularly important for achieving the light and airy texture of this easy cinnamon donut bread. This step involves incorporating air into the butter and sugar, which contributes significantly to the bread’s rise and overall tender crumb. Starting with room temperature butter is crucial here; cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will lead to a dense bread. This stage sets the foundation for the wonderful structure of your homemade donut bread, ensuring it has that delightful, moist crumb everyone loves in a delicious treat.

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, usually for about 1-2 minutes. Then, gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat on medium-high speed. Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is visibly lighter in color and fluffy, typically taking 3-5 minutes. During this process, the sugar crystals cut into the butter, creating tiny air pockets. These air pockets are vital for leavening, expanding when heated in the oven and contributing to the bread’s soft, cake-like texture. This step builds the crucial airy structure for your sweet breakfast loaf, making it a truly comforting flavor experience.

Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, it’s time to incorporate the remaining wet ingredients: eggs and vanilla extract. This stage adds richness, moisture, and additional structure to the batter. Continue using your electric mixer, adding the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. It’s important to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed evenly. The mixture might look slightly curdled after adding the first egg, but it will smooth out as the remaining eggs are incorporated. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract, which provides a warm, aromatic base that complements the cinnamon beautifully. These additions will create a smooth, cohesive batter, ensuring your simple dessert bread has a fantastic moist crumb and a rich, comforting flavor. This part of the quick baking recipe is key to the bread’s overall luxurious texture, making it a standout breakfast pastry.

Mix Wet and Dry Batter

Combining the wet and dry ingredients is a critical juncture in baking your easy cinnamon donut bread. The goal here is to integrate them just enough to form a cohesive batter without overworking the gluten in the flour. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread, which is the opposite of the moist crumb and tender texture we’re aiming for with this homemade donut bread. This step requires a gentle hand and careful attention to detail to ensure your sweet breakfast loaf achieves its ideal consistency and comforting flavor, resulting in a truly delicious treat.

With the wet ingredients (creamed butter and sugar, eggs, and vanilla) ready in one bowl and the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in another, it’s time to bring them together. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and mix on low speed until just combined. Then, add half of the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two. Always start and end with the dry ingredients. Mixing in stages allows for smoother incorporation and helps prevent overmixing, which can activate too much gluten and result in a chewy, rather than tender, simple dessert bread. This technique is fundamental for creating a beautiful breakfast pastry. For more delightful dessert ideas, consider trying a Quick Italian Cream Cake or Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies.

Do not overmix batter.

This instruction cannot be stressed enough: do not overmix the batter. Once you’ve added the last of the dry ingredients, mix only until no streaks of dry flour remain. As soon as the batter comes together, stop mixing. Even a few extra seconds of beating can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough texture. A slightly lumpy batter is perfectly acceptable and often preferable to an overmixed one. Gentle mixing preserves the delicate structure you’ve built during the creaming stage and ensures your easy cinnamon donut bread will have that coveted moist crumb. This careful approach is a hallmark of a good quick baking recipe, contributing significantly to the deliciousness and soft texture of your snack idea or breakfast pastry. Embrace the delicate balance of mixing for the best possible comforting flavor and outcome.

Create the Cinnamon Swirl

The cinnamon swirl is the defining feature of this easy cinnamon donut bread, transforming a simple loaf into a visually appealing and incredibly flavorful delicious treat. This beautiful ribbon of spiced sugar not only adds a burst of comforting flavor with every slice but also creates that signature “donut” experience within a baked bread. Without it, your homemade donut bread would still be tasty, but the swirl elevates it to something truly special, making it a standout sweet breakfast loaf. Crafting the perfect swirl is an art that contributes significantly to both the aesthetic and taste of this simple dessert bread.

Swirl topping components.

To create the irresistible cinnamon swirl, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a small amount of melted butter. The sugar provides sweetness and texture, while the cinnamon delivers that quintessential spiced aroma and flavor that evokes classic donuts. The melted butter helps bind the cinnamon sugar mixture, allowing it to adhere better within the batter and preventing it from simply sinking to the bottom of the pan. In a small bowl, combine about two tablespoons of granulated sugar with one to two teaspoons of ground cinnamon, depending on your preference for spice intensity. Whisk these together until they are well blended. Then, drizzle in about one tablespoon of melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse, moist crumbs. This perfect balance ensures a rich, fragrant, and satisfying swirl. This quick baking recipe element is what gives the bread its distinct “donut” identity, making it a fantastic breakfast pastry or a delightful snack idea. You can also visit our Pinterest page for more inspiration on creating delicious treats.

Bake Your Delicious Donut Bread

With the batter prepared and the cinnamon swirl perfectly layered, your easy cinnamon donut bread is now ready for the oven. This is where all your careful preparation comes to fruition, transforming simple ingredients into a fragrant, golden-brown sweet breakfast loaf. Baking is an exciting part of any quick baking recipe, and watching your homemade donut bread rise and develop its comforting flavor is incredibly rewarding. Patience during the baking process is key to achieving that desirable moist crumb and ensuring your delicious treat is cooked through evenly.

Carefully transfer your prepared loaf pan into the preheated oven. The bread will typically bake for 45 to 60 minutes, but baking times can vary significantly depending on your oven. Begin checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark to prevent overbaking. The top of the bread should be a beautiful golden brown, and the edges should start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aromas of cinnamon and sweet bread, signaling that a wonderful breakfast pastry or simple dessert bread is on its way. For more inspiration on baking, you might want to learn about the general principles of baking on Wikipedia.

Check bread for doneness.

The most reliable way to check if your easy cinnamon donut bread is fully baked is by using a wooden skewer or a toothpick. Gently insert the skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, your bread is done. If it comes out with moist crumbs or wet batter, return the loaf to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, then test again. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, especially during the first 30 minutes, as this can cause the bread to sink. An internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C) is also an excellent indicator of doneness if you have a reliable instant-read thermometer. Achieving the perfect doneness ensures a consistent moist crumb and the full development of that comforting flavor, making every slice a pure delight.

Cool and Slice Your Loaf

Once your easy cinnamon donut bread emerges from the oven, golden and fragrant, the baking process isn’t quite over. Proper cooling is just as crucial as baking for achieving the perfect texture and maintaining that wonderful moist crumb. Rushing this stage can lead to a sticky, gummy texture or cause the bread to fall apart. Patience is a virtue here, as allowing your homemade donut bread to cool correctly ensures it sets properly, making it easier to slice and more enjoyable to eat. This step solidifies all the comforting flavor and makes your sweet breakfast loaf truly ready to be savored as a delicious treat.

Immediately after removing the loaf from the oven, let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the bread to firm up slightly and prevents it from collapsing when removed from the pan. After this time, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack, remove the pan, and then turn the bread right side up to continue cooling completely. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides of the bread, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. Attempting to slice the bread while it’s still warm can result in a crumbly texture and can squish the beautiful cinnamon swirl. For best results and the cleanest slices, allow your simple dessert bread to cool completely to room temperature, which can take up to 2 hours. Once fully cooled, use a serrated knife to slice your easy cinnamon donut bread into thick, inviting pieces, ready to be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or a delightful snack idea.

Storing Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread

To keep your easy cinnamon donut bread tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy your homemade donut bread over a few days or save some for later, understanding the best storage methods will help preserve its wonderful moist crumb and comforting flavor. This delicious treat is too good to let go stale! Implementing these simple tips ensures that every slice remains as enjoyable as the first, prolonging the life of your sweet breakfast loaf.

Room temperature storage tips.

For short-term storage, keeping your easy cinnamon donut bread at room temperature is ideal. Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This barrier helps to prevent air exposure, which is the primary cause of staleness. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container or a bread box. Stored this way, your simple dessert bread will remain fresh and moist for up to 3-4 days. For an extra touch of freshness, you can slightly warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast them lightly in a toaster oven. This brings back some of that freshly baked aroma and texture, enhancing the comforting flavor of your quick baking recipe and making it a perfect breakfast pastry or snack idea anytime. For more breakfast options, consider trying Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Freezing bread for later.

If you’ve baked a larger batch or want to save some of your easy cinnamon donut bread for a future craving, freezing is an excellent option. Again, ensure the bread is completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming, which can make it soggy. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices very tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection guards against freezer burn and helps maintain the bread’s moist crumb and comforting flavor. Label the package with the date. Frozen, this homemade donut bread will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the bread at room temperature, either whole or by the slice. You can then gently warm it in the oven or microwave for that “just baked” experience. This method allows you to always have a delicious treat ready, making it a fantastic quick baking recipe to have on hand.

Fun Donut Bread Variations

While the classic easy cinnamon donut bread is a delicious treat in itself, its versatility makes it perfect for creative variations. You can easily adapt this homemade donut bread recipe to introduce new flavors and textures, making it truly your own. Experimenting with different additions can transform your sweet breakfast loaf into an even more exciting breakfast pastry or simple dessert bread, ensuring you always have a fresh take on this comforting flavor. These quick baking recipe tweaks are a fantastic way to keep your snack idea rotation interesting.

Add simple glaze topping.

A simple glaze can take your easy cinnamon donut bread to the next level, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful sheen. To make a basic glaze, whisk together about one cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water, lemon juice, or orange juice for a hint of citrus). Add the liquid gradually until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. For an even more “donut-like” experience, you can add a tiny splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze. Drizzle this over your completely cooled homemade donut bread for an appealing finish. The glaze sets quickly, providing a delightful contrast to the moist crumb and enhancing the overall deliciousness of this sweet breakfast loaf. This easy addition makes it an irresistible simple dessert bread.

Try other spices or flavors.

Don’t limit yourself to just cinnamon! This quick baking recipe is incredibly adaptable to other spices and flavor profiles. Consider replacing or complementing the cinnamon with a chai spice blend for an exotic twist, or use nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pumpkin pie spice mix for seasonal variations. You could also infuse the batter with citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) for a brighter, fresher taste. For chocolate lovers, folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter will create a rich, indulgent breakfast pastry. These flavor experiments can lead to new favorite versions of your easy cinnamon donut bread, expanding its appeal as a comforting flavor. Visit our desserts category for more sweet ideas, or check out our Instagram for daily inspiration!

Mix in nuts or fruits.

Adding mix-ins can introduce wonderful textural contrasts and additional bursts of flavor to your homemade donut bread. Before baking, gently fold in about half a cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, into the batter. These add a pleasant crunch and nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. For a fruity element, consider incorporating fresh or frozen (unthawed) berries like blueberries, raspberries, or finely diced apples. Make sure to toss fresh fruits lightly in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter; this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots also work wonderfully, adding chewy pockets of sweetness to your sweet breakfast loaf. These additions create an even more complex and delicious treat, perfect for any snack idea or breakfast occasion. Learn more about the history and cultivation of cinnamon on Wikipedia.

Enjoy for Breakfast or Dessert

The beauty of easy cinnamon donut bread lies in its remarkable versatility, making it a fitting choice for virtually any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a delightful way to start your morning or a satisfying end to an evening meal, this homemade donut bread delivers. Its comforting flavor and moist crumb ensure that it’s always a welcome sight on the table. This delicious treat seamlessly transitions between roles, proving that a quick baking recipe can truly be a multi-faceted star in your culinary repertoire.

Best serving suggestions.

For breakfast or brunch, serve slices of your easy cinnamon donut bread slightly warmed. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. You can also offer it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light scramble for a more complete meal. The bread is substantial enough to be satisfying on its own, yet light enough not to feel overly heavy. As a dessert, warm a slice and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of the warm, spiced bread with cold toppings is simply irresistible. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to a dessert cheese board, offering a sweet counterpoint to savory cheeses. This sweet breakfast loaf truly shines in any setting, making it the perfect breakfast pastry or a memorable simple dessert bread.