Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a soft cinnamon quick bread made with butter, milk, vanilla, and a crisp cinnamon sugar topping. It is a cozy bake for brunch, dessert, or make-ahead sweet slices at home.
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar for batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 1 cup milk room temperature preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for topping
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, then grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until evenly combined.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks lighter and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry mixture and milk in alternating additions, mixing just until the batter is smooth.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan, then combine the topping sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift the loaf out and cool before slicing.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled bread at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled slices for up to 2 months with parchment between layers for easier thawing.
Reheating: Warm slices for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or toast lightly for a firmer edge.
Best Tips: Measure flour carefully and avoid overmixing once the milk and dry ingredients are added.
Texture Tips: Let the loaf cool before slicing so the tender crumb sets and does not crumble.
Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg, a thin vanilla glaze, or chopped pecans for a different finish.