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This sweet cinnamon sugar bread turns your favorite donut taste into an easy-to-slice loaf that's great for morning meals or snack time. The fluffy, moist inside gets rolled in a buttery cinnamon sugar mix that brings all those donut shop feels right to your kitchen without any deep frying headaches.
I came up with this when my children were crying for donuts during a blizzard but we couldn't drive to our local bakery. Now this loaf has become our Saturday morning ritual and it gets eaten up even quicker than regular donuts would at my place.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Gives you that soft texture and good structure
- Granulated sugar: Adds the sweetness that makes donuts so irresistible
- Baking powder: Makes it puff up nicely without getting too heavy
- Whole milk: Adds a creamy moisture throughout the loaf
- Melted butter: Brings richness to both the mix and the topping
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Create that smell and taste you'd find at your favorite donut place
- Vanilla extract: Boosts all other flavors and makes everything taste better
Simple Steps
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and coat your loaf pan completely with nonstick spray, paying extra attention to the edges. Good greasing means your bread won't stick after baking.
- Blend Dry Stuff:
- Put flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a big bowl, stirring well so everything spreads out evenly. This stops any clumps of baking powder that might make some bites taste funny.
- Mix Wet Stuff:
- Stir milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla in another bowl until they're all mixed up. The egg should be totally blended with no yellow streaks, making a smooth liquid that'll mix easily with your dry ingredients.
- Make Your Mix:
- Dump the wet stuff into the dry stuff and stir gently with a spatula using an up-and-down motion. Stop as soon as you don't see any dry flour. Too much mixing will make your bread tough instead of soft.
- Bake It Right:
- Pour your mix into the greased pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Your bread is done when you stick a toothpick in the middle and pull it out with just a few moist bits stuck to it. The top should look golden with a slight bump.
- Add The Butter Layer:
- While your bread's still warm but not super hot, brush melted butter all over it. Work fast but cover all sides, which helps the cinnamon sugar stick better.
- Sprinkle The Sugar Mix:
- Shake the cinnamon sugar mix all over your buttered loaf. Turn the bread to cover all parts, pushing lightly if needed to make the sugar stick to the outside.
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The nutmeg in here is my hidden trick that really makes the flavor pop. My grandma always put a tiny bit in her donuts, saying that's what made them taste like they came from a real bakery. Whenever I bake this bread, the smell reminds me of being in her kitchen.
Storage Tips
This sweet bread will keep fresh on your counter for up to 3 days when wrapped tight in plastic or kept in a sealed container. The sugar coating might soak up some moisture over time, giving it a slightly different but still yummy texture.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy this bread a bit warm with some coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate comfort food moment. For something extra fancy, try heating a slice and putting a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on top.
Delicious Variations
Think about adding 1 cup of chopped apples to the mix for an apple fritter style treat. The fruit makes it juicier and gives a nice texture difference against the soft bread.
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Turn this into your family's new favorite thing, and get all those cozy bakery feelings without stepping outside!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake this loaf ahead?
Totally! Bake it the night before if needed. It stays fresh in a sealed container at room temperature. The coating might absorb a bit of moisture but still tastes fantastic.
- → Can non-dairy milk work here?
Yep! Use almond, oat, or soy milk without added sugar for a similar texture. Keep in mind these can tweak the overall flavor a little.
- → Why does my loaf feel dense?
If the batter is stirred too much, it can turn dense by building up gluten. Mix until just combined, and make sure your baking powder hasn’t expired for good rising.
- → Is the loaf freezable?
Sure it is! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, or use a freezer bag. It’ll last up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- → How can I tell the loaf is finished baking?
Stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with just crumbs but no raw batter, it’s ready. The top should look golden, and it’ll bounce back lightly when touched.
- → Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely. Add in some orange zest, toss in chocolate chips, or try ½ teaspoon cardamom in the sugar mix for a fun twist!