Introduction
Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked donuts combined with the comforting warmth of homemade bread. That’s the magic of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread! This recipe takes the best elements of both worlds, creating a sweet and satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Easier than making individual donuts, yet delivering that same delicious flavor profile, this bread is destined to become a family favorite. Get ready to indulge in layers of soft, fluffy dough, swirled with cinnamon sugar goodness and topped with a glistening buttery glaze. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience.
Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Dough
The foundation of any great bread is, of course, the dough. This recipe uses a simple yeast-based dough that rises beautifully, resulting in a soft and airy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water (around 110°F), sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to leaven the dough.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the yeast mixture with flour, salt, melted butter, egg, and milk. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can knead by hand or use a dough hook on your stand mixer.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to work its magic, creating air pockets and giving the bread its light texture.
Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
This is where the magic happens! The cinnamon sugar swirl is what gives this bread its signature donut flavor.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Butter and Sprinkle: Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long sides, into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 10-12 equal pieces.
Baking the Donut Bread
Almost there! Now it’s time to bake your creation to golden brown perfection.
- Arrange in a Pan: Grease a loaf pan. Arrange the cinnamon sugar swirls in the pan, cut-side up. They should fit snugly but not be overly crowded.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the bread rise for another 30-45 minutes. This allows the dough to puff up slightly before baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The Glaze: The Perfect Finishing Touch
No donut bread is complete without a luscious glaze! This simple glaze adds sweetness and shine.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is slightly cooled (but still warm), drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. The glaze will melt slightly and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and performing the activation test described above.
- Don’t Overknead: Overkneading can result in tough bread. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but not longer than necessary.
- Proper Rising: Find a warm place for the dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off!) or a sunny spot can work well.
- Even Baking: If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations and Customization
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Swirl a layer of cream cheese filling (made with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract) into the dough along with the cinnamon sugar.
- Lemon Glaze: Replace the milk in the glaze with lemon juice for a tangy citrus flavor.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a truly irresistible treat that combines the best of both worlds. With its soft, fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon sugar swirl, and decadent glaze, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and customizable to your liking, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure deliciousness! Enjoy!
