Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: just the name alone conjures up images of warm, comforting sweetness, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of this delightful creation – a bread that perfectly mimics the taste and texture of a freshly baked cinnamon sugar donut, but in loaf form! This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience, a nostalgic trip back to childhood mornings and weekend treats.

While the exact origins of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread are a bit hazy (likely a brilliant invention born from a craving!), the flavors it embodies are deeply rooted in culinary history. Cinnamon and sugar have been a beloved pairing for centuries, used in countless desserts and pastries across various cultures. The donut itself, a fried dough confection, has evolved over time, but its appeal remains constant: a simple pleasure that brings joy to people of all ages.

So, why is this particular bread so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – a soft, fluffy interior with a slightly crisp, sugary crust. The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen as it bakes, creating an inviting atmosphere. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You get all the deliciousness of a cinnamon sugar donut without the fuss of frying. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I know my family devours it every time I make it!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) challah or brioche bread, preferably a day old
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Butter Sauce:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Bread:

1. First, we need to get our bread ready. If you’re using a challah or brioche loaf, gently tear it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about making them perfect; rustic is good! If your bread is very fresh, you might want to let the cubes sit out for an hour or two to dry out slightly. This will help them soak up the custard better.
2. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to hold all the bread and the custard mixture later on.

Making the Custard:

1. Now, let’s whip up the custard. In a separate large bowl, crack all 8 eggs.
2. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the bowl with the eggs.
3. Whisk everything together really well until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved. You want a nice, even custard base.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the large bowl.
5. Gently toss the bread cubes with the custard, making sure that every piece is coated. Don’t overmix, just ensure everything is nicely saturated.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a super moist and flavorful bread pudding. The longer it sits, the better it gets!

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1. While the bread is soaking, let’s get the cinnamon sugar coating ready. In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
2. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Set this aside for later. This is what will give our bread pudding that delicious donut flavor!

Making the Butter Sauce:

1. Now for the decadent butter sauce! In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the packed light brown sugar and heavy cream to the melted butter.
3. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
6. Set the butter sauce aside to cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.

Baking the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking to the pan.
3. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
5. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.

Assembling and Serving:

1. While the bread pudding is still warm, but not piping hot, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the top. The warmth will help the sugar stick.
2. Cut the cinnamon sugar donut bread into squares or rectangles.
3. Serve warm, drizzled with the butter sauce. You can also serve the butter sauce on the side for dipping.
4. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: While challah or brioche are highly recommended for their richness and texture, you can also use other types of bread like croissants or even day-old French bread. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly.
• Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or even dried cranberries would be delicious additions. Stir them into the bread mixture before baking.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little extra spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Caramel Sauce: If you’re not a fan of butter sauce, you can substitute it with caramel sauce.
• Ice Cream: For an extra decadent treat, serve the warm cinnamon sugar donut bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding the night before and bake it the next day. This is a great option if you’re short on time.
• Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, bake the bread pudding in individual ramekins. Reduce the baking time accordingly.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread! It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Let me know what you think!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the comforting aroma filling your kitchen, the soft, pillowy texture melting in your mouth, and the sweet, cinnamon-y goodness that brings a smile to everyone’s face. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the taste of donuts but wants a slightly less indulgent (and significantly easier!) way to enjoy that classic flavor.

Why You Absolutely Need to Bake This Bread:

Seriously, what’s not to love? This bread is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon treat, or even a delightful dessert. The combination of the soft, buttery bread and the crunchy, sweet cinnamon sugar topping is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! I’ve made this for potlucks, family gatherings, and even just a quiet night in, and it’s always a hit. The best part? It’s so much easier than making actual donuts, but delivers that same satisfying flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While it’s absolutely delicious on its own, warm from the oven, there are so many ways to customize it and make it your own.

* For a decadent treat: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* For a brunch spread: Slice it and serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
* For a coffee break: Enjoy a slice with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
* Feeling adventurous? Try adding a glaze! A simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of vanilla extract would be divine. Or, for a richer flavor, try a cream cheese glaze.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warm, aromatic twist.
* Nutty delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the bread before baking for added texture and flavor.
* Chocolate chips: Fold in some chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey surprise.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. The possibilities are endless!

Your Turn to Bake!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed winner, and I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures. Once you’ve made it, please come back and leave a comment below! Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed it. Sharing your experiences helps other bakers and inspires new ideas. Did you add a glaze? Did you try a different spice? Did you serve it with ice cream? I want to know all the details!

Happy baking, and I hope this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread brings a little bit of joy to your day! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and share it on social media using [Your Hashtag] so I can see your beautiful bread! I’m looking forward to hearing from you!