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Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls and donut flavors, baked into a pull-apart bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. It features soft, tender dough generously coated in cinnamon sugar, creating a gooey, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon sugar)
2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it activate for 5-10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Roll dough into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cut dough into strips, then into squares. Layer squares into a greased loaf pan.
Let dough rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Brush with remaining melted butter immediately after baking for a shiny finish.

Nutrients

Calories: Moderate to high (due to sugar and butter)
Fat: Moderate (from butter)
Protein: Moderate (from eggs and flour)
Carbohydrates: High (from flour and sugar)

The Inspiration Behind Cinnamon Donut Bread

Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic appeal of cinnamon rolls and the irresistible crunch of cinnamon sugar donuts, this recipe brings these favorites together into a single, easy-to-make bread. The pull-apart style encourages communal eating, making it ideal for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or festive occasions.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require individual shaping and frosting, this bread offers a simpler assembly and baking process, but without sacrificing the luscious, gooey cinnamon sugar experience. The result is a golden, tender bread with pockets of sweet cinnamon sugar that melt and caramelize during baking.

Soft, Tender Dough: The Foundation

The dough is the cornerstone of this recipe, made from a yeast-leavened mixture enriched with eggs, butter, and a touch of sugar. This combination produces a soft and elastic dough that rises beautifully, resulting in a tender crumb and slightly chewy texture that complements the sweet filling.

The yeast activation in warm milk is critical for achieving the perfect rise, creating lightness and volume. Kneading develops gluten, ensuring the dough has enough structure to hold the layers and cinnamon sugar filling without collapsing during baking.

The moderate sweetness and richness of the dough provide a delicious contrast to the spicy, sugary cinnamon coating.

Cinnamon Sugar: The Flavor and Texture Highlight

The generous coating of cinnamon sugar is what makes this bread truly special. The brown sugar brings caramel notes and moisture, while ground cinnamon adds warmth and spiciness that elevate the flavor profile.

During baking, the sugar melts into the dough, creating sticky, gooey pockets reminiscent of a cinnamon roll’s filling but with the added textural contrast of the pull-apart loaf. The cinnamon sugar also caramelizes on the surface, producing a slightly crisp and crackly exterior that entices every bite.

Brushing the bread with melted butter after baking enhances this effect, adding shine and an extra layer of richness.

Pull-Apart Design: Sharing Made Simple

The method of cutting the dough into strips and then squares before layering in the loaf pan encourages easy pulling of individual pieces once baked. This communal style makes it perfect for sharing, whether at a family breakfast or a brunch party.

Each bite is packed with a balanced ratio of dough and cinnamon sugar, ensuring no one piece is dry or flavorless. This structure allows the bread to stay moist inside while offering a lightly crisp and golden exterior.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Donut Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Served fresh from the oven, its gooey texture and aromatic cinnamon make it a comforting start to any day.

For added indulgence, it can be paired with a drizzle of glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

The bread works well on its own or as part of a larger breakfast spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and savory dishes for contrast.

Nutritional Considerations

While this bread is a delicious indulgence, it is also calorie-dense, mainly due to the butter, sugar, and eggs. It provides moderate protein from eggs and flour but is high in carbohydrates, making it an energy-rich food.

Portion control is key when enjoying this sweet treat as part of a balanced diet. Because of its richness and sugar content, it is best enjoyed occasionally or as a special treat.

Tips for Success

For best results, ensure the yeast is fresh and activated properly in warm milk to achieve a good rise. Kneading the dough well develops the gluten network, providing elasticity and structure.

Evenly spreading the cinnamon sugar and layering the dough squares carefully ensures consistent flavor throughout the loaf. Letting the dough rise twice—before and after assembling—contributes to the bread’s lightness and tenderness.

Brushing the bread with melted butter right after baking enhances moisture and gives a beautiful glossy finish.

Cultural and Culinary Context

Pull-apart breads have roots in many culinary traditions worldwide, celebrated for their shareability and comforting textures. Cinnamon Donut Bread fits into this lineage as a fusion of European cinnamon roll techniques and American-style donut flavors, bringing the best of both worlds to your table.

This kind of bread reflects the evolving nature of baking, where traditional favorites inspire creative reinventions that suit modern lifestyles.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a comforting, indulgent treat that perfectly combines the soft, tender qualities of yeast bread with the sweet, spicy allure of cinnamon sugar. Its pull-apart format makes it ideal for sharing, whether at breakfast, brunch, or dessert, inviting everyone to enjoy warm, gooey bites together.

The tender dough, enriched with eggs and butter, supports the rich cinnamon sugar coating, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Brushed with butter after baking, this bread shines both visually and in taste, offering an irresistible aroma and mouthfeel.

While rich, this bread’s nostalgic flavors and ease of preparation make it a perfect occasional indulgence, celebrating the joy of sweet, homemade baked goods. Whether enjoyed fresh or warmed, Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic comfort foods that will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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