Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that can easily transition from breakfast to dessert, then you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success! This recipe is a cherished favorite of mine because it combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the cozy texture of bread pudding. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, festive family gatherings, or lazy weekend brunches. Plus, the warm butter sauce drizzled on top takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness!

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just some good bread and a few pantry staples. The result is an indulgent dish that everyone will rave about. Trust me; once you serve this, your loved ones will be asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious treat without breaking a sweat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this dish fits right in.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet cinnamon sugar flavor!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—so easy!
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cinnamon sugar and rich butter sauce creates irresistible layers of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that will make our Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread come to life! These are all easy to find at your local grocery store, so let’s get started.

For the Bread Pudding

• 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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

For the 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

Variations

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to personalize this dish:

• Add Some Fruit: Toss in some chopped apples or berries for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
• Nutty Goodness: Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness.
• Chocolate Delight: Add chocolate chips into the mix for a sweet surprise in every bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success

Step 1: Tear the Bread

Start by tearing your challah or brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh from the bakery, let those cubes sit out for an hour or two to dry out slightly. This helps them soak up all that delicious custard later on!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is what brings all those flavors together!

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour that lovely custard over your torn bread cubes. Gently toss everything together until each piece is coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you can wait!

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk until it’s all mixed up nicely. This will be sprinkled on top after baking for that signature donut flavor!

Step 5: Make the Butter Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Once melted, add packed light brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir continuously until smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens slightly—about 3-5 minutes before removing from heat.

Step 6: Bake Your Creation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour your soaked bread mixture into this dish and spread it evenly.

Bake for about 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and set—check by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean.

Step 7: Finish It Off

Once baked, let your bread pudding cool slightly before generously sprinkling that delightful cinnamon sugar mixture all over the top while it’s still warm.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm with that luscious butter sauce drizzled on top—or on the side for dipping if you prefer!

And there you have it! Your very own Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every sweet bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success

Baking can be an adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the most delicious cinnamon sugar donut bread ever!

• Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better without turning mushy. This helps achieve that perfect balance of texture—soft inside and slightly crisp on top.

• Let It Soak: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard overnight is key. This extra time lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste and creamier texture.

• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your baking time. The pudding should be golden brown and set in the center; a toothpick or knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like cloves or cardamom. This adds a unique twist and personal touch to your dish!

• Serve Warm: This bread pudding is best enjoyed warm, as it enhances the flavors and allows the butter sauce to melt into every bite.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success

Presenting your cinnamon sugar donut bread can turn this delightful dessert into a show-stopper! Here are some ideas for serving it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a sweet touch and a lovely visual appeal.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a pop of color and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the bread pudding.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of your cinnamon sugar donut bread while adding freshness.
• Yogurt Parfait: A creamy yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruit offers a delightful crunch and tanginess that complements the sweet bread.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: A simple drizzle of maple syrup can take this dish over-the-top delicious! It adds another layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea alongside enhances the overall experience, making it feel like a cozy café moment at home.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re well on your way to impressing friends and family with this cinnamon sugar donut bread! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, making your mornings or gatherings stress-free. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, simply reheat as directed below.

Freezing

• Cut the bread pudding into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bread pudding in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I use different types of bread for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?

Absolutely! While challah or brioche provides a rich flavor and texture, you can also try using other sweet breads or even day-old bagels for a unique twist.

What makes this recipe a must-try Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Success?

This recipe combines the comforting textures of bread pudding with a delicious cinnamon sugar topping that mimics the taste of donuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it fresh when you’re ready. This makes it ideal for gatherings or busy mornings.

How should I serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?

Serve it warm drizzled with the rich butter sauce included in the recipe. You can also offer extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread! It’s truly special with its warm, comforting flavors and that irresistible cinnamon sugar topping. Perfectly suited for sharing with family and friends, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!