Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread: A Perfect Fusion of Flavors

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Introduction

This innovative Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread masterfully combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon sugar donuts with the rustic charm of sourdough bread. The result is a tender, aromatic loaf with a delightful contrast between the crisp cinnamon-sugar crust and the soft, tangy interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, this bread brings the nostalgic flavors of your favorite donut shop into a convenient, sliceable format.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

  • Unique flavor profile: Tangy sourdough meets sweet cinnamon spice
  • Perfect texture: Soft crumb with a slightly crisp exterior
  • Versatile: Enjoy plain or dressed up with toppings
  • Great for starter maintenance: Uses 1 cup of active starter
  • No frying required: All the donut flavor without the mess

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

  • 1 cup (240g) active, bubbly sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk, lukewarm
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp melted butter

For the Topping

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough (10 minutes active + 4-6 hours bulk fermentation)

  1. In a large bowl, combine starter, flour, sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt
  2. Mix until a shaggy dough forms
  3. Knead by hand for 5 minutes or with a mixer for 3 minutes until smooth
  4. Cover and let rise at room temperature until doubled (4-6 hours depending on starter activity)

2. Create the Cinnamon Swirl (5 minutes)

  1. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl
  2. Set aside with the 1 tbsp melted butter

3. Shape and Final Proof (20 minutes active + 1-2 hours)

  1. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface
  2. Roll into a 9×12-inch rectangle
  3. Brush with 1 tbsp melted butter, leaving ½-inch border
  4. Sprinkle cinnamon mixture evenly over butter
  5. Roll tightly from long end, pinch seam to seal
  6. Place in greased 9×5-inch loaf pan
  7. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled (1-2 hours)

4. Bake to Perfection (40-45 minutes)

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C)
  3. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack

5. Add the Donut Finish (5 minutes)

  1. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon in shallow dish
  2. Brush warm loaf with melted butter
  3. Generously coat with cinnamon sugar mixture

Expert Tips for Success

Starter Management

  • Use starter at peak activity (floats in water test)
  • Maintain consistent 75-78°F (24-26°C) for predictable rise times
  • If kitchen is cool, place dough in turned-off oven with light on

Baking Secrets

  • For extra donut-like texture, bake in a greased bundt pan
  • Add ½ tsp nutmeg to cinnamon mix for depth
  • For crispier crust, brush with butter and sugar before baking too

Storage & Serving

  • Best eaten within 2 days
  • Refresh in 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes
  • Freeze uncoated for up to 3 months, add topping after thawing

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast

  • Toasted with cream cheese
  • Paired with coffee or chai tea

Dessert

  • Warm with vanilla ice cream
  • Drizzled with caramel sauce

Brunch

  • As part of a bread basket
  • Alongside fruit salad

Nutritional Information

Per slice (makes 10):

  • Calories: 220
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 7g

Recipe Variations

Flavor Twists

  • Add ½ cup chopped pecans to cinnamon swirl
  • Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for chocolate version
  • Mix orange zest into the dough

Dietary Adaptations

  • Use gluten-free 1:1 flour blend
  • Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar
  • Replace butter with coconut oil (reduce by 1 tbsp)

Conclusion

This Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread beautifully bridges the gap between artisan baking and nostalgic treats. The sourdough adds complexity to what would otherwise be a simple sweet bread, while the cinnamon sugar coating delivers that essential donut shop experience. Unlike traditional donuts, this version requires no special equipment or frying skills, making it accessible to bakers of all levels. The loaf keeps well and makes your kitchen smell heavenly as it bakes. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use your starter or simply craving the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts in a new form, this recipe is sure to become a treasured addition to your baking repertoire. Each slice offers the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors with textures that alternate between tender crumb and crunchy topping – a truly special treat that’s well worth the wait.

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