Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough To the foamy yeast mixture, add the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. Gradually add the flour, salt, and nutmeg (if using) to the wet ingredients. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. If mixing by hand, stir with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Step 3: Knead the Dough Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it's smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation) Lightly grease a clean large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size. (For an overnight rise, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough. It will rise slowly overnight and can be baked the next morning. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding to Step 5).
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl & Loaf Pan While the dough is rising, grease and lightly flour your 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for the swirl and topping.
Step 6: Shape the Loaf Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12x8 inches. Brush the melted butter (¼ cup) generously over the entire surface of the dough rectangle. Evenly sprinkle about two-thirds of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
Step 7: Roll and Place Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal it. Carefully transfer the rolled log into your prepared loaf pan, seam-side down.
Step 8: Second Rise (Proofing) Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise again in a warm, draft-free place for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has noticeably puffed up and almost reached the top of the loaf pan. While it rises, preheat your oven.
Step 9: Preheat Oven & Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaf has proofed, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 10: The Donut Finish! Once baked, immediately remove the loaf from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for just 5 minutes. While still warm, gently remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire cooling rack. Crucially, while the loaf is still warm (this is key for the sugar to stick!), generously brush the remaining melted butter (if any from step 6) over the top and sides of the loaf, then immediately sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture all over the warm bread. The warmth will help the butter absorb and the sugar adhere, creating that iconic donut-like crust.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy! Let the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. While tempting to cut into it warm, cooling allows the crumb to set and prevents it from becoming gummy. Slice and serve!
Beyond the Basic: Elevating Your Donut Sweet Bread Experience
While a classic cinnamon sugar coating is undeniably divine, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability.
- Glaze Gala: For those who crave an extra layer of sweetness and moisture, a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk/vanilla) drizzled over the still-warm bread takes it to another level.
- Nutty Additions: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the dough can add a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For an even richer experience, spread a softened cream cheese mixture (cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk) over the dough before rolling it in Step 7.
