Donut bread

Donut bread is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Brooke Ervin on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $3.01 total, $0.50 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2.5 teaspoons Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 0.25 teaspoons Salt (fine or kosher)
  • 3 teaspoons Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 1.25 cups Buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.25 cups Sour Cream (full‑fat)
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled slightly)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted for topping)
  • 0.25 cups Granulated Sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • 1 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In the large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Wet Ingredients

    Create a well in the dry mixture and pour in the buttermilk, eggs, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until the batter is thick and uniform; it should resemble a very thick cake batter.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Grease the Loaf Pan

    Generously grease the 9×5‑inch loaf pan with butter or non‑stick spray, making sure to coat the sides and bottom.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Transfer Batter to Pan

    Spoon the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Bake the Loaf

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

    Time: PT50M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Butter the Hot Loaf

    While the loaf is still hot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it generously over the top of the loaf.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

    In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon; stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating

    Sprinkle the cinnamon‑sugar mixture over the buttered loaf, pressing lightly so it sticks. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Cool and Serve

    Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack, slice, and serve warm or toasted with extra butter.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Donut bread

Recipe by Brooke Ervin

A foolproof, one‑bowl sweet loaf that tastes like a baked doughnut with a cinnamon‑sugar crust. Made with buttermilk, sour cream, and plenty of butter, this quick‑mix bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
34m
Prep
50m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.01
Total cost
$0.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat oven to 350°F before mixing batter.
  • Mix batter only until thick and uniform; over‑mixing leads to a dense loaf.
  • Grease the loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  • Bake for the full 50 minutes and test doneness with a toothpick.
  • Apply melted butter and cinnamon‑sugar coating while the loaf is still hot.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Melted butter is very hot; pour slowly and keep away from children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf in American cuisine?

A

The doughnut loaf is a modern twist on classic American breakfast breads, combining the comfort of a sweet cake with the shape of a loaf. It reflects the home‑baking tradition of turning simple pantry staples into indulgent treats, often enjoyed at family brunches and holiday breakfasts.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of sweet loaf exist within the United States?

A

In the South, similar sweet loaves often incorporate cornmeal or pecans, while New England versions may add maple glaze. Some Midwest bakers swap buttermilk for sour cream or add raisins for a fruit‑filled twist.

cultural
Q

How is the Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically sliced warm and served with butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey. Leftovers are often toasted and buttered for a quick breakfast or snack.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf associated with in American culture?

A

The loaf is popular for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, pot‑luck gatherings, and as a comforting treat for school lunches or after‑school snacks.

cultural
Q

What makes the Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf special compared to other sweet breads in American cuisine?

A

Its dense, cake‑like crumb combined with a buttery cinnamon‑sugar crust mimics the flavor of a glazed doughnut while being baked in a loaf pan, offering a portable, slice‑able version of a classic fried treat.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for the Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, buttermilk, sour cream, butter, eggs, and a cinnamon‑sugar topping. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑wheat flour, milk with lemon juice for buttermilk, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and coconut oil for butter.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using cold butter or eggs, not greasing the pan enough, and removing the loaf from the oven before it is fully set, which can lead to a gummy interior.

technical
Q

Why does this Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf recipe use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

A

Buttermilk adds acidity that reacts with the baking powder, giving the loaf a tender crumb and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, while also contributing to a richer flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make the Old‑Fashioned Doughnut Loaf ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the loaf a day or two ahead, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a fresh‑out‑of‑the‑oven texture. It also freezes well for up to two months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Brooke Ervin focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that often feature comfort food twists, quick weeknight meals, and baking projects that require minimal equipment and steps.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin's approach to American comfort baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Brooke Ervin emphasizes one‑bowl, dump‑everything methods, clear visual cues, and practical tips for busy home cooks, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate techniques or require specialized equipment.

channel

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