Glazed Donut Bread
Glazed Donut Bread is a delightful treat that combines the comforting softness of bread with the sweet, indulgent flavors of glazed donuts. This moist loaf, with its golden crust and sugary glaze, captures the essence of what we love about those classic fried delights, but without the frying hassle. The best part? You can whip it up in under two hours, making it a go-to recipe when that craving strikes, whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
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I still remember the first time I baked Glazed Donut Bread. I was battling a serious sweet tooth on a lazy Sunday morning, and the thought of traditional donuts seemed both appealing and daunting. I wanted something that would be easy to make but still hit that sweet spot. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe, and let me tell you, it’s been a favorite ever since. Every bite is a nostalgic nod to those delightful donuts from my childhood. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be rewarded with a loaf that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Trust me, you won’t want to miss trying this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe only takes 15 minutes of prep and an hour in the oven.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is tender and sweet, drizzled with a rich glaze that makes it hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy icing and soft crumb make this bread perfect for serving at brunch.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with your favorite spread at any time of the day.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples, this treat won’t break the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread. All-purpose flour works well for a soft texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat for a heartier flavor.
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar: Adding sweetness to the loaf itself and to the glaze. You can reduce this by a third for a less sweet version.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the bread rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg adds warmth and a hint of spice, reminiscent of classic donuts.
- 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender. You can use any milk or milk alternative, but whole milk yields the best results.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients together for a smooth texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness. You could also use coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: This boosts the overall flavor, giving that beloved sweet aroma.
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar: This is the key ingredient for your sweet glaze.
- 4 to 5 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for richer glaze): This thins the confectioners’ sugar into a pourable glaze. Heavy cream will make it richer!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Additional flavoring for the glaze.
- 1 pinch kosher salt (optional): It enhances the sweetness of your glaze, though it’s not necessary.
How to Make Glazed Donut Bread
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prepare for the batter.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg until fully combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, stir together 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk, 1 large egg (at room temperature), 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until no flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Transfer to loaf pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: While the bread cools, you can prepare the luscious glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar, 4 to 5 tablespoons of milk (or heavy cream), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth and drizzlable.
- Glaze the bread: Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes, making the bread irresistible.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Glazed Donut Bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2 days. If you’ll be enjoying it beyond that, refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it can easily be refreshed with some gentle reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing: Stir the batter just until combined to ensure a soft loaf.
- Temperature matters: Ensure your egg is at room temperature; this helps it mix more evenly.
- For a softer loaf: Cover the bread while it cools to retain moisture.
- Customize the glaze: Feel free to add lemon or almond extract for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead: The glazed donut bread tastes even better after a day of resting, allowing the flavors to meld.
Baking is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final product. It’s a warm hug on a plate and a way to experiment with flavors.

Recipe FAQs
Can I make Glazed Donut Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Just remember to store it properly to keep it fresh.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. This usually works well and retains the delightful texture.
What if I want to change the flavor of the glaze?
You can easily customize the glaze by adding citrus zest, flavored extracts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique spin.
Is it possible to make this recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter. Enjoy this delicious treat without the animal products!
This Glazed Donut Bread is a joyful project that results in a deliciously sweet treat. With a tender crumb and a sweet glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings. Enjoy each bite, and happy baking!
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Glazed Donut Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: DONUTES & SCONES
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Donut Bread is a delightful blend of sweet flavors, featuring a soft texture and a lavish glaze. Easy to make and hard to resist, it’s perfect for breakfast or a special treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
- 1 large egg, (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 4 to 5 tablespoons milk, (or heavy cream for richer glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt, (optional (enhances flavor))
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until well blended.
- Combine the milk mixture with the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The batter should remain a bit runny.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack set over parchment paper to catch any drips.
- For the glaze, whisk together confectioners' sugar, 4 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if too thick.
- While the bread is still warm, pour or spoon the glaze generously over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Optionally, dip the top into the glaze for a more indulgent layer.
- Let the glaze set for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ensure that the egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
For a richer glaze, use heavy cream instead of milk in the glaze mix.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
