If you love the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon sugar donut but want the convenience of a quick bread, then Cinnamon Donut Bread will quickly become your new favorite recipe. This delightful loaf takes everything we adore about donuts—soft crumb, cinnamon sweetness, and a slightly crisp sugar topping—and transforms it into a sliceable bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon coffee breaks.
It’s an easy recipe with simple ingredients, yet the results are bakery-worthy. Whether you serve it plain, toasted with butter, or dressed up with a glaze, Cinnamon Donut Bread is a versatile treat that feels both nostalgic and new.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Donut Bread
There are plenty of quick breads out there, but this one stands out for a few irresistible reasons:
- Donut Flavor, Less Fuss: You get the cinnamon sugar magic of donuts without frying.
- Soft and Moist: The texture is tender and cake-like, with just the right balance of sweetness.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with a glaze, or even as French toast the next morning.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at brunches, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the bread:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Prep and Bake Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf (8–10 slices)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb.
3. Add Eggs and Flavoring
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix, stirring just until combined.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Add Topping
While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle (or roll) in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic donut finish.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~240
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Values vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Classic Slice: Serve plain with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Glazed Loaf: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- With Fruit: Pair slices with fresh berries or baked apples for a seasonal touch.
- French Toast Upgrade: Dip slices in an egg mixture and fry for a decadent twist on French toast.
Variations to Try
- Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Fold in 1 cup of diced apples before baking.
- Pumpkin Spice Donut Bread: Replace ½ cup of buttermilk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into part of the batter and swirl before baking.
- Mini Loaves: Divide batter into mini loaf pans for individual portions or gifting.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Stir batter just until combined for a tender texture.
- Test Early: Ovens vary, so begin checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
- Use Fresh Cinnamon: Good-quality cinnamon makes a big difference in flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Why Cinnamon Donut Bread Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
This bread captures the comforting flavors of a bakery-style donut in a more practical form. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and the kind of recipe that brings people together—whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy Sunday morning, gifting it to a friend, or serving it at a family brunch.
Every bite is warm, spiced, and slightly nostalgic. And best of all, unlike frying donuts, this bread requires no special equipment or tricky steps—just one loaf pan and simple pantry staples.
Cinnamon Donut Bread is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the biggest rewards. It’s soft, moist, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, and ready to be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or toast a slice the next morning, this bread offers comfort, sweetness, and a touch of donut shop magic in every bite.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon sugar. Once you bake this bread, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.