Olivia McKenney
Imagine the cozy warmth of a cinnamon sugar donut transformed into a soft, fluffy loaf of bread—that’s exactly what Cinnamon Donut Bread delivers. This delightful treat blends the nostalgic flavor of classic donuts with the tender crumb of a quick bread, making it a perfect companion for morning coffee, an afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert.
The best part? You don’t need a mixer or any fancy tools. Just a few pantry staples and a love for cinnamon will bring this irresistible loaf to life. With a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping and a buttery, moist interior, every bite feels like a warm hug.
What Makes Cinnamon Donut Bread So Irresistible?
This bread captures the comforting essence of cinnamon sugar donuts without the need for frying. It’s rich yet light, with a slightly crisp edge and a tender center that melts in your mouth. The cinnamon-sugar crust adds a sweet crunch on top, which contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Plus, it’s easy enough to make on a whim!
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Donut Bread
All-Purpose Flour – This is the backbone of your loaf, providing structure and tenderness.
Baking Powder – A key leavening agent that helps the bread rise into a fluffy texture.
Salt – Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread and is also used to create the crispy topping.
Milk – Adds moisture and creates a rich, smooth batter.
Egg – Acts as a binder and adds richness to the texture.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses the loaf with warm, aromatic flavor.
Butter – Brings moisture and a deep, satisfying flavor to the bread, especially in the crust.
Cinnamon – The hero of the show, lending a spicy-sweet warmth throughout and on top.
How To Make the Cinnamon Donut Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution and removes lumps.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 egg, ½ cup of melted butter, 1 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined—don’t overmix or the bread could turn dense. The batter should be smooth but thick.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
While the bread is still slightly warm, brush the top with melted butter and generously sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture (made from 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon) over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Donut Bread
Cinnamon Donut Bread is best enjoyed slightly warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s fantastic for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea, and equally lovely as an after-dinner treat. For a fancier presentation, dust it with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
To store, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. To enjoy from frozen, warm a slice in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my donut bread moist?
Make sure not to overbake the loaf, and store it properly in an airtight container. The butter and milk in the recipe also help maintain moisture.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Buttermilk will add a slight tang and make the bread even more tender.
Can I turn this into muffins?
Yes, you can divide the batter into muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 18–22 minutes.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
You can substitute with pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should yield good results. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Definitely. You can double the ingredients and use two loaf pans. Just be sure they bake evenly by rotating halfway through.
Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved this Cinnamon Donut Bread, you’ll definitely want to check out these irresistible treats next:
- Indulgent Kentucky Butter Cake for a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake that brings fruity nostalgia with every bite.
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies that literally dissolve on your tongue.
- Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for a super quick and decadent chocolate fix.
- Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake for a tropical flavor escape.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make a cinnamon-sugar glaze or stick with the classic topping? Did you try it as muffins?
I love seeing how others put their own spin on these recipes. Feel free to share photos and questions—let’s make baking even more fun together.
Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minute
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
Description
This Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe takes all the comfort and sweetness of a classic donut and bakes it into a tender, moist loaf. With its cinnamon-sugar topping and buttery crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping: 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, egg, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Brush warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over top. Let set before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
