Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe – A Sweet Slice of Comfort

So, this cinnamon donut bread? Oh my gosh, it tastes just like a donut—but it’s bread. I couldn’t stop eating it.

It’s soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon sugar. Like, melt-in-your-mouth good. And the best part? No frying needed.

It smells amazing while it bakes. Kinda like a cozy donut shop in my kitchen. My kids ask for it all the time.

Wanna make some? I’ll show you how I do it step-by-step. It’s super easy and so worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut—without the frying!
• Super soft and moist texture thanks to buttermilk and melted butter.
• Easy, no-fuss recipe that comes together in one bowl—no fancy equipment needed.
• Perfect for meal prep—slice and freeze for quick treats all week long.
• Pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this cinnamon donut bread, you’ll need:

✔️ Mixing bowls – One large for the batter, one small for the topping.
✔️ Whisk – To combine dry ingredients evenly.
✔️ Hand or stand mixer (optional) – Helps mix wet ingredients smoothly.
✔️ Loaf pan (9×5-inch) – The perfect size for baking this bread.
✔️ Parchment paper – Makes for easy removal.
✔️ Cooling rack – Helps the bread cool evenly.
✔️ Pastry brush – For applying melted butter to the cinnamon sugar topping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need (full measurements in the recipe card below):

For the Bread:

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and fluffiness.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The combo makes the bread rise beautifully.
• Ground Cinnamon – Brings the signature warm, cozy flavor.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
• Large Eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the bread extra soft.
• Unsalted Butter (melted) – Provides rich flavor and tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• Granulated Sugar – Creates the crunchy, sweet topping.
• Ground Cinnamon – The star of the show!
• Melted Butter – Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a perfectly fluffy loaf.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Bring It All Together

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bread light and soft.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Finishing Touch: The Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the bread is delicious on its own, the cinnamon sugar coating takes it over the top. It adds a subtle crunch and mimics the flavor of a classic cinnamon-sugar donut.

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix:
✔️ ½ cup granulated sugar
✔️ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In another small bowl, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter.

7. Coat the Bread

Once the bread is baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then sprinkle or roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick, creating that classic donut-style crust.

Pro Tip: For an extra thick cinnamon sugar coating, double-dip—brush on more butter and coat a second time!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is perfect on its own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy it:

• Warm with a pat of butter – A classic and simple way to enjoy every bite.
• With a drizzle of honey or maple syrup – Adds an extra layer of sweetness.
• Toasted with cream cheese – The slight tang of cream cheese balances the sweet flavors.
• Served with coffee or tea – A match made in heaven!
• Topped with vanilla ice cream – Dessert-level indulgence.

Make It Extra Special

✔️ Turn it into French toast – Slice thick pieces, dip in a simple egg mixture, and fry for an unforgettable breakfast.
✔️ Add a glaze – Drizzle with a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent touch.

Storing & Freezing Tips

How to Store Cinnamon Donut Bread

✔️ At Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ In the Fridge – Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
✔️ Reheating Tip – Microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds to bring back its fresh-baked warmth.

How to Freeze Cinnamon Donut Bread

✔️ Whole Loaf: Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
✔️ Individual Slices: Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for easy grab-and-go servings.
✔️ Thawing: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Variations & Customization Ideas

Want to put your own twist on this Cinnamon Donut Bread? Here are some fun variations:

1. Make It Extra Moist

✔️ Add Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Substitute ¼ cup of buttermilk with ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

2. Try a Different Flavor Twist

✔️ Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat.
✔️ Apple Cinnamon: Fold in ½ cup finely diced apples for a fruity touch.
✔️ Chocolate Cinnamon: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey surprise.

3. Make It Healthier

✔️ Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
✔️ Reduce Sugar: Use ½ cup coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.

4. Turn It Into Muffins

✔️ Bake as Muffins: Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
✔️ Dip Each Muffin in Butter & Cinnamon Sugar: Just like the loaf, coat them in butter and cinnamon sugar for that donut effect.

Expert Tips for Success

✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
✔️ Use Fresh Baking Powder & Baking Soda: If they’re expired, the bread won’t rise properly.
✔️ Let It Cool Before Slicing: This prevents it from crumbling and helps flavors set.
✔️ Double the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For extra crunch and sweetness, coat twice!

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	1 slice (out of 10)
Calories	~220 kcal
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	18g
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	160mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Cinnamon Donut Bread FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This bread stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but for the best results, make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. How do I know when my bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready! If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.

4. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes! Brown sugar will add a slightly deeper caramel flavor and make the bread even moister.

5. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can bake this in a 9-inch cake pan or muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time—about 20-25 minutes for muffins and 30-35 minutes for a cake pan.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Cinnamon Donut Bread—soft, sweet, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch. It brings all the cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut, but without the hassle of frying. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert with ice cream, this bread is sure to become a household favorite.

The best part? It’s simple to make, requires no special equipment, and can be customized to your liking with different add-ins or toppings. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or gifting.