Name: Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup butter (melted); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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What Is Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a moist, fluffy quick bread infused with cinnamon flavor and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust. Unlike traditional yeast bread, this version is more like a cake—soft, sweet, and baked in a loaf pan. The texture is reminiscent of a classic cinnamon donut, but in a sliceable, shareable format.

The highlight of this bread is the rich layer of cinnamon-sugar coating that gives it a donut-like finish. It’s perfect when served slightly warm and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of fruit, cream, or even vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make – No yeast, no waiting time
Deliciously spiced – Rich cinnamon flavor throughout
Perfect texture – Moist inside with a slightly crisp top
Great for any occasion – Breakfast, dessert, or coffee companion

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the bread:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cinnamon sugar topping:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

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

2. Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and buttermilk.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

3. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Add the Donut-Like Topping

Once the bread is out of the oven and still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for better blending
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the texture light
Test doneness with a toothpick or cake tester
Let it cool slightly before removing it from the pan to prevent crumbling

Variations You Can Try

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch
Mix in apples for an apple-cinnamon twist
Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar in the middle of the batter before baking
Drizzle with glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Donut Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze it (wrapped in plastic wrap and foil) for up to 3 months.

To serve, warm individual slices slightly in the microwave or toast them lightly for that “just-baked” feel. Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is this bread supposed to taste like a donut?
Yes, the texture and topping mimic a cake donut—moist inside with a sweet cinnamon crust.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum.
Can I add fruit to this bread?
Yes, chopped apples or pears work well. Pat them dry before adding to the batter.
How do I keep the bread moist?
Avoid overbaking and store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, mini loaf pans or muffin tins work—just adjust the baking time.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
Likely due to underbaking or opening the oven door too early.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based margarine and a dairy-free milk alternative with vinegar.
What’s the best way to reheat this bread?
Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly.
Can I make it ahead for a brunch party?
Yes, it holds up well overnight and tastes even better the next day.
Is this bread kid-friendly?
Very much so! Kids love the sweet flavor and soft texture.
Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Yes, but it gives the bread its signature donut taste and texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two loaf pans and monitor the baking time.
Do I need a mixer?
No, though a hand mixer helps. You can also mix by hand.
What’s the difference between this and cinnamon swirl bread?
Swirl bread often uses yeast and has a defined swirl. This is a quicker, simpler, cake-like bread.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Donut Bread is the kind of comforting recipe that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is a perfect choice. With its soft, cake-like texture, irresistible cinnamon flavor, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.

Don’t forget to pin and share this recipe with fellow cinnamon lovers. And once you try it, let us know how it turned out!