Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe – Easy to Bake

Last weekend I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to fuss with frying donuts. So, I pulled out a loaf pan and made this Cinnamon Donut Bread instead. It has the same warm flavor as classic cinnamon sugar donuts but comes in the form of a soft and tender loaf. The top is brushed with butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, which gives it that signature donut like crunch. Trust me, once you bake this, you’ll want a slice with your morning coffee or even as a cozy dessert.

If you enjoy warm and spiced treats, you might also love trying my recipe for Baked Pumpkin Donuts. They have that same comforting vibe and go beautifully with fall flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to make this bread. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.
• No Frying Needed: You get the taste of donuts without dealing with hot oil.
• Perfect Anytime Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast as a snack or even as a sweet gift.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cinnamon sugar topping, and they can even help dip the bread in butter and sugar.
• Stays Soft for Days: The loaf stays moist and delicious, making it perfect for baking ahead of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a loaf of this delicious bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or make your own with milk + lemon juice)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your loaf pan

Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes removing the bread much easier. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisking helps evenly distribute everything and ensures you don’t end up with clumps of baking powder or spices in one part of the loaf.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly before whisking it in, otherwise it could scramble the eggs.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry

Slowly add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick but still pourable. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten and can make the bread dense instead of tender.

Step 5: Bake the bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Step 6: Add the donut topping

This is the fun part. Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Brush the top and sides with melted butter while the bread is still warm. Then roll the loaf in the cinnamon sugar mixture or generously sprinkle it all over until coated. The buttery sugar topping is what gives it the classic donut flavor.

Step 7: Slice and enjoy

Allow the bread to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This gives the loaf time to set, making cleaner slices. Serve warm if you can, it tastes just like fresh donuts.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the topping: The cinnamon sugar coating is what makes this loaf taste like a donut.
• Use real buttermilk if possible: Homemade works fine but real buttermilk gives the bread extra tenderness.
• Check early: Start testing for doneness around 40 minutes since ovens vary.
• Try mini loaves: Divide the batter between smaller pans for gift-sized breads.

Variations to Try

• Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Mix together ½ cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon, then swirl it through the batter before baking.
• Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Fold in one cup of peeled and diced apples. They soften as the bread bakes and add a juicy bite.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients for a subtle chocolate flavor.

If you love experimenting with flavors, you might also want to try making Zucchini Bread. It has a similar moist texture but a completely different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is wonderful on its own, but here are some simple ways to serve it:

• Breakfast treat: Toast a slice and spread with butter for a donut-like start to your day.
• Dessert option: Top a slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Coffee pairing: The cinnamon sugar flavor pairs beautifully with black coffee or even a pumpkin spice latte.
• Holiday platter: Slice it up for brunch or serve at a fall gathering alongside muffins and cookies.

Storing and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for about a week, though the sugar topping may lose some crispness.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter or reheat gently in the microwave.

FAQs

Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Do I have to use nutmeg?
Not at all, it’s optional. It just adds a little more warmth.

Q: Can I bake this in muffin form?
Yes, pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes instead.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, bake it a day in advance, store it properly, and reheat slices as needed.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Donut Bread is such a joy because it gives you all the flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts without the frying. The sugary crust pairs beautifully with the soft inside, and it is the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.

And if you’re in the mood to try something new next time, don’t miss my recipe for Crispy Baked Apple Fritters. They’re another fun twist on a classic favorite and taste just as comforting.