Sweet Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Homemade Sweet Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe: A Cozy Treat

Warm, freshly baked comfort fills the kitchen with our delectable cinnamon donut bread that captures the essence of classic bakery treats.

Sweet aromas of nostalgic flavors swirl through the air, promising a delightful culinary experience.

This simple yet spectacular recipe blends the irresistible charm of donuts with the homey comfort of bread.

Soft, tender crumbs melt in your mouth with each perfectly spiced bite.

Dusted with a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, this bread transforms an ordinary afternoon into a memorable moment.

The recipe delivers bakery-style indulgence straight from your own oven.

Prepare to savor every single slice of this mouthwatering creation.

Easy Instructions for a Donut Bread That Feels Cozy

  • Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and get your loaf pan ready by giving it a quick butter massage or laying down a cozy parchment paper blanket.

  • Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

Gather your dry team in a big bowl and give them a whirl with a whisk until they’re perfectly blended and ready to party.

  • Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, dance those wet ingredients together until they’re smooth and singing in harmony.

  • Create the Magical Batter

Gently marry your wet and dry mixtures, stirring just enough to get acquainted. Don’t beat them up – they’re sensitive!

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, creating a smooth landscape. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and happy.

  • Add the Cinnamon Sugar Love

While the bread is still warm, brush on some melted butter and rain down a shower of cinnamon sugar, coating it with sweet, spicy goodness.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Let your bread cool completely, then slice and devour. Butter is optional but highly recommended for maximum deliciousness.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Tips You’ll Want to Save

  • Perfect Texture Tricks: Ensure your buttermilk is at room temperature for smoother batter and more even baking.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 weeks.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version.
  • Protein Boost: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional value.

Serve Donut Bread Sliced with Coffee or Tea

  • Sweet Morning Breakfast Companion: Pair this cinnamon donut bread with a steaming cup of fresh coffee or creamy hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat.
  • Fancy Dessert Transformation: Slice the bread and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzling caramel sauce on top for an elegant after-dinner indulgence.
  • Brunch Party Showstopper: Create bite-sized cubes of the bread for a potluck or brunch gathering, offering guests a delectable finger food that's both sweet and satisfying.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a homemade gift that shows love and thoughtfulness to friends and family.

Store Leftovers of Cinnamon Bread the Smart Way

  • Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and soft texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice the bread, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen bread stays fresh for 2-3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever cravings strike.
  • Room Temperature Charm: Keep the bread on the kitchen counter in a sealed container for 2-3 days, perfect for quick snacking and maintaining its tender crumb at ambient temperatures.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the bread's fresh-baked warmth and soft consistency, bringing back that just-made deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Donut Bread

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the bread's foundation.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy texture with perfect rise.
  • Baking Soda: Helps bread brown evenly and balances recipe's acidity.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic flavor signature to donut-style bread.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, moist texture and adds deep buttery flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
  • Buttermilk: Introduces tangy flavor and helps activate baking soda for tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the bread's overall taste profile.
For Topping:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates irresistible crispy, sweet crust reminiscent of classic donuts.
  • Melted Butter: Helps cinnamon sugar topping adhere and adds extra moisture and shine.

Tools to Bake That Sweet Cinnamon Donut Bread

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients together.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending dry ingredients and creating lump-free mixtures.
  • Loaf pan (9×5-inch): Standard size for baking bread evenly.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Helps prevent bread from sticking.
  • Toothpick: Helps check bread doneness by testing center.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows bread to cool without getting soggy.
  • Small bowl: Useful for mixing cinnamon sugar topping.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon donut bread brings classic bakery comfort directly to kitchen counters. Warm spices and sweet glaze create a delightful twist that makes breakfast or dessert special for families and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a loaf pan with a light grease coating or parchment paper lining.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
  3. Blend Wet Components: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and consistent.
  4. Create Batter: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together, mixing minimally to preserve the bread’s delicate texture. Stop stirring once ingredients are just incorporated.
  5. Fill and Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and testing doneness with a clean toothpick.
  6. Cool and Release: Rest the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely.
  7. Finish with Topping: Brush the warm bread with melted butter, then dust generously with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Slice and serve, optionally accompanied by butter.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and minimally to keep the bread light and fluffy, stopping when ingredients are just combined to avoid developing tough gluten networks.
  • Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise 350F temperature, as slight variations can dramatically impact bread’s texture and baking time.
  • Buttermilk Substitution: If buttermilk is unavailable, create a quick replacement by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
  • Moisture Preservation: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain softness and prevent drying out, which helps extend its shelf life for 3-4 days at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star