There’s something truly special about waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon treats. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that combines the softness of bread with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon donuts—introducing my Cinnamon Donut Bread! This easy-to-make, sweet, and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it a great addition to your collection of easy baking recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delicious twist on traditional cinnamon bread, with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl that mimics the taste of a cinnamon donut.
- Soft, tender crumb and a crunchy, sugary topping that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Easy to prepare with basic pantry staples—no complicated ingredients or steps required.
- Perfect for a family breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with your coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cinnamon Donut Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the topping)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make this mouthwatering Cinnamon Donut Bread:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation step ensures your bread won’t stick to the pan after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. This even distribution ensures consistent leavening and flavor throughout the bread.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The buttermilk will provide tenderness while the butter adds richness to the final product.
- Form the Batter: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and result in a tough bread rather than a soft, tender crumb.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This sweet, aromatic mixture will create delicious swirls throughout the bread that mimic the flavor profile of a cinnamon donut.
- Create Layers: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect throughout the loaf.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. The bread should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This initial cooling time helps the structure set so the bread doesn’t fall apart when removed from the pan.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then generously sprinkle this mixture over the buttered surface, creating a sweet, crunchy crust reminiscent of a donut’s exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the topping has set, slice the bread into thick pieces and serve. This versatile treat works beautifully for breakfast, as a snack with coffee or tea, or as a comforting dessert.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your Cinnamon Donut Bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Generous Swirl: Don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar mixture—layer it generously for the best flavor and texture.
- Let It Cool: Resist the temptation to slice the bread too soon. Letting it cool slightly will make it easier to handle and slice cleanly.
How to Serve
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Breakfast: Slice it thick and serve alongside your favorite breakfast items, like scrambled eggs or fresh fruit.
- Snack: Enjoy it on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea for a midday pick-me-up.
- Dessert: Drizzle with a glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a sweeter treat.
- Gift Idea: Wrap slices in plastic wrap or place the whole loaf in a gift basket for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make your Cinnamon Donut Bread ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment:
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let the bread come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
There you have it—my simple yet scrumptious recipe for Cinnamon Donut Bread! It’s a perfect blend of soft, flavorful bread and the sweet, spicy taste of cinnamon. If you’re a fan of cinnamon treats, you might also enjoy my Cinnamon Roll Cake, Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, or Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites. Happy baking, and I hope you enjoy every slice of this delicious Cinnamon Donut Bread!
Cinnamon Donut Bread
A moist and flavorful bread with cinnamon-sugar swirls, topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and prepare the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and wet ingredients (buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract) separately, then combine gently.
- Layer half the batter in the loaf pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping while still warm.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh ground cinnamon. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
