Cinnamon Donut Bread

The warm, aromatic scent of freshly baked Cinnamon Donut Bread wafting through your home is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This delightful treat combines the cozy comfort of homemade bread with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts, all in one convenient loaf. No frying or special equipment required—just pure, simple baking magic that results in a tender, sweet bread with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating that tastes remarkably like your favorite donut shop treat. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing Cinnamon Donut Bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe will quickly become a family favorite for so many reasons. First, it delivers all the satisfaction of cinnamon donuts without the mess and hassle of deep frying. The contrast between the soft, tender crumb of the bread and the crispy, sugar-coated exterior creates an irresistible texture experience in every bite.

The versatility of this donut bread makes it perfect for any occasion—from casual weekend breakfasts to holiday brunch spreads. It’s simple enough for baking beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests. The cinnamon donut flavor is nostalgic and comforting, reminding you of childhood trips to the bakery, but with the added satisfaction of having made it yourself.

Plus, the recipe uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a convenient option when the sweet tooth strikes. The heavenly aroma of cinnamon bread baking will fill your home with the most delicious scent, making the experience almost as enjoyable as eating the finished product.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Donut Bread:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted

The high-quality cinnamon is crucial for authentic donut flavor—Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate taste, while Cassia cinnamon provides that classic, stronger flavor found in most cinnamon donut bread recipes. Whole milk adds richness to the batter, but you can substitute 2% milk if needed. The vanilla extract enhances the warm cinnamon flavors and adds depth to this sweet breakfast bread.

Pro Tips

Creating perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread requires attention to a few key techniques that will elevate your baking from good to exceptional:

First, don’t overmix the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until they’re combined—a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tougher, less tender bread. For that authentic donut-like texture, you want the crumb to remain light and soft.

Second, the temperature of your ingredients matters significantly. Room temperature eggs and milk blend more smoothly with other ingredients and create a more even texture in the finished bread. If you’re short on time, place cold eggs in warm (not hot) water for about 5 minutes to take the chill off.

Finally, for the most donut-like experience, apply the butter and cinnamon sugar coating while the bread is still warm but not hot. This creates that characteristic sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that makes cinnamon donut bread so irresistible. For extra coverage, brush the sides of the loaf with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar as well as the top for a completely encased sweet treat.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then lining it with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal. The parchment prevents the sweet bread from sticking and makes cleanup much simpler.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the Cinnamon Donut Bread.

Step 3

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, vegetable oil, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. The mixture should look light and cohesive with no streaks of egg visible.

Step 4

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and using a rubber spatula, gently fold them together just until no dry spots remain. Remember, a few small lumps are perfectly fine—they’ll bake out. The batter will be thick but pourable.

Step 5

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, using the spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any large air bubbles that might be trapped in the batter.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.

Step 7

While the bread is baking, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.

Step 8

Allow the Cinnamon Donut Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift it out. While still warm, brush the top and sides generously with melted butter, then immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Variations

Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Transform your Cinnamon Donut Bread into an autumn favorite by folding 1 cup of peeled, finely diced apples into the batter before baking. The apple pieces add moisture and fruity bursts that complement the cinnamon perfectly. Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth and spice that enhances the apple flavor.

Maple Cinnamon Donut Bread: For a rich, Canadian-inspired variation, replace 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar in the bread with pure maple syrup, and add 1 teaspoon of maple extract alongside the vanilla. For the topping, mix 1 tablespoon of maple sugar (if available) into your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a complex, woodsy sweetness that elevates the classic cinnamon donut flavor.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Donut Bread: This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to help with the bread’s structure and texture. The result is just as delicious and allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the comforting flavors of Cinnamon Donut Bread.

Storage and Serving

Your freshly baked Cinnamon Donut Bread will stay deliciously tender for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a quick warm-up that revives the cinnamon-sugar coating.

For an indulgent breakfast, serve warm slices of Cinnamon Donut Bread with a spread of cream cheese or a pat of salted butter that melts into the tender crumb. It’s also delightful alongside fresh fruit for a more balanced morning meal.

Transform this bread into a spectacular dessert by toasting slices lightly and topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. For brunch gatherings, create a donut bread french toast by dipping slices in an egg and milk mixture before pan-frying until golden and serving with maple syrup for an irresistible treat that combines two beloved breakfast classics.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Donut Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The bread itself can be baked 1-2 days in advance; just add the cinnamon sugar coating shortly before serving for the freshest taste.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A sunken middle usually indicates underbaking or opening the oven door too early during baking. Ensure you’re baking until a toothpick comes out clean, and avoid opening the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the topping?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will give your Cinnamon Donut Bread a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. The moisture in brown sugar might make the topping slightly less crisp but more rich and molasses-flavored.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute and the milk with almond milk or another non-dairy alternative in equal proportions. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes. After baking, dip the tops in melted butter and then in cinnamon sugar for mini cinnamon donut muffins.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is comfort food at its finest — a sweet, aromatic loaf that brings together the best of homemade bread and classic cinnamon donuts in every slice. It’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary mornings into special occasions and makes your kitchen the most popular place in the house. Whether enjoyed as a weekend breakfast treat, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a simple dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings, this bread delivers the perfect balance of soft interior and sweet, cinnamon-crusted exterior in each delectable bite. Make this Cinnamon Donut Bread once, and you’ll find yourself returning to the recipe again and again for its simplicity and irresistible charm.

Print