Soft, sweet, and cinnamon-swirled, this easy Cinnamon Donut Bread delivers cozy flavor and a nostalgic, homemade bakery-style treat at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like a Donut: All the flavor of your favorite cinnamon-sugar donut in a loaf form.
- No Yeast Needed: Quick and easy to make—no rising or kneading required.
- Perfect Texture: Moist, fluffy inside with a buttery, crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Versatile Treat: Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: A hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and melted butter. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Stir in the dry ingredients gradually, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While warm, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar for the topping, then sprinkle generously or roll the loaf in it for full coverage.
- Cool completely before slicing, or enjoy warm for the ultimate donut-bread experience.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 320 kcal per slice
Variations
- Filled Version: Swirl cinnamon-sugar or brown sugar in the middle of the batter before baking.
- Mini Loaves: Divide batter into mini loaf pans—adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes.
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle with maple glaze for extra indulgence.
- Cinnamon Chips: Add cinnamon baking chips to the batter for bursts of spice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store up to 5 days in the fridge; bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Does this bread actually taste like a donut?
Yes—especially when enjoyed warm, the cinnamon-sugar topping gives it that classic donut flavor.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute using 3/4 cup milk mixed with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar.
Why use melted butter instead of softened?
Melted butter gives the bread a rich, moist texture that mimics a donut’s crumb.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
How do I keep the topping from falling off?
Brush the loaf with butter while it’s warm—this helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere better.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can bake it in a muffin tin—adjust the bake time to 18–22 minutes.
Is this bread overly sweet?
It’s sweet like a donut, but the spices and buttermilk balance it nicely.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can substitute oil for melted butter in the batter, but the flavor may be less rich.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking.
How long should I wait before slicing?
Let it cool for at least 20–30 minutes so it holds its shape when sliced.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Donut Bread brings the comforting, nostalgic flavor of a classic donut into a simple loaf that’s easy to make and even easier to love. With its moist crumb and irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Keep this recipe in your rotation—you’ll be glad you did.
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Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, sweet aroma of homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread—a soft, buttery loaf that tastes just like your favorite cinnamon-sugar donut. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and melted butter. Whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
- While the bread is still warm, brush the top generously with melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix the topping sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle or roll the loaf in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Cool completely before slicing—or enjoy warm for a donut-like experience!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Try substituting buttermilk with milk + vinegar if needed (3/4 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American