Name: Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup canola oil; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup buttermilk; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp molasses; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup white sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 18 reviews

If you’re a fan of all things cinnamon and love a good, comforting treat, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug fresh from the oven — fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and coated with a luscious cinnamon-sugar crust that’s almost addictive. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and each time, it disappears faster than I can slice it. So grab your loaf pan, and let me show you how to make this fan-freaking-tastic cinnamon delight!

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Why This Recipe Works

Swirled Cinnamon Magic: The way cinnamon and molasses mix into just part of the batter gives it that classic cinnamon donut swirl without overwhelming the bread.
Buttery Coating: Dipping the warm bread in melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar creates a crisp, flavorful crust that you won’t be able to resist.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples means you can whip this up anytime those donut cravings hit.
Super Moist & Tender: Thanks to the buttermilk and the balance of oil and butter, this bread stays tender and moist even a day later.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, easy cinnamon bread, soft cinnamon loaf, cinnamon sugar bread, comforting baked bread - A rectangular cake with a golden-brown top layer covered evenly with a fine, grainy light brown sugar coating sits on a white rectangular plate. The cake's top surface shows a gently cracked texture with soft ridges and swirls, revealing a tender and moist interior below the sugar crust. The plate rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe uses simple ingredients to create so much flavor and that perfect donut-like texture. Each ingredient plays a specific role, so picking quality items really makes a difference. Let’s break down the why behind the what.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, easy cinnamon bread, soft cinnamon loaf, cinnamon sugar bread, comforting baked bread - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden canola oil, a few chunks of unsalted butter softened to creamy texture, a small white bowl heaped with white granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white bowl of translucent vanilla extract, a neat pile of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of fine baking powder, a pinch of salt in a small white dish, a small white bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon, and a tiny white bowl with dark glossy molasses all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Canola Oil: Helps keep the bread moist without an overpowering flavor, and it blends perfectly with the butter.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; softened butter mixes smoothly with oil and sugar for that tender crumb.
White Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps the crust caramelize just right.
Eggs: They bind the batter and add structure, making sure your bread isn’t crumbly.
Vanilla Extract: A subtle but important flavor booster that rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
All Purpose Flour: The backbone of this bread – it provides structure but keeps the crumb soft.
Baking Powder: Gives lift and makes the bread fluffy without making it cakey.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Buttermilk: Makes the bread tender and adds a slight tang, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice – warm, sweet, and aromatic, it’s what delivers that donut vibe.
Molasses: Just a touch adds depth and molasses-y richness reminiscent of classic cinnamon treats.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Personally, I’ve enjoyed tweaking it to fit different moods and occasions, and you absolutely should, too. It’s easy to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out part of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and a bit more heartiness. Just know it’ll make the bread slightly denser, but still delicious!
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and substitute buttermilk with almond milk plus a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar—you’ll still get that tender crumb with a tiny twist.
Extra Cinnamon Swirl: If you’re like me and love that cinnamon-crazy bite, double the cinnamon and molasses in the swirl batter. It’s like eating a donut and a slice of heaven.
Sweet Topping: Switch up the cinnamon sugar coating by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom—an unexpected but amazing flavor boost.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, grease your loaf pan generously with cooking spray or butter. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick, so it comes out easily with a beautiful crust.

Step 2: Mix the Base Batter

In your large bowl, combine the canola oil, softened butter, and white sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this—it helps create a light, creamy base quickly. Once smooth, add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. You’ll notice the batter becomes glossy and thick—this is perfect.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now sift together your flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon separately. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. This keeps the batter light and avoids overmixing, which can make the bread tough. The goal is a smooth, thick batter that’s easy to swirl.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Take about half a cup of your batter and pop it into a smaller mixing bowl. Stir in the ground cinnamon and molasses until the batter turns a beautiful warm brown. This mix is what creates those signature cinnamon pockets throughout the bread.

Step 5: Layer & Swirl the Batters

Pour half of the plain batter into your greased loaf pan. Next, spoon dollops of the cinnamon batter over that layer. Then add the remaining plain batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon batter dollops. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together in a figure-eight pattern—don’t overdo it, you want beautiful ribbons, not a full mix.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. During baking, your kitchen will fill with that intoxicating cinnamon aroma—one of my favorite parts!

Step 7: The Magic Butter & Cinnamon Sugar Coating

As the bread cools for 10 minutes, prepare two shallow dishes: one with melted butter and the other with a mix of white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Once the bread is warm but not hot, dip each side into the melted butter, spoon more butter over the edges, and immediately coat it in the cinnamon sugar mix. This step is what mimics the crispy, sugary donut crust, and trust me, it’s worth every second.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep your bread fluffy and tender, not dense.
Swirl with Care: Use a thin butter knife and gentle motions to create those pretty cinnamon ribbons without blending the batter completely.
Butter Coating Timing: Make sure the bread is warm but cool enough to handle for dipping—if too hot, the butter melts off; too cold, it won’t stick well.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon enhances flavor dramatically—don’t skip this for that authentic donut taste.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and a few extra swirls of melted butter for shine. Sometimes, I add a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before coating for a bit of crunch. It turns this humble loaf into a showstopper!

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea on a cozy morning. For a brunch spread, I like serving it alongside soft scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or a fun weekend brunch, I’ve layered sliced Cinnamon Donut Bread in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries to create a donut bread parfait. Another time, I cut thick slices and used them as the base for a decadent French toast drizzle—the cinnamon sugar crisp on top made it unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you find it drying out, I usually toast it lightly before eating to bring back that freshly-baked texture.

Freezing

I often slice the bread first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. This way, I can grab a slice whenever I want. Frozen bread keeps well for up to 3 months without losing that cozy flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat—it crisps up the cinnamon sugar coating nicely while keeping the inside soft. If you’re in a hurry, 15 seconds in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel works, but you might lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in the Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it to the one-cup line with milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go.
How do I avoid the bread being too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the flour, and gently fold in the dry ingredients with the buttermilk to maintain a light, airy texture. Also, using baking powder fresh ensures proper rise.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the bread from crumbling.
What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon sugar coating bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it as slices. Avoid refrigerating because it tends to dry the bread out faster.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is truly one of my go-to feel-good treats. It brings that nostalgic donut flavor right into your own kitchen, with the ease of baking a quick loaf. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, giving yourself a slice of this warm, buttery, cinnamon-swirled bread feels like a little moment of joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people — trust me, it’s a keeper!