Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe. It’s like the lovechild of a cinnamon donut and a sweet, fluffy loaf of bread—perfect for breakfast, snack time, or just when you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become your go-to for when you want something that tastes bakery-fresh, but you made it right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe comes from how the ingredients play together—rich fats, a hint of molasses, and a warm cinnamon touch all mingle to mimic that classic donut flavor but in bread form. Here are the ingredients and a few tips I’ve learned along the way to help you choose the best ones.

• Canola Oil: Adds moisture without overpowering flavor, keeping the bread tender.
• Softened Butter: Provides richness and helps create that buttery crumb you want in sweet bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to a nice crust.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure—make sure they’re at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle but essential flavor enhancer that helps bring out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that builds the bread’s texture—measure it properly for best results.
• Baking Powder: Gives the bread a gentle rise, making it light and not dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Buttermilk (or Milk + Vinegar): Adds tang and tenderizes the crumb—if you don’t have buttermilk, milk with vinegar works just as well!
• Cinnamon: The warm spice star that defines the donut flavor.
• Molasses: Adds depth and that classic caramel note you find in donuts.
• Brown Sugar (for coating): Works with granulated sugar to create a crunchy, caramelized coating.
• Melted Butter (for coating): The key to that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is. You can shift flavors subtly or add fun twists, so it always feels like your own special creation. Here’s how I often play around with it and how you might want to, too.

• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Sometimes I toss in chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra crunch and indulgence—totally optional but so good.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free while still keeping it moist and flavorful.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cloves mixed into the cinnamon batter can turn this into an even warmer, holiday-worthy treat.
• Glaze Instead of Coating: If you don’t want the crunchy crust, try a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze drizzled on top once cooled.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to grease my loaf pan with a light coat of non-stick spray, then set it aside. Using a light-colored pan is key because it helps you keep an eye on how the bread’s browning. Dark pans speed up crust browning which might make the outside too dark before the inside’s done.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your canola oil, softened butter, and sugar. I usually use a hand mixer here to get a smooth, creamy base. Then add your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mixing these thoroughly is important so your batter is silky and even—no lumps or surprises later!

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now, gradually add your sifted flour, baking powder, and salt in with the wet mixture, alternating with your buttermilk. I like to pause and scrape the bowl’s sides with a spatula between additions to make sure everything blends smoothly. Your batter should be thick but pourable—if it’s lumpy, keep mixing gently but don’t overdo it or the bread could get tough.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Molasses Batter

Here’s the twist: scoop out about half a cup of your batter and place it in a smaller bowl. Stir in the cinnamon and molasses until beautifully combined. This spicy-sweet swirl is what makes this bread truly special—it’s like those little pockets of donut flavor throughout your loaf.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batters

Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of your loaf pan. Then dollop half of the cinnamon batter over it in spoonfuls—not trying to be neat here! Next, cover that with the rest of the plain batter, and top with the remaining cinnamon batter. Grab a butter knife and gently swirl the two batters together—not too much, just enough to create pretty, marbled patterns.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. The test I trust is poking a toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, ovens vary—if you see the top browning too fast, loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While it’s baking (because multitasking is key), melt your butter and pour it into a wide shallow dish. In another dish, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for that iconic donut crunch. This coating is the final step that makes this bread feel like a treat you’d snag from a bakery window.

Step 8: Coat Your Warm Loaf

Once your bread is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this cool-down helps you remove it without it breaking apart but keeps it warm enough for the coating to stick. Run a knife around the edges first, then carefully flip it out. Dip each side into the melted butter, then press it into the cinnamon sugar mixture, adding extra melted butter if you want an even crispier crust.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Slice the loaf while it’s still a bit warm for the best texture. It’s incredible served fresh with a cup of coffee or tea. I find it holds its flavor and texture well even at room temperature, so it’s great for sharing or packing in lunches.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I actually adore this bread plain, but if you want to dress it up, a light drizzle of honey or a simple vanilla glaze complements those cinnamon swirls wonderfully. Some freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel like dessert too. Fresh berries on top add a pop of freshness that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a hot latte or a simple black coffee and you’ve got yourself a perfect breakfast spread. It also goes surprisingly well with creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch. If you’re serving it for a snack, a warm chai tea or cocoa is all you need to cozy up.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I once sliced the loaf into thick pieces and arranged them with small bowls of extra cinnamon sugar, honey, and whipped cream for a DIY topping bar—everyone loved customizing their serving! You can also cut the loaf into mini squares and skewer them with cinnamon sticks for an adorable presentation that screams fall comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices keep well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container on your countertop for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresher longer, pop it in the fridge—it’ll last around 4-5 days but bring it back to room temperature before enjoying to soften up a bit.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the whole loaf wrapped tightly in foil and popped inside a freezer bag, and it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving. Freezing doesn’t affect that delicious cinnamon sugar coating either!

Reheating

To reheat, I like toasting individual slices in a toaster oven or warming them lightly in the oven wrapped in foil to keep the crust from scorching. Microwaving is quick but can make the bread a bit softer—if you do that, add a minute or so to get that freshly baked feel. A quick brush of melted butter after reheating revives the crust’s crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe holds a special place in my recipe book because it always sparks a little joy with every slice. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, soft, and crunchy that makes you pause for a moment and savor. No matter if you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, it’s foolproof and utterly comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it—I promise it’ll become a fast favorite at your kitchen table.

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