Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving something that feels like a hug in bread form, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s got that perfect swirl of cinnamon-sugar magic baked right in and a juicy, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Honestly, once I made this the first time, it became my go-to for weekend breakfasts and surprise guests — you’re going to love how easy and delightful it is!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture: The combo of oil, butter, and buttermilk keeps the bread wonderfully moist without being greasy.
  • Cinnamon Swirl Magic: Swirling in that cinnamon and molasses batter creates eye-catching layers and rich flavor bursts.
  • Sweet & Crunchy Coating: Dipping the warm loaf in melted butter then cinnamon sugar adds the best crispy, sweet crust you’ll want on every bite.
  • Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff here—just pantry basics that blend into an irresistible donut-like bread.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, cinnamon swirl bread, sweet breakfast bread, easy donut bread recipe, flavorful cinnamon bread - The image shows a loaf of cinnamon sugar quick bread with several slices cut and stacked. The bread has a golden brown crust coated with coarse sugar, giving it a sparkly, textured top layer. Inside, the bread is light yellow with a soft and moist texture, and a thin swirl of cinnamon runs through the middle of each slice. The loaf rests on a dark surface with a knife in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe balances simple, classic ingredients that make the loaf soft and flavorful. Each one plays its part, from the richness of butter to the tang from buttermilk adding that tender crumb you’ll crave.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, cinnamon swirl bread, sweet breakfast bread, easy donut bread recipe, flavorful cinnamon bread - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of light golden canola oil, a few pats of softened butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with white granulated sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with pale vanilla extract, a neat pile of white all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl containing light brown baking powder, a small pinch of coarse salt on a white plate, a small white bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small heap of warm brown ground cinnamon on a white ceramic plate, a small dollop of dark molasses in a white bowl, a small shallow white ceramic dish with melted golden butter, and a small shallow white bowl holding a mixture of white and brown sugars with ground cinnamon all arranged symmetrically and naturally 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: Keeps the bread moist and tender without a heavy butter-only finish.
  • Butter (softened and melted): Adds richness and flavor; softened butter blends into the batter smoothly while melted butter is perfect for the final coating.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to the crispy crust when combined with the cinnamon coating.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and lift, ensuring your bread is light yet sturdy.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet, warm flavors and the aroma—don’t skip it!
  • All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread; using quality flour gives the perfect crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise nicely for a soft texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
  • Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Adds a slight tang that brightens flavors and reacts with baking powder for tender crumb.
  • Cinnamon & Molasses (in batter): Provide the signature cinnamon swirl taste and a hint of depth with molasses.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combines ground cinnamon, granulated and brown sugars to mimic that donut spice and crunch.
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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

I love mixing things up with this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe depending on the season or mood. Sometimes I add chopped nuts for a little crunch, or drizzle a cream cheese glaze on top to make it extra special. The cool part? You can easily personalize it.

  • Nutty Upgrade: Adding walnuts or pecans in the swirl batter gave my bread a delightful crunch and a cozy fall vibe.
  • Dairy-Free Version: I swapped the butter for coconut oil and used almond milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk, and it turned out just as tender and flavorful!
  • Spice Boost: For an adventurous twist, sprinkling a bit of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon batter adds warmth without overpowering.

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

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your light-colored loaf pan well. I find using a light pan helps the bread bake evenly and prevents over-browning. Don’t skip the greasing step—it makes the unmolding so much easier!

Step 2: Mix the Base Batter

In a big bowl, blend your canola oil, softened butter, and sugar together until they look creamy and smooth. Crack in the eggs and add your vanilla, stirring until it’s all beautifully combined. Then slowly mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk. Don’t rush this step; you want to get a smooth batter with no lumps, so scraping the bowl sides now and then works wonders.

Step 3: Cinnamon Swirl Magic

Carefully scoop half a cup of that batter into a smaller bowl, then stir in your cinnamon and molasses until blended. This is what gives your bread that beautiful spiral and warm flavor you’ll obsess over.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the plain batter into the loaf pan, then dollop half the cinnamon batter over it. Add the remaining plain batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon batter in dollops. Now, grab a butter knife and swirl gently through the batters. Don’t overmix — the goal is pretty cinnamon swirls, not a brown mess.

Step 5: Bake and Coat

Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Meanwhile, melt your butter for the coating and mix your sugars with cinnamon in a shallow dish. When the bread’s done, let it cool for 10 minutes before removing it gently from the pan. Dip each side in that luscious melted butter and then press it into the cinnamon sugar mixture — this step is pure magic and what gives the bread that iconic donut crust.

Step 6: Enjoy Warm or Room Temp

Slice it up and dig in! Honestly, this bread tastes amazing warm straight from the pan, but it’s just as delicious once it’s cooled to room temperature. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: It helps everything blend better for a fluffier batter, so take them out 30 minutes ahead.
  • Don’t Over Swirl: Swirl just enough to make pretty patterns — too much mixing blends the batters and loses that gorgeous look.
  • Light-Colored Pan Is Key: Prevents the bread from over-browning on the edges before the inside is done.
  • Coating While Warm: Dip the loaf when it’s warm but not hot to make sure the butter and sugar stick beautifully without melting off.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or even a light drizzle of maple syrup. But when I’m feeling fancy, a smear of softened cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream pump the indulgence up a notch — especially for brunch with friends.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a bowl of fruit salad to cut through the sweetness. If you’re serving it for breakfast, crispy bacon or scrambled eggs provide a nice savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I baked mini versions in muffin tins for a party — they made perfect single-serving treats. Or you can cut into thick slices, toast them lightly, and top with a pat of cinnamon butter for a rustic touch that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and fresh for about 2 days. Just avoid the fridge — it tends to dry out breads like this.

Freezing

Freezing this bread works like a charm. I slice it first, then freeze the pieces separated by parchment paper in a sealed bag. This way, you can pull out exactly how many slices you want to thaw or toast without thawing the whole loaf.

Reheating

To warm up a slice, I pop it in the toaster or oven for a few minutes, which brings back that freshly baked vibe with a crispy outer crust and soft inside. You can also microwave it wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe?

    Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix ½ cup of milk with ½ teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use that as a buttermilk substitute. It gives you the same tang and helps keep the bread tender.

  2. What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon batter without overmixing?

    Use a butter knife or skewer and gently drag it through the batters in a few figure-eight or circular motions. Stop when you see pretty swirls. Over-swiping blends the batters too much, losing the visual effect and taste contrast.

  3. Is it okay to use a dark loaf pan?

    You can, but a dark pan tends to brown the bread’s edges faster, which might cause the crust to get too dark or dry before the bread inside is fully baked. If you only have a dark pan, consider lowering the oven temperature by 15-25°F and checking doneness a bit earlier.

  4. How long does the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread last?

    Left at room temperature and stored properly, it stays fresh for about 2 days. For longer storage, freezing sliced bread is your best bet, which keeps it good for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is one of those rare recipes that feels comforting, impressive, and easy all at once. It’s perfect for when you want to wow your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, making this loaf and dipping it in that buttery cinnamon sugar coating gave me such a joyful “aha!” moment — I knew I’d keep making it forever. So go ahead, try it out, and get ready for some serious compliments. You’ve got this!

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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf featuring a delightful cinnamon swirl and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that mimics the taste of classic donut treats. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, it offers a tender crumb with a deliciously sweet and spiced crust.

Ingredients

Batter Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon molasses

Coating Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until well mixed. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and buttermilk to the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform batter forms. Scrape sides to remove lumps.
  4. Create Cinnamon Batter: Transfer 1/2 cup of the batter to a smaller bowl. Add cinnamon and molasses to this portion, mixing until fully combined.
  5. Layer Batters: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon batter in dollops over it. Pour the remaining plain batter over the cinnamon batter, then drop the remaining cinnamon batter on top.
  6. Swirl Batter: Use a butter knife to gently swirl the plain and cinnamon batters together to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Prepare Coating: While baking, pour melted butter into a large shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  9. Cool and Remove Loaf: Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes. Loosen edges and remove it from the pan when warm but manageable.
  10. Coat the Loaf: Dip each side of the warm loaf into melted butter until fully coated. Spoon extra melted butter over edges for crispiness. Then press the loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating top and sides completely.
  11. Slice and Serve: Slice the loaf and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the rich cinnamon swirl flavors and sweet buttery coating!

Notes

  • Use buttermilk for best flavor; alternatively, milk plus vinegar acts as a good substitute.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature to improve batter incorporation and texture.
  • The loaf pan should be light-colored to prevent over-browning during baking.
  • Allow the loaf to cool slightly before coating to avoid melting the sugars.
  • Swirling the batter creates a beautiful marbled effect but avoid over-mixing.
  • Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk and yogurt.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of loaf)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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