Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread – Sweet, Soft & Baked to Perfection
A moist, cake-like loaf bursting with cinnamon-sugar flavor and a tender crumb—this cinnamon donut bread is everything you love about classic donuts, no frying required.
Overview of Cinnamon Donut Bread
This Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread captures the cozy comfort of a freshly baked cinnamon sugar donut in a simple, fuss-free loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it combines a soft, buttery crumb with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that mimics the taste of your favorite donut shop treat. Best of all, there’s no yeast, no frying, and it’s made in one bowl! Whether you’re baking for the holidays or craving a warm afternoon snack, this quick bread is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon spice. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear.
Ingredients of Cinnamon Donut Bread
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer (middle and top):
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread
This bread is a no-fuss, mix-and-pour treat that doesn’t require any fancy equipment or skills. You’ll make a simple batter, layer it with cinnamon sugar, and finish with a sweet crunchy topping before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray. For easy removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Buttermilk
Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Slowly pour in 1 cup buttermilk and mix until well combined. Don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled—this is normal when combining acidic ingredients with fat.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix—this helps keep the bread tender.
Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
This will be used both in the middle of the loaf and as a topping.
Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth it out with a spatula.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the batter.
Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the surface.
Tip: Use a butter knife to lightly swirl the top layer of cinnamon sugar into the batter for a marbled effect.
Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the center of your oven.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Check at the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice once it’s cool, or enjoy slightly warm for that melt-in-your-mouth donut texture.
Cook and Prep Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Bake Time | 50–60 minutes |
| Cool Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | ~1 hour 20 mins |
Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 10 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260–280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on brands and specific ingredients used.
Serving of Cinnamon Donut Bread
This cinnamon donut bread shines on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple pairings:
- Warm with butter: Toast a slice and add a pat of salted butter for a heavenly treat.
- Coffee companion: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte for the perfect breakfast duo.
- Dessert twist: Top with vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle for a cozy, homemade dessert.
- Holiday brunch: Slice and serve on a platter with fresh fruit and whipped cream for guests.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully—wrap in foil and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy prep: No yeast, no kneading, no mixer required.
- Classic flavor: Tastes like a donut, baked like a cake.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for brunches, potlucks, or gifting.
- Customizable: Add chopped nuts, swap spices, or swirl with jam.
