There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Cinnamon Donut Bread that carries the nostalgic joy of a freshly glazed donut without the deep-frying. This easy, beginner-friendly quick bread brings together ground cinnamon swirls and a sweet sugar ribbon in every tender bite, creating a soft, moist texture that practically melts on your tongue. Sweetened with granulated sugar and enriched by a touch of creamy butter, the crumb is light but satisfying—perfect as a treat alongside your morning coffee or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. With just 15 minutes of prep, 50 minutes of baking, and 10 minutes of resting, you’ll have a loaf ready to slice into ten generous pieces that clock in at about 290 calories apiece. Even if you’re new to baking, the straightforward steps in this recipe ensure success every time, so you can spend less time worrying about technique and more time savoring that first delightful bite.
As someone who loves to tinker in the kitchen and share simple upgrades, I can’t resist adding a personal touch to every loaf. One chilly Sunday morning, I brushed the top with a quick powdered sugar glaze—just powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla—and watched as the drips caramelized ever so slightly on the warm crust. Another time, I folded in a handful of chopped pecans for a subtle crunch that danced with the cinnamon swirl. But honestly, the recipe shines all on its own with its classic cinnamon-sugar ribbon and buttery crumb that’s impossible to resist. Each slice practically begs for a smear of softened butter or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. From friendly brunch gatherings to cozy solo breakfasts, this Cinnamon Donut Bread turns ordinary moments into something special. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready for one of the most comforting sweet treats you’ll bake this season!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s break down the star players in this recipe. These simple pantry staples work together to create that soft, flavorful loaf with sweet cinnamon swirls and a golden, tender crumb. Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you bake with confidence and customize your own delicious twists.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structure and body of the loaf. It forms the gluten network that holds all the ingredients together and gives the bread its tender crumb.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent, creating tiny air pockets that help the bread rise and stay light instead of dense.
- Salt
Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, ensuring the cinnamon and sugar notes pop without tasting flat.
- Unsalted butter
Adds richness, moisture, and a silky texture. When creamed with sugar, it creates tiny pockets of air that contribute to a fluffy loaf.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter and helps create a delicate crust on the top and edges of the bread.
- Eggs
Bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the bread’s tender structure, giving each slice a slightly custard-like quality.
- Vanilla extract
Offers depth of flavor and warms up the cinnamon’s spicy notes with its sweet, floral aroma.
- Whole milk
Adds moisture, tenderness, and a bit of extra richness compared to lower-fat milks, helping to keep the bread soft.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses every bite with that classic warm spice, giving the bread its signature swirl and cozy flavor.
- Granulated sugar (for topping)
Creates the sweet, slightly crunchy layer on top when combined with cinnamon and melted butter.
- Ground cinnamon (for topping)
Intensifies the spice in the crisp topping, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (for topping)
Helps the sugar-and-cinnamon mixture adhere to the top of the loaf and adds a glossy finish.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
With your ingredients ready and pre-measured, let’s walk through the simple steps to bake this crowd-pleasing loaf. From preheating the oven to brushing on the buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, each step is designed with clarity and ease in mind to ensure a perfect result.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to guarantee easy removal and clean edges.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set this dry mix aside so it’s ready when you need it.
3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain that airy texture. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing.
6. In a small bowl, combine the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar is evenly coated.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
8. Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top for that signature swirl.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
10. While the bread is baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by melting the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stirring in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until smooth.
11. Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift or invert the loaf onto a wire rack and brush the warm top with the prepared cinnamon sugar topping so it sticks and creates a glossy finish.
12. Allow the bread to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the flavors settle and the texture set up perfectly.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
When it comes to serving this Cinnamon Donut Bread, the possibilities are as inviting as its aroma. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet morning at home, the way you plate, pair, and garnish your slices can elevate the experience. Let your creativity flow—serve it warm for maximum comfort or at room temperature for a more relaxed indulgence. Here are four ideas to spark your imagination and help you present your loaf in style.
- Enjoy a warm slice with coffee or tea
Heat each piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast it lightly for a few seconds under the broiler. The warmth will release that swirling cinnamon scent and pair beautifully with a robust cup of coffee or a delicate tea.
- Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze
Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a drop of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and pourable. Drizzle across the top in a zigzag pattern for an extra layer of sweetness and a bakery-style finish.
- Toast and spread with softened butter
For a slightly crisp edge, toast slices for about a minute, then quickly spread with room-temperature butter. The melted butter accentuates the cinnamon-sugar swirl and adds a rich, creamy contrast.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt
Balance the sweetness with a side of mixed berries, sliced apples, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. The bright acidity and creaminess create a delightful flavor and texture contrast.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON DONUT BREAD
Proper storage will keep your Cinnamon Donut Bread moist, flavorful, and ready to enjoy for days. Since this loaf is best enjoyed within a few days of baking, you’ll want to protect it from drying out and preserve its tender crumb. Here are a few methods to consider, depending on how quickly you’ll eat it and where you’ll store it.
- Room temperature
Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store on the counter for up to 3 days. This method maintains the soft crumb without making it too dense.
- Refrigeration
If you need to keep the bread longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 7 days. Bring slices back to room temperature or reheat gently to soften the crumb.
- Freezing
For extended storage, slice the cooled loaf and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat slices directly from frozen in a toaster or microwave.
- Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked texture, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, pop them under a broiler for 30 seconds, or toast them until edges are slightly crisp. This restores that just-baked feeling.
CONCLUSION
By now, you’ve seen how this Cinnamon Donut Bread brings together everyday ingredients—flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and cinnamon—to create a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. From the key ingredients that form its tender crumb to the step-by-step instructions that guide you through mixing, layering, and baking, this article covers everything you need for baking success. We also explored serving suggestions to elevate your slices with glazes, toasts, and pairings, plus storage tips to keep your loaf fresh whether you plan to enjoy it over the weekend or freeze it for later. Feel free to print this article and save it for future reference—your oven will thank you! You’ll also find a helpful FAQ below to answer common questions and offer extra tips for troubleshooting.
Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for a quick sweet fix or a beginner ready to take on a delightful new recipe, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is designed to bring warmth and flavor into your home kitchen with minimal fuss. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your successes, surprises, or any twists you tried in the comments. Don’t hesitate to leave questions or feedback if you need help along the way. Happy baking, and may every slice be as comforting and delicious as you hope!
Cinnamon Donut Bread
Description
This mouthwatering bread combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar, with a soft, moist texture that makes every bite a delightful treat. Perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
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In a small bowl, mix together ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for the batter.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
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Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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While the bread is baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by melting the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and mixing it with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
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Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and brush the top with the cinnamon sugar topping while the bread is still warm.
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Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Note
- This Cinnamon Donut Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- For an extra indulgent touch, add a glaze drizzle made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
- Due to the cinnamon-sugar topping, this bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its moisture and texture.
