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· 4.5 from 13 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into something that’s basically a warm, cozy hug in food form, then you’re going to love this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe. It’s like your favorite cinnamon donut got transformed into a soft loaf of bread that you can slice, dip, and devour any time you want. Trust me, once I made this for brunch with friends, it disappeared faster than I expected. Stick around because I’m going to share all my secret tips on how to get this just right – gooey, swirly, and loaded with that perfect cinnamon-sugar coating.

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Why This Recipe Works

Swirled Cinnamon Goodness: The two batters—plain and cinnamon-molasses—are swirled to create a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Dipping the bread in melted butter and then cinnamon sugar gives an irresistible glaze that mimics that classic donut crust.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You probably have everything in your pantry, making this a quick go-to for a sweet treat that feels indulgent, not complicated.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and careful mixing, the bread stays wonderfully moist, unlike other baked goods that can dry out fast.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, cinnamon donut bread, cinnamon bread recipe, sweet breakfast bread, cinnamon swirl loaf - 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 comes together with ingredients you probably already know and love, plus a couple of tricks to keep it super moist and flavorful. The real magic here is in the balance—fluffy bread with a sweet cinnamon twist, all wrapped in that buttery coating.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, cinnamon donut bread, cinnamon bread recipe, sweet breakfast bread, cinnamon swirl loaf - 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: Keeps the bread tender without adding overwhelming butter richness.
Unsalted Butter (softened and melted): Adds richness for the batter and buttery flavor that makes it indulgent without being greasy.
White Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with that slight crunch in the cinnamon sugar topping.
Eggs: Bind everything and give the bread structure and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor depth and sweetness, rounding out the cinnamon’s spice.
All Purpose Flour: The perfect base for a soft but sturdy bread that slices well.
Baking Powder: Gives lift and slight fluffiness to keep the bread from getting dense.
Salt: Balances sweetness and helps bring out the flavors.
Buttermilk: Key for moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the bread from tasting too sweet or one-note—plus, it reacts nicely with the baking powder for fluffiness.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice—warm, fragrant, and soul-soothing.
Molasses: Just a hint to deepen the cinnamon swirl, adding complexity and a little chew.
Sugar (white and light brown) for topping: The mix of sugars adds texture and that perfect crusty bite on the outside.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on the season or the crowd I’m feeding. Feel free to mix things up—you’ll find it rewarding to make it your own.

Add-ins: I love tossing in some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra surprise in texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free Switch: Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based yogurt and use coconut oil to make it dairy-free without losing moisture.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon mix during fall for seasonal vibes.
Less Sweet: If you want a less sweet version, cut back slightly on the sugar in the batter or sprinkle less on top—still delicious, just mellow.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Greasing your loaf pan well is key—grab your favorite cooking spray or smear a little butter around the edges and bottom. This prevents sticking and helps your bread come out clean and pretty. Trust me, nothing kills the vibe like a loaf stuck halfway to the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, I blend together the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar until everything is luscious and combined. Then, I add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter feels smooth and silky. Next up, gently fold in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt—alternating with the buttermilk. The batter should be smooth but don’t overmix; keep that tender crumb alive!

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Take about half a cup of the batter out and pop it into a smaller bowl. Stir in the ground cinnamon and molasses till that batter looks like sweet cinnamon magic. This gets layered inside the loaf to create those dreamy cinnamon pockets.

Step 4: Layer & Swirl

Pour half of the plain batter into the loaf pan. Then spoon the cinnamon batter in dollops on top of that. Pour the remaining plain batter over, and then finish with the rest of the cinnamon batter. Using a butter knife, I gently swirl the two batters to create that signature marbled effect—you want swirly but not completely mixed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your loaf for about 45 to 50 minutes. I always start checking around 45 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry it out, so keep a close eye near the end. Once it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes—warm enough to handle but not so hot you’ll burn your fingers.

Step 6: The Butter & Cinnamon Sugar Dip

This is the part that takes it from great to unforgettable. Pour melted butter into a shallow dish, and mix white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in another dish. Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter so it’s fully coated, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s beautifully glazed and ready to wow. Slice up and serve warm or at room temp—you’re officially in cinnamon donut heaven.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and buttermilk at room temp blend better, resulting in a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until dry ingredients disappear to keep the bread soft and tender, not tough.
Perfect the Swirl: Use a gentle swirling motion with a butter knife—no need to overdo it or the batters will blend completely.
Dip While Warm: Dip the loaf in butter as soon as it’s cool enough to handle, so the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly and forms that addicting glaze.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant hint of sweetness. Sometimes, when I’m feeling fancy, I drizzle a quick vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream. Both elevate the rustic loaf without overpowering the cinnamon magic.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai latte. For brunch, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples, plus a spread of cream cheese or even a dollop of whipped cream. It balances the sweetness and makes every bite feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings or celebration brunches, I slice the bread thick, then stack the slices like a small cake on a pretty plate, drizzling extra melted butter and sprinkling more cinnamon sugar on top. It’s a showstopper that gets lots of compliments. You can even serve it with little ramekins of fruit compote or maple syrup for dipping fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It keeps nicely at room temperature for up to two days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house! If your kitchen is warm, refrigerated storage will extend freshness for about 4 days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I slice the bread before freezing, then lay the pieces flat on a baking sheet. Once solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want some, just thaw at room temp or pop them in the toaster oven to warm up that buttery, cinnamon sheen again.

Reheating

Warm the slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. If you want to revive the buttery cinnamon crust, lightly brush with melted butter and toast for a minute more. It tastes just like fresh-baked again!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, pour in enough milk to reach 1 cup, stir it, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute will work perfectly in the recipe.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf after about 45 minutes of baking. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If it has wet batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture. The bread might be a little denser but still delicious.
What’s the best way to store leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced portions and thaw as needed for best freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort treats—simple enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to impress anyone who tries it. It’s the perfect blend of soft bread, cinnamon-sweet swirls, and that irresistible butter-sugar coating that brings it all together. I can’t recommend giving it a shot enough—you’ll be hooked after the first warm slice. So grab your mixing bowl, pull out that loaf pan, and get ready to make some memories with this cozy, cinnamon-hug of a bread.