Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

ByJulia
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 12 reviews

If you’re anything like me and have a soft spot for that perfect warm snack with just the right balance of sweet and spice, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe. It’s like your favorite cinnamon sugar donuts got a makeover as a cozy loaf of bread — soft on the inside with a crisp, buttery cinnamon sugar shell on the outside. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to treat for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Let me walk you through every step to make sure your kitchen smells like heaven and your loaf comes out perfect.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

  • Swirled Cinnamon Molasses Batter: Adds a rich, aromatic cinnamon flavor with just a hint of molasses depth that perfectly complements the buttery bread base.
  • Buttermilk in the Batter: Keeps the bread tender and moist, giving that soft crumb you want in a good sweet bread.
  • The Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Creates an irresistible crispy, buttery crust that mimics that classic donut experience.
  • Simple Ingredients & Easy Swirling: No complicated steps but the swirl technique ensures every bite gets that signature cinnamon sugar goodness.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, cinnamon sugar bread, soft donut loaf, cinnamon sweet bread, easy breakfast 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 recipe is all about the balance between soft, tender bread and a sugary, cinnamony crust. The ingredients are straightforward pantry staples, but each one plays a role in making this bread truly sing. Let’s go through them and why they’re important here.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, cinnamon sugar bread, soft donut loaf, cinnamon sweet bread, easy breakfast 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: Adds moisture without overpowering flavor, keeping the crumb soft and tender.
  • Softened butter: Brings richness and helps with that buttery coating on the crust.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and caramelizes in the crust for flavor and texture.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and a lovely golden color.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
  • All-purpose flour: The base for the bread, giving it a perfect balance of structure and softness.
  • Baking powder: Works as a leavening agent making the bread rise just right.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
  • Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Adds acidity to tenderize the bread crumb and gives a subtle tang that complements the cinnamon.
  • Cinnamon: The star spice of the recipe, warming and fragrant.
  • Molasses: Adds depth and richness to the cinnamon swirl, giving a slightly caramel-like flavor.
  • Brown sugar (for coating): Works with granulated sugar to create a multi-dimensional, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating.
📝
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 the best things about this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks depending on the season or who I’m baking for, and you should definitely make it your own!

  • Add-ins: I love tossing in a handful of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor—especially if I’m making this for a special brunch.
  • Spice variation: If you’re a fan of warm spices beyond cinnamon, sprinkle in some nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom to your cinnamon swirl batter.
  • Health-conscious swaps: I’ve swapped canola oil for avocado oil or used a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour with great results, for a slightly heartier bread.

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

Step 1: Prepping Your Pan and Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, lightly grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick spray—I’ve found light pans help the bread not over-brown on the edges while baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together canola oil, softened butter, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, making sure your eggs are at room temp so everything blends seamlessly without curdling.

Step 2: Combining the Dry with the Wet

Next, sift together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Adding the dry to the wet in batches helps prevent clumps, so gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the buttermilk. Stir until you get a smooth, uniform batter—scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to catch any stray flour pockets. No one wants a dry bite!

Step 3: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl Batter

Now for the fun part: Separate about half a cup of the batter into a smaller bowl. To this smaller amount, add cinnamon and molasses and mix until fully combined. This little mixture is the flavor hero of the recipe, so mix well to distribute all that lovely cinnamon goodness.

Step 4: Layering & Swirling for the Perfect Loaf

Pour about half of the plain batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon batter over the top in small dollops—think of it like little flavor islands. Pour the remaining plain batter on top, then drop dollops of the cinnamon batter again. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the two batters together—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that beautiful swirl effect!

Step 5: Baking & Preparing the Signature Coating

Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. While it’s baking, melt your butter and combine sugars with cinnamon in separate shallow dishes. This coating is what turns the bread into that luscious, crisp cinnamon sugar delight.

Step 6: The Magical Dip & Coat

Once the loaf has cooled for about 10 minutes—warm but not hot enough to burn—carefully loosen it from the pan. Dip every side in the melted butter to soak up that richness, then roll or press the loaf into the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s fully coated. I like to use my hands to gently pat the sugar onto the crust, ensuring those flavorful sugar crystals stick beautifully.

Step 7: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!

Slice your loaf into thick pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. If you ask me, nothing beats a slice fresh out of the oven with maybe a little pat of butter on top. This bread truly tastes like a warm hug in every bite.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize or separate; warming them up ensures a smooth, cohesive mix.
  • Don’t Over-Swirl: Swirling too much blends the batters and loses the pretty cinnamon pattern—gentle swirling is key.
  • Choose a Light Loaf Pan: This helps the loaf bake evenly without over-browning the sides.
  • Coat While Warm: Dipping in butter and sugar while the bread is warm helps it absorb flavor and develop a crisp crust.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze when I want to dress this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe up a bit for guests. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top add a nice contrast and a pop of color too.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I sometimes serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance sweet and savory plates.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings or special occasions, try slicing the bread into cubes for an easy cinnamon sugar bread fondue. Warm up some cream cheese or vanilla glaze for dipping—it’s always a crowd-pleaser and feels fancy without the fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature. The bread stays fresh and soft for up to three days, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

If I want to make this ahead of time, I slice the cooled loaf and freeze the slices individually in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to eat, I just pop one or two slices out and let them thaw or toast straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Reheating gently is key. I like to warm slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds—just enough to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and revive the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

    Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use that in the recipe. It adds the acidity needed to keep the bread tender.

  2. How do I prevent the bread from drying out?

    Make sure not to overbake the loaf — check around 45 minutes with a toothpick. Also, the butter and cinnamon sugar coating adds a protective layer that locks in moisture while giving a delicious crust.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes, you can swap butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use any plant-based milk with a splash of vinegar for the buttermilk substitute. The bread will still turn out soft and tasty.

  4. Why do you use both brown sugar and granulated sugar in the coating?

    The brown sugar adds a bit of molasses flavor and extra richness, while the granulated sugar gives a wonderful crunch. Together, they create that perfect cinnamon sugar crust everyone loves.

  5. What’s the best way to swirl the batters together?

    Use the tip of a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon batter into the plain batter in the pan. Small, slow circular motions work best—avoid over-mixing to keep those beautiful cinnamon ribbons distinct.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is my little kitchen secret for when I want to impress without spending hours fiddling. It’s comforting, delicious, and a pinch of nostalgia in every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Once you do, I bet this recipe will become a cherished favorite you’ll revisit again and again — just like an old friend stopping by for coffee and something sweet.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • 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 features a moist loaf swirled with cinnamon and molasses, coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, delivering the flavors of a classic donut in an easy-to-make bread perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Bread Batter

  • 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

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it 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 flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until a uniform batter forms, scraping the sides of the bowl to remove lumps.
  4. Prepare Cinnamon Batter: Transfer 1/2 cup of the prepared batter into a smaller bowl. Add cinnamon and molasses, stirring until fully combined.
  5. Layer and Swirl Batter: 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 on top, then drop the remaining cinnamon batter over that. Use a butter knife to swirl the batters gently together.
  6. Bake Bread: Bake the loaf for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Prepare Coating: While the bread bakes, pour melted butter into a large shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
  8. Cool and Remove Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then loosen the edges and remove it carefully. The loaf should be warm but not hot.
  9. Coat Loaf: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter until thoroughly coated. Spoon any remaining butter over the edges for crispiness. Then press the loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, fully coating all sides.
  10. Slice and Serve: Slice the loaf into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon swirl donut bread!

Notes

  • Use buttermilk for a tangier flavor; if unavailable, combine milk with vinegar as a substitute.
  • Ensure the loaf is warm enough to absorb the butter and sugar coating, but not so hot that it crumbles.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon batter.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • To enhance the swirl effect, avoid overmixing once the batters are combined in the pan.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star