Cinnamon Donut Bread: A Sweet, Spiced Twist on a Classic Treat 🍩🍞✨
If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the magic of a fresh cinnamon-sugar donut and turn it into something sliceable—this Cinnamon Donut Bread is your dream come true. Imagine a soft, tender loaf with warm cinnamon notes, a buttery crumb, and that unmistakable sugary crunch on top. No deep fryer required.
Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee, this loaf brings the comfort of baked goods and the charm of a donut—all in one pan.
Why I Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread
This recipe checks every box:
- No frying mess—just bake and enjoy
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Rich cinnamon flavor in every bite
- That crispy, buttery sugar topping (aka the best part)
It’s as cozy and crave-worthy as caramel apple pie cookies or pumpkin spice muffins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
✅ Tip: Use real buttermilk for best texture. In a pinch, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously. Set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
You’ll smell that cinnamon magic already!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together:
- Sugar
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet. Stir gently—don’t overmix! The batter should be thick and spoonable.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Topping
While it bakes, mix cinnamon and sugar in one bowl, and melt butter in another.
7. Finish the Loaf
Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully remove it, brush the top with melted butter, and generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Let cool fully before slicing (trust us—it’s worth the wait!).
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined for a tender loaf.
- Use real butter: It gives that rich flavor and perfect sugar crust.
- Cool before slicing: This helps the crumb set for clean slices.
- Double the topping: You won’t regret it.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Enjoy your cinnamon donut bread:
- Warm with a pat of butter and hot coffee
- Paired with big family banana pudding for a cozy dessert duo
- Sliced thick and toasted with maple butter
- Alongside edible cookie dough on a sweet snack board
It’s also perfect for gifting or bringing to a brunch potluck.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps up to a week—just toast to refresh!
- Freeze: Wrap in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this loaf? Try more cozy bakes next:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
- Edible Cookie Dough
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect mashup of a classic loaf and a nostalgic donut. It’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear slice by slice. Whether you’re making it for a weekend bake or gifting a loaf to a friend, it’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles with every bite.
Baked it? Let us know your favorite add-ins (cinnamon chips? apple chunks?) and tag @ChefManiac so we can see your sweet success!
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