If you love the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon sugar donuts but don’t want the hassle of frying, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect recipe for you. Baked in a loaf pan, this sweet bread has the soft, tender texture of a cake-like donut, finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Donut Bread
- No frying required – All the flavor of donuts without the mess.
- Tender & moist – Soft, cake-like bread that melts in your mouth.
- Cinnamon sugar coating – Buttery, sweet, and totally addictive.
- Perfect anytime – Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter & sugar – In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine – Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Bake – Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes, then remove from pan.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar – Brush warm bread with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
- Serve & enjoy – Slice and serve warm for the best flavor.
Tips for the Best Donut Bread
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for the perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter—keep it light and fluffy.
- Coat the bread while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a more classic donut flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
- Slice and pack for a sweet lunchbox treat.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a sweet, cozy recipe that brings the flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts into a simple, no-fry loaf. With its tender crumb and buttery cinnamon coating, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving comfort food.
Bake a loaf today and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade donut bread!