Irresistible Cinnamon Donut Bread – 7 Easy Steps to a Perfect Loaf!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen, and this Cinnamon Donut Bread delivers just that! Every bite of this soft, sweet bread brings back memories of warm cinnamon sugar donuts, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings, cozy mornings, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up.

This easy-to-make loaf has all the flavors of a classic cinnamon donut—soft, buttery, and coated in a delicious cinnamon sugar topping. Plus, no frying is required! If you love the taste of old-fashioned donuts but want something even easier, this recipe is for you.

Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Tastes just like a cinnamon sugar donut – Soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar
• No frying required – Get that classic donut flavor in a simple, baked loaf
• Easy to make – No special equipment needed, just a mixing bowl and a loaf pan
• Perfect anytime – Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or with your favorite coffee
• Freezes well – Make it ahead and enjoy whenever the craving strikes

What Does Cinnamon Donut Bread Taste Like?

Imagine the soft, fluffy texture of a donut, the rich sweetness of cinnamon sugar, and a hint of buttery goodness all in one slice. The inside is tender and moist, while the outside has a light crunch from the cinnamon sugar coating. It’s sweet, warm, and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Donut Bread

For the Bread

• 1 cup milk, warmed – Keeps the bread soft and moist
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds rich flavor
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness
• 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the bread
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise beautifully
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures a light, fluffy texture
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Infuses that classic cinnamon donut flavor

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps the topping stick
• ½ cup granulated sugar – For that perfect sweet coating
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm, spiced goodness

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Pastry brush (for coating the bread)
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon

4. Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bread soft and tender

5. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

6. Cool and Prepare the Coating

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Brush the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle or roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated

7. Slice and Enjoy!

Let the coating set for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature

What to Serve with Cinnamon Donut Bread

This bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with

• A hot cup of coffee or tea
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• A side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Use warm milk, not hot! If the milk is too hot, it can affect the texture of the bread
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy loaf
• For extra cinnamon flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter
• Brush the butter on while the bread is warm. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick better
• Want a little crunch? Add a handful of chopped nuts or cinnamon chips to the batter

How to Store Cinnamon Donut Bread

Room Temperature

Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days

Refrigerator

For longer freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week

Freezing

Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for the best results

Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes

What if I don’t have cinnamon?
You can use nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating from getting soggy?
Store the bread uncovered or loosely covered with foil to maintain the crisp coating

A Sweet, Cozy Treat for Any Occasion

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is everything you love about a classic cinnamon sugar donut—soft, buttery, and covered in a sweet, spiced coating. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again!

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you bake this, share a photo on Pinterest—I’d love to see your delicious creations!

Happy baking! 😊🍩✨

Craving more delicious homemade bread? Try these next!

• Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding – A rich, custardy Southern classic
• Pineapple Coconut God Bless America Cake – A tropical, fluffy delight
• Soft & Savory Red Lentil Bread – A nutritious and unique twist on homemade bread

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