Cinnamon Donut Bread Loaf

Category: Treats That Make Everything Better

This cinnamon donut bread loaf brings together the soft, tender crumb typical of a classic donut and the easy sliceability of a homemade quick bread. Infused with warm cinnamon, buttermilk for moisture, and finished with a generous brushing of melted butter and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, each slice offers rich flavor and a comforting aroma. The simple batter comes together quickly, making this loaf ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet finish to any meal. Serve warm for a melt-in-your-mouth treat, or enjoy at room temperature with your favorite beverage.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 26 Jul 2025 14:09:02 GMT
A plate of cinnamon donut bread. Save
A plate of cinnamon donut bread. | lilicooks.com

This cinnamon donut bread is the fastest way to bring the sweet nostalgic bakery flavor home without the fuss of frying. It bakes up soft and tender with a buttery crumb and is crowned with a shimmering blanket of spiced sugar that crackles when you slice. It is my go-to for cozy weekends when I crave something warm with my morning coffee, and it is always a hit with friends who stop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: provides the perfect tender texture look for unbleached varieties for best crumb
  • Granulated sugar: gives that classic donut sweetness use fine grain for even mixing
  • Baking powder and baking soda: help the bread rise high and fluffy check the expiration for best results
  • Ground cinnamon: brings the signature donut flavor choose fresh spice for a strong scent
  • Salt: balances out the sweetness sea salt offers more pure flavor
  • Eggs: give richness and structure farm fresh eggs add the best taste and color
  • Buttermilk: keeps the crumb moist and tangy use real buttermilk if possible for authenticity
  • Unsalted butter: supplies rich flavor and moisture melt gently and do not overheat
  • Vanilla extract: layers in cozy warmth pure extract adds depth you will notice
  • For the topping granulated sugar and cinnamon: replicate that classic donut finish and the melted butter helps it all stick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Make sure your oven is at 350 F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy removal. Proper prepping means you will not lose any precious crumb to the pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda cinnamon and salt until evenly blended. Breaking up any lumps here helps the bread bake up uniform and smooth.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Whisk together eggs buttermilk melted butter and vanilla in a separate bowl until fully combined. This little step ensures the batter is even and everything blends smoothly.
Combine Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Stir slowly and only until you do not see streaks of flour. Overmixing at this stage toughens the finished bread.
Bake the Bread:
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out. Bake in the center of the oven for forty five to fifty minutes. Test with a toothpick in the center it should come out clean or with a tender crumb.
Cool and Add Topping:
Let the bread rest for ten minutes so it sets up then remove from the pan. Brush melted butter over the top and coat with the cinnamon sugar mix for that classic donut sparkle.
Slice and Serve:
Slice thick while it is still a little warm or enjoy at room temperature. This bread is perfect with coffee or tea or a cold glass of milk.
A plate of cinnamon donut bread. Save
A plate of cinnamon donut bread. | lilicooks.com

You Must Know

I am shamelessly in love with the cinnamon sugar topping because it has just the right crunch and keeps the bread from drying out. One of my favorite memories is making this with my niece who giggled at how her fingers turned sparkly from the sugar crust.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container. This bread keeps soft at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage freeze wrapped slices for up to two months and thaw at room temperature before eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buttermilk add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup milk and let sit five minutes. You can use a plant based butter or dairy free milk to make it dairy free. Whole wheat pastry flour often works nicely for a heartier version.

A slice of cinnamon donut bread. Save
A slice of cinnamon donut bread. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve thick slices with a pat of salted butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra treat. This bread tastes especially good fresh from the oven but is also delicious the next day as a sweet snack. Try toasting a slice and pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Cultural Inspiration

This bread is inspired by the American tradition of cakey donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar a flavor fondly linked with fairs and festivals. Adapting it into a loaf makes it perfect for sharing as a breakfast treat or after school snack.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the bread moist?

Ensure the batter isn't overmixed, and avoid overbaking. Buttermilk in the mix also keeps each slice tender and moist.

→ Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Yes, you can mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes as a buttermilk alternative.

→ What's the best way to apply the cinnamon sugar topping?

Brush melted butter on the loaf and sprinkle or roll the top in the cinnamon sugar while the bread is still warm for best adherence.

→ How should I store cinnamon donut bread loaf?

Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

→ Can I make this with whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture, though it may be slightly denser.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Loaf

Soft loaf bursting with cinnamon flavor, topped with a sweet sugar crust for cozy delight.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
55 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 1 loaf

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Bread

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
04 ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 ½ teaspoon salt
07 2 large eggs
08 1 cup buttermilk
09 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
10 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

11 ½ cup granulated sugar
12 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle or roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 07

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your sweet slice of comfort!

Required Tools

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~