Name: Cinnamon Donut Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and rested for 5 minutes); 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling and Topping:; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing the top); Special Tools:; 9x5 inch loaf pan; Mixing bowls; Hand or stand mixer (optional, but helpful); Pastry brush

Cinnamon Donut Bread

Some recipes find their way into your heart almost instantly, and for our family, this Cinnamon Donut Bread has become one of those irreplaceable favorites. It all started one cozy Sunday afternoon when we were craving something sweet but didn’t want the fuss of deep-frying donuts. I stumbled across a few ideas online, but nothing quite hit that perfect combination of ease and indulgence I was looking for—so I decided to create my own version.

Imagine a loaf that’s soft and fluffy on the inside, with beautiful ribbons of cinnamon-sugar running through every slice. Now top that with a crackly, sweet cinnamon topping that makes each bite taste just like your favorite old-fashioned donut. The first time I pulled this bread out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like a bakery, and the kids came running before it even had a chance to cool. Needless to say, it disappeared almost as quickly as it came together.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. No yeast, no waiting around for dough to rise—just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s the kind of treat that feels a little special but is easy enough to whip up on a weekday. Whether we’re having it for breakfast, a midday snack, or sneaking a piece for dessert, it never fails to bring a little extra joy to our day. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Donut Bread?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I add nuts or raisins?
Of course! Feel free to stir in about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for a little extra texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to serve it?
We love it slightly warmed up with a pat of butter, but it’s just as delicious at room temperature. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just use two loaf pans and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.

What You Need to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and rested for 5 minutes)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling and Topping:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing the top)

Special Tools:

9×5 inch loaf pan

Mixing bowls

Hand or stand mixer (optional, but helpful)

Pastry brush

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Prepare the cinnamon-sugar: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.

Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Swirl: Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter.

Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Finish: While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with additional cinnamon-sugar for that perfect “donut” finish.

Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Donut Bread

Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay and keep the bread tender.

Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter and more even baking.

Customize the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or using brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Let the bread cool completely before slicing to get clean, beautiful swirls.

Double the cinnamon-sugar topping if you love extra sweetness and crunch.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This Cinnamon Donut Bread is absolutely amazing! My whole family devoured it, and it was so easy to make.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really tasty and simple! I wish there was a bit more cinnamon flavor, so next time I’ll double the swirl.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy mornings! I made it the night before, and it was a hit with my kids and husband.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It truly tastes like a donut in loaf form! Soft, moist, and that crunchy topping is divine.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very good, but I might add some chopped pecans next time for more texture. Still, a definite keeper!”

Printable Recipe

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