Cinnamon Donut Bread
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful treat that captures the nostalgia of your favorite cinnamon sugar donuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day. The best part? It’s baked, not fried, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. With its moist texture and sweet cinnamon topping, this loaf will be a hit at family gatherings, weekend brunches, or even as a cozy evening treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Enjoyment – Serve it warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert after dinner.
- Nostalgic Flavor – Enjoy the comforting taste of cinnamon sugar donuts without the frying mess.
- Moist and Tender Texture – This bread stays soft and delicious, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Perfectly Sweet Topping – The crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances every slice.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Cinnamon Donut Bread, gather the essential tools to make the process easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan – Ensures even baking and proper shape for your bread.
- Mixing bowls – Allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk – Helps achieve a smooth batter by mixing wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Spatula – Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and smoothing batter.

Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Incorporate Milk
Gradually add the milk while mixing until combined.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Create Topping Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool Down
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of this sweet loaf.
Toasted with Butter
- A warm slice of Cinnamon Donut Bread slathered in butter creates a deliciously rich experience.
Drizzled with Honey
- Enhance the sweetness by drizzling honey over the bread, adding a floral note that pairs well with cinnamon.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Pairing the bread with fresh berries or sliced bananas adds a refreshing contrast and boosts nutrition.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your Cinnamon Donut Bread alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning or afternoon break.
Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
- For an indulgent dessert, spread cream cheese frosting on top for added creaminess and flavor.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread
To ensure your Cinnamon Donut Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
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Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready; if not, bake for a few more minutes.
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Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess from steam.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Donut Bread
Cinnamon Donut Bread pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creamy texture and tanginess that complements the sweetness of the bread.
- Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the bread.
- Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and can be served alongside yogurt as a delightful breakfast option.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with light dressing can balance out the richness of the bread perfectly.
- Nut Butter Spread: Almond or peanut butter spread on warm slices offers protein and healthy fats that pair well with cinnamon flavors.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits can add warmth and additional sweetness to each slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking is an art that requires precision and care. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Cinnamon Donut Bread.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking relies on precise measurements. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure accuracy.
- Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the cooling time – Rushing the cooling process can affect the texture. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Using expired ingredients – Fresh ingredients guarantee better flavor and texture. Always check the expiration dates on baking powder and spices.
- Not preheating the oven – Preheating ensures even baking. Take time to preheat your oven before placing your bread inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
Freezing Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds for quick warm-up.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cinnamon Donut Bread.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may yield a denser loaf. Adjust liquid as needed.
How do I customize my Cinnamon Donut Bread?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to enhance flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overmix!
What is the best way to serve Cinnamon Donut Bread?
Cinnamon Donut Bread is delicious on its own or served with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a vegan version of Cinnamon Donut Bread.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of classic donuts without frying. Its moistness and sweetness make it perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Cinnamon Donut Bread
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful, baked treat that brings the nostalgia of your favorite cinnamon sugar donuts right to your kitchen. This moist and tender loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day. With its easy preparation and comforting flavors, it’s an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. The crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping adds an irresistible sweetness, making each slice a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or drizzled with honey, this treat is sure to please everyone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; stir in vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the milk until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan; smooth top with a spatula.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for topping; sprinkle evenly over batter.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
