Cinnamon Donut Bread

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm cinnamon drifting through your kitchen? Cinnamon Donut Bread is one of those magical recipes that instantly transforms an ordinary day into something special—and yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds!

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend treat, a sweet pick-me-up for your afternoon coffee break, or simply want to impress the kiddos (or your coworkers) without slaving away for hours, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is your ticket to happiness. It’s soft, tender, and dusted in that classic cinnamon-sugar coating we all love. Honestly, it tastes like a cinnamon donut and a fluffy loaf cake had a scrumptious baby—and trust me, you’ll want to adopt it into your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread

Besides filling your kitchen with the heavenly scent of cinnamon, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is:

✅ Quick to whip up—no fancy gadgets required.
✅ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or sneaky midnight snacking.
✅ A crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, bake sales, or that friend who “doesn’t like sweets” (spoiler: they’ll love this).
✅ A simple way to bring bakery-style treats into your own home.

And let’s be honest—sometimes we just need a dessert that makes us feel like a kid again. Cinnamon Donut Bread does exactly that.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical loaf.

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Get ready to channel your inner baker! This Cinnamon Donut Bread comes together in just a few easy steps1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. I like to line mine with parchment for easy removal (and fewer moments of loaf heartbreak).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:

  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Then stir in the ¾ cup buttermilk until smooth.

4. Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—no overmixing, unless you want your loaf to double as a doorstop!

5. Bake the Bread

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

6. Prepare the Topping

While your loaf is baking, stir together:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Melt the ¼ cup butter in a separate bowl. Resist the urge to drink it—it’s for the loaf!

7. Coat the Bread

When the bread is done, cool it in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it and place on a wire rack.

Brush the warm loaf generously with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the top, letting it cling to the butter like a cozy cinnamon blanket.

8. Cool & Serve

Allow your Cinnamon Donut Bread to cool completely before slicing. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy a slice (or two). You deserve it!

My Little Cinnamon Donut Bread Story

Funny story—this Cinnamon Donut Bread became a staple in my kitchen after one crazy snow day. My kids were bouncing off the walls, craving donuts, and the roads were too icy to drive anywhere. So I decided to “fake” donuts with ingredients I had at home. The result? This loaf. And let’s just say, my kids now pray for snow days just so I’ll make it again!

Aneta’s Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread

  • Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing = tough bread.
  • Parchment Paper Saves Lives: Well, at least loaves. It makes lifting the bread out of the pan so much easier.
  • Use Fresh Cinnamon: Spices lose their oomph over time. If your cinnamon’s older than your favorite pair of yoga pants, it’s time to refresh your stash!
  • Warm It Up: A quick 10-second zap in the microwave makes each slice taste bakery-fresh.
Cinnamon Donut Bread loaf coated in cinnamon sugar, resting on parchment paper with a knife and cinnamon-sugar bowl nearby.
This Cinnamon Donut Bread shines with a golden crust and cinnamon-sugar coating, making every slice pure bliss!

Cinnamon Donut Bread FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you’re out of buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Instant buttermilk!

How should I store leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw as needed.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Same cinnamon-sugar magic, just in a cute, portable form.

Let’s Bake Some Sweet Magic!

Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your day—without needing a fryer or a donut shop detour. It’s easy, delightful, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like pure happiness.

So go on—tie on that apron, crank up your favorite playlist, and let’s bring a little cinnamon-sugar magic into your home. Happy baking!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If your sweet tooth is still calling—or you’re simply in the mood to keep the baking magic going—check out some of my other irresistible recipes! Here are a few tasty adventures waiting for you:

  • Satisfy another sweet craving with my Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies, perfect for bake sales or when you want to impress guests with a fun twist on classic cookies.
  • For a creamy, crowd-pleasing side, don’t miss my Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage, a dish that’s comfort food at its best and pairs beautifully with any brunch spread.
  • If you love exploring international flavors, my Brazilian Coconut Chicken will whisk your tastebuds off to tropical vibes—and it’s as easy to make as this Cinnamon Donut Bread.
  • And for a fresh, fruity option that’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, try my Cheesecake Fruit Salad, loaded with creamy goodness and vibrant fruit for a light yet indulgent treat.

There’s a whole world of deliciousness waiting for you in my kitchen. Happy cooking, my friend!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cinnamon Donut Bread loaf cooling on a wire rack, showing a fluffy interior and cinnamon-sugar topping.

Cinnamon Donut Bread


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x

Description

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a soft, buttery loaf dusted in sweet cinnamon sugar, delivering the classic taste of a cinnamon donut in every moist, tender slice. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

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

  3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in buttermilk until combined.

  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  6. While baking, combine sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Melt butter separately.

  7. Let baked bread cool 10 minutes in the pan, then remove to a wire rack. Brush melted butter over the loaf. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar evenly over the top.

  8. Allow bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star