Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
If you love the aroma of freshly baked goods and the nostalgic sweetness of a classic cinnamon donut, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is about to become your new household favorite. Imagine a golden, soft loaf that captures the joy of your favorite bakery donut, but with the comforting ease of a quick bread you can whip up at home. A buttery crumb, that signature crackly cinnamon-sugar crust, and an irresistibly moist bite await you — and the best part is, you don’t need any special equipment or frying. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe brings warmth and sweetness to every slice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is how you can count the ingredients on your fingers, yet each plays a crucial role in the finished loaf. These simple elements come together to create irresistible flavor, tender crumb, and that beautiful cinnamon sugar finish.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives your bread structure and that perfect dense-but-soft texture.
- Baking powder: Ensures the loaf rises nicely, giving it a fluffy, cake-like crumb.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for a subtle tang and extra rise.
- Salt: Just a little to enhance all the sweet and spicy notes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps with the classic “donut” flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for that familiar cinnamon punch in both the bread and the coating.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute tenderness to the crumb.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang, richness, and helps keep the bread soft and moist.
- Vegetable oil: Provides moisture for a tender bite that stays fresh longer.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out the warm, comforting flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed over the warm loaf to create that glorious, sticky base for the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Gives the finished loaf its signature sweet crunch.
- Ground cinnamon (for coating): Mixed with sugar for that irresistible topping and aroma.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan. Grease it well and dust with flour — this simple step makes sure your bread slides right out, perfectly golden and intact. A well-prepped pan gives you that smooth, bakery-worthy crust every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This blend ensures your dry ingredients distribute evenly, so every bite is infused with that subtle, balanced sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until combined. This creamy mixture is what keeps the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread moist and flavorful — don’t rush this step, as thorough mixing here means a tender loaf later!
Step 4: Combine & Fold
Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a gentle hand to stir just until everything is incorporated — over-mixing is the enemy of tender quick breads! It’s okay if you see a few small lumps; they’ll bake out.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The aroma in your kitchen at this point will be pure heaven — that’s the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread magic at work!
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Let your bread cool just slightly, then remove from the pan while it’s still warm. Brush the melted butter over the top, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies. Mix your cinnamon and sugar for coating, then sprinkle (or lavishly shower) this mixture all over the loaf. That crackly, fragrant topping is what sets this bread apart!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Garnishes
Serve slices of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread warm, with an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar for a pretty and flavorful finish. For added flair, try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze — a touch of powdered sugar on top always makes a lovely presentation too!
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or an ice-cold glass of milk. For brunch, add fresh sliced fruit, yogurt, or a side of scrambled eggs to round out the meal. Its sweetness matches up perfectly with simple, hearty sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the loaf into cubes for a fun breakfast platter or transforming thick slices into French toast for a decadent morning treat. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread also makes fabulous mini loaves or muffins for gifting — wrap them in parchment and twine for a charming homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, retaining that lovely moistness and sugar-crusted top.
Freezing
This bread is a dream for meal prep! Slice and wrap individual pieces (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic, then freeze for up to three months. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving, or pop a slice in the toaster for a slightly crisp edge.
Reheating
For that “fresh from the oven” experience, warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven. The butter and sugar topping will get wonderfully melty, rejuvenating your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread as if it was just baked!
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. The tangy acidity is important for the right texture and lift in this recipe.
What’s the secret to the perfect cinnamon sugar crust?
The key is brushing the loaf with melted butter while it’s still warm and then coating it generously with cinnamon-sugar. The warmth helps the topping stick beautifully and gives that bakery-style crunch.
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. The results are best with blends that contain xanthan gum for structure, ensuring your bread stays moist and slices well.
How can I add more cinnamon flavor?
For a cinnamon swirl effect, mix a couple of tablespoons of cinnamon sugar and ripple it through the middle of the batter before baking. Or simply add a touch more ground cinnamon to the batter for a bolder flavor profile.
Can I use this recipe to make muffins instead?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among greased muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full. Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick — you’ll get adorable, portable treats with the same cinnamon-sugar donut vibe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try a slice of this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, it’ll find a regular spot in your baking rotation. There’s just something about the old-fashioned flavor and easy homemade magic that keeps everyone coming back for more. Grab your mixing bowls and treat yourself — you’re just an hour away from cozy, cinnamon-spiced bliss!
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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a classic donut and sweet bread with this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in every slice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Combine 1 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Brush melted butter on warm bread and coat generously.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, create a cinnamon swirl in the batter.
- Pair with coffee or milk for a delicious breakfast or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
