Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic!

Warm, gooey cinnamon donut bread brings memories of cozy weekend mornings straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, tempting everyone nearby.

Soft, pillowy slices promise pure comfort with each delectable bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet irresistible treat.

Kitchen novices and experienced cooks will fall in love with these moist, fragrant chunks.

Dusted with sugar and spice, this bread feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning.

You’ll want to slice into this delightful creation immediately and savor every crumb.

Cinnamon Donut Bread: All the FAQs

  • Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

  • How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

  • What if I don't have a loaf pan?

You can use a 9-inch square baking pan or a similar-sized round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on the bread to prevent overcooking.

  • Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help improve the bread’s texture and binding.

Why Cinnamon Donut Bread Smells Like Home

  • Craft a mouthwatering cinnamon donut bread with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
  • Whip up this delicious bread in just over an hour, making it an ideal solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guest arrivals.
  • Enjoy this bread as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or delightful dessert that satisfies all age groups with its warm, nostalgic cinnamon flavor.
  • Create a homemade treat that brings everyone together, offering a simple yet irresistible recipe that requires basic pantry ingredients and minimal preparation time.

What You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the bread, soft and fine-textured flour works best.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning, standard granulated sugar recommended.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Gives signature donut flavor, fresh and high-quality spice preferred.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide richness, room temperature eggs work best.
  • Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds slight tanginess, low-fat or whole milk can substitute.
  • Melted Butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor, unsalted butter recommended.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor, pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates classic donut-style topping, mix just before sprinkling.
  • Additional Melted Butter: For brushing on top to help cinnamon sugar adhere.

How to Bake Cinnamon Donut Bread with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a standard loaf pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Flavor Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 3: Blend the Liquid Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk until silky smooth:
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Vanilla extract

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a light touch just until everything combines- no aggressive mixing allowed!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Crown

While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the surface.

Step 7: Slice and Savor

Allow the bread to cool completely. Cut into thick slices and enjoy as is or with a pat of creamy butter. This bread brings the magic of donuts right to your kitchen!

Pro Tips for Fluffy Donut-Style Bread

  • Select Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for the smoothest, richest bread texture and optimal rising.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined to prevent tough, dense bread with a rubbery consistency.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick near the center and look for minimal crumbs; if it comes out with wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments.
  • Control Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Brush melted butter while bread is warm to help cinnamon sugar adhere evenly and create a delightful crispy exterior.
  • Store Smartly: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Keeping Cinnamon Donut Bread Soft and Sweet

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven.
  • Remove frozen bread from the freezer, let it thaw at room temperature, and warm in the oven at 300F for 5-10 minutes to restore moisture and freshness.

What to Eat with Cinnamon Donut Bread

  • Pair this warm, cinnamon-rich bread with creamy chai latte for a spice-perfect match that enhances the bread's sweet notes.
  • Cold milk or vanilla almond milk creates a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the bread's dense, rich texture.
  • Robust espresso or medium-roast coffee cuts through the bread's sweetness, creating a balanced breakfast or afternoon treat.
  • Moscato or sweet dessert wine offers a luxurious companion that amplifies the bread's warm cinnamon undertones.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Versions to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to create a celiac-friendly bread that maintains the same delicious cinnamon flavor.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and substitute buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a dairy-free option.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate grated zucchini or carrots to add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, and add a scoop of protein powder to increase the nutritional value while maintaining the classic cinnamon donut taste.
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Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread weaves sweet nostalgia with comforting bakery magic, bringing classic breakfast flavors into a simple quick bread. Warm spices and tender crumb invite home bakers to savor each delightful slice with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing a standard loaf pan with a light coating of grease or parchment paper lining.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl until perfectly integrated.
  3. In a separate vessel, craft a smooth liquid mixture by blending melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract using gentle, consistent strokes.
  4. Merge the liquid and dry components with delicate movements, folding until just incorporated. Avoid aggressive stirring to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, carefully smoothing the surface to ensure even distribution and professional presentation.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for a golden exterior and checking doneness with a inserted toothpick that emerges clean and dry.
  7. Allow the bread to rest inside the pan for 10 minutes, creating a brief cooling period that helps stabilize the structure.
  8. Gently release the bread from the pan and position it on a wire cooling rack to continue cooling completely.
  9. Prepare the signature cinnamon sugar topping by brushing the warm bread’s surface with melted butter, then generously sprinkling a mixture of cinnamon and sugar across the top.
  10. Once fully cooled, slice the bread and serve, optionally accompanied by a delicate spread of butter for additional indulgence.

Notes

  • Adjust butter temperature carefully to prevent ingredient separation, ensuring smooth and consistent mixing.
  • Use room temperature eggs to help ingredients blend seamlessly and create a uniform batter texture.
  • Check doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can result in dry bread; start testing at 50 minutes with a toothpick.
  • Substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for a quick alternative if buttermilk is unavailable.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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