Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe with Buttery Sugar Topping

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Let me tell you something: this cinnamon donut bread recipe might just ruin you for regular breakfast pastries. Growing up, my mom used to make something like this on Saturdays—the smell alone would have me bolting out of bed faster than any alarm clock could manage. That warm, sugary cinnamon cloud? Yeah, it’s that good.

This bread is everything you love about a cinnamon sugar donut, but in a soft, tender loaf form. It’s got a buttery crumb, a killer cinnamon swirl, and a melt-in-your-mouth topping that mimics those classic cinnamon-sugar donuts you grew up on.

Here’s why this cinnamon swirl donut bread recipe needs to be in your baking rotation:

• Incredible flavor — Sweet, spicy, rich.
• Moist, donut-like texture — Buttermilk and butter make sure of that.
• Easy to make — No yeast, no fancy mixer required.
• Versatile — Breakfast, brunch, snack, dessert? All of the above.
• Crowd-pleasing — Bake this for guests and you will be asked for the recipe.
• Heavenly aroma — It smells like a cinnamon-sugar hug.

Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Donut Bread

The secret to unforgettable cinnamon sugar donut bread lies in balancing richness with warmth—and that means choosing your ingredients wisely. Let’s break down what each one does and why it matters. When you’re baking something this simple, every ingredient has a job to do.

  For the Bread Base:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  Your structural backbone. Stick to regular AP flour for the best crumb—cake flour is too delicate, bread flour too tough.
  
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
  Sweetens the loaf and helps it brown in the oven. This is what gives you that golden crust.
• ½ cup buttermilk
  Adds moisture and acidity. That acid tenderizes the crumb and reacts with baking powder to give the bread its lift. No buttermilk? Use whole milk with 1½ tsp of vinegar or lemon juice as a sub.
• ¼ cup canola oil
  Keeps the loaf soft and moist. Unlike butter, oil stays tender even when chilled—essential for that donut-like bite.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  For flavor and richness. Using both butter and oil gives you the best of both worlds: tenderness and taste.
• 2 large eggs
  They bind everything together and contribute to structure and moisture. Room temperature is best so they incorporate evenly.
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  Don’t skimp—real vanilla rounds out the cinnamon and gives this bread its cozy, aromatic backbone.
• 1 tsp baking powder
  Your leavening agent. Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
• ½ tsp salt
  Enhances every other flavor. Don’t skip it—even sweet recipes need salt.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
  Adds a deeper molasses note and helps create that gooey cinnamon swirl.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  The star of the show. Go for fresh, high-quality cinnamon (Saigon or Ceylon if you can) for a bold, aromatic kick.
• ½ tsp molasses
  Just a touch brings a rich, dark sweetness that deepens the flavor of the swirl.

 For the Topping:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  Melted and brushed onto the loaf—it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a glorious richness to every bite.
  
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
  Gives a bit of crunch and sparkle when mixed into the coating.
• ¼ cup brown sugar
  Brings a slight chewiness and a deeper flavor to the topping.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  Reinforces the spice and aroma in that buttery, sugary crust—don’t be shy here.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread in 5 Easy Steps

Let’s turn this cinnamon donut bread recipe into a simple, foolproof process—no skipping, no shortcuts. Follow these five chef-style steps to get a perfect loaf every time.

1. Prep the Pan & Preheat the Oven

• Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5″ loaf pan, or line it with parchment for a clean release.
• Always start with a hot oven—your bread needs that initial blast of heat to rise right.

2. Build the Batter in Layers

• Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl—this keeps things light and lump-free.
• In another bowl, cream together canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Always begin and end with dry—this keeps the batter stable and silky.

3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

• Scoop out about ⅓ of the batter into a small bowl.
  
• Mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses—this makes the rich, gooey swirl that runs through the loaf.
• Keep it thick but smooth—this is the flavor punch.

4. Assemble & Bake

• Pour half the plain batter into the prepared pan.
• Add half the cinnamon swirl batter and gently marble with a knife—don’t stir!
• Repeat with remaining batters.
• Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. No peeking—opening the oven too early messes with your rise.

5. Finish with a Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove it carefully.
• Melt the butter, mix granulated + brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
• Brush or dip the warm loaf in butter, then roll or sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
• Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—this is key for clean cuts and perfect texture.

Storage Options

This cinnamon doughnut bread keeps beautifully—if your household doesn’t devour it in a day. Here’s how to store it properly to preserve that moist, donut-like crumb and spiced aroma:

• Room Temperature (Best for Short-Term):
  Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Keep at room temp for up to 3 days. To maintain its soft texture, avoid refrigerating—it’ll dry out faster in the fridge.
• Freezer (Best for Make-Ahead or Leftovers):
  Let the bread cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Freeze for up to 1 month.
    
  • For convenience, slice before freezing so you can grab just one piece at a time.
  • Reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or toast lightly for a warm, donut-like bite.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the great things about this cinnamon swirl doughnut bread is how customizable it is. You can riff on the flavor profile or adjust it for dietary needs—here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

• Add Crunch with Nuts:
  Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking. Toast them first for deeper flavor.
• Go Dairy-Free:
  Substitute almond, oat, or soy milk mixed with a splash of vinegar for buttermilk.
  Use plant-based butter and oil for a vegan-friendly version.
• Make It Gluten-Free:
  Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will still be tender if you don’t overmix.
• Spice It Up:
  Add ¼ tsp ground nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom for a more complex spice profile.
• Add a Crispy Crust:
  Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for a crackly, bakery-style finish.
• Sweet Surprise Inside:
  Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped toffee bits for extra richness and fun flavor pockets.

Benefits of Cinnamon Donut Bread

FAQ: Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

What makes this cinnamon donut bread different from regular quick bread?

It mimics the taste and texture of a fried cinnamon sugar donut, but it’s baked. The swirl adds a gooey ribbon of spice and sweetness.

Can I make this cinnamon doughnut bread without buttermilk?

Yes! Use whole milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit 5 minutes before using.

Why does my cinnamon swirl sink?

That’s usually from overmixing or the swirl batter being too heavy. Try marbling more gently and avoid pressing it down.

Can I double this cinnamon donut bread recipe?

Absolutely. Just bake in two loaf pans and watch the oven—don’t assume the same bake time.

Is this cinnamon swirl donut bread good for gifting?

Yes! It’s gorgeous, fragrant, and stays moist for days. Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for an easy homemade gift.

Conclusion + Call to Action

So there you go—cinnamon swirl donut bread that’s as easy as it is crave-worthy. It’s got everything: warm spices, a tender crumb, and that buttery cinnamon-sugar finish that tastes like it came straight from a bakery window. This is the cinnamon doughnut bread recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

Now it’s your turn. Bake a loaf this weekend, let your kitchen fill with that dreamy aroma, and enjoy every cozy, cinnamon-laced bite. Tried a cool variation? Swapped in a new spice? Leave a comment, share your twist, or tag your loaf on socials—I’d love to see how you made it your own.

And if you’re into bold, comforting flavors, don’t miss my Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe moist, tender, and the perfect savory-sweet sidekick to this cinnamon bread.

Bake it, slice it, share it. This is the bread I want to eat.