Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread (Soft, Buttery & Bakery-Style)

If you love the warm, nostalgic flavor of a classic cinnamon sugar donut, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is about to become one of your favorite homemade treats. Imagine everything you adore about a fresh bakery donut—sweet cinnamon, tender crumb, buttery richness—transformed into an easy, sliceable loaf that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma as it bakes.

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, relaxed weekend brunches, or cozy afternoons when you want something sweet with your coffee or tea. Unlike traditional donuts, there’s no frying involved, no yeast to proof, and no special equipment required. Instead, you’ll get a soft, moist quick bread with a gorgeous cinnamon sugar swirl that tastes indulgent yet is incredibly simple to make.

Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting guests, or preparing something special for yourself, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread delivers bakery-style flavor with minimal effort. It’s approachable for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve on special occasions.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

There are plenty of quick bread recipes out there, but this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread stands out for so many reasons:

1. Classic donut flavor without frying
You get all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a cinnamon sugar donut without dealing with hot oil, messy frying, or yeast dough.

2. Soft, tender, and moist crumb
Thanks to butter, milk, and the right balance of dry ingredients, this bread stays tender and moist for days.

3. Beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl
Each slice reveals a marbled ribbon of cinnamon sugar running through the center, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

4. Easy, pantry-friendly ingredients
Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen—no specialty ingredients required.

5. Perfect for any time of day
Serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a snack. It’s equally satisfying with morning coffee or an evening cup of tea.

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What Is Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a type of sweet quick bread designed to mimic the flavor and texture of a traditional cinnamon sugar donut. Instead of being fried, the batter is baked in a loaf pan, layered with cinnamon sugar, and gently swirled to create a soft, cake-like bread with bursts of cinnamon sweetness throughout.

The result is something magical:

• The inside is tender, buttery, and lightly sweet

• The cinnamon sugar swirl adds warmth and spice

• The overall flavor closely resembles a classic donut, especially when finished with melted butter and extra cinnamon sugar

This style of bread is popular because it delivers comfort and indulgence without complicated techniques, making it ideal for home bakers of all skill levels.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Servings: 8 slices

• Course: Dessert / Breakfast

• Cuisine: American

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Ingredients Breakdown (And Why They Matter)

For the Bread

All-purpose flour (3 cups)
Provides structure and stability. Measuring accurately is important—too much flour can make the bread dense.

Baking powder (1 tablespoon)
The leavening agent that helps the bread rise and stay light.

Salt (1 teaspoon)
Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Adds warmth and reinforces the donut-like flavor.

Granulated sugar (1 cup)
Sweetens the bread and contributes to a soft crumb.

Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)
Adds richness, moisture, and that unmistakable buttery donut taste.

Eggs (2 large)
Bind ingredients together and help create structure.

Milk (1 cup)
Adds moisture and keeps the crumb tender.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Enhances sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

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Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Granulated sugar (½ cup)
Creates the signature sweetness and slight crunch.

Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
Delivers bold cinnamon flavor throughout the loaf.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

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2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

Set aside. Whisking ensures even distribution and prevents pockets of baking powder or cinnamon.

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3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps keep the bread soft.

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4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

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5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing—this is key to keeping the bread tender rather than dense.

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6. Assemble the Loaf

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon sugar topping. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.

Add the remaining batter, then top with the remaining cinnamon sugar.

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7. Swirl and Bake

Use a knife to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled cinnamon sugar effect. Be careful not to over-swirl.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

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8. Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Don’t overmix the batter
Overmixing develops gluten and leads to a dense loaf.

Brush with melted butter
For extra donut flavor, brush the warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar.

Let it cool before slicing
This helps the bread set and ensures clean slices.

Tent with foil if needed
If the top browns too fast, foil prevents burning while the center finishes baking.

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Delicious Variations to Try

Glazed Donut Bread
Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled loaf for a bakery-style finish.

Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread
Fold in finely chopped apples for added moisture and fall flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Donut Bread
Replace part of the milk with pumpkin purée and add pumpkin spice.

Nutty Cinnamon Bread
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter for breakfast

• Pair with coffee or latte for an afternoon treat

• Toast slices lightly for extra texture

• Serve as a sweet addition to brunch spreads

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Storage and Freezing Instructions

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator:
Keeps well for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices gently.

Print

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Slice)

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Cholesterol: 50 mg

• Sodium: 200 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best donut flavor, but neutral oil can work if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for quick breads.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Belongs in Your Kitchen

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is the perfect example of how simple ingredients and easy techniques can create something truly special. It captures the comforting essence of a classic cinnamon sugar donut while offering the convenience of a no-fry, no-yeast quick bread that anyone can make at home.

What makes this recipe so beloved is its versatility. It works just as well for a quiet weekday breakfast as it does for a weekend brunch centerpiece or a sweet treat shared with friends. The soft crumb, buttery flavor, and warm cinnamon swirl combine into a loaf that feels nostalgic yet timeless.