Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

If you’re craving that nostalgic, cozy flavor of fresh bakery treats but want something easy and homemade, you’re going to absolutely love this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe. It’s like biting into a sweet, cinnamon-swirl dream that’s soft, buttery, and lightly crisp on the outside. I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend morning, and it instantly became one of my go-to sweet breads to share over coffee with friends. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around because mastering this recipe means mastering a seriously fan-freaking-tastic treat.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can deliver such rich texture and flavor when combined thoughtfully. Each component plays a key role, so let’s break down the basics and I’ll share a few tips I’ve learned along the way.

• Canola oil: Keeps the bread moist without overwhelming flavor, plus adds a lighter texture than butter alone.
• Softened butter: Provides richness and helps create that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread but also helps with slight caramelization in the crust.
• Eggs: Key for structure and moisture; make sure they’re at room temperature to blend evenly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle depth that enhances the cinnamon swirl.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread’s structure; using fresh flour ensures better rise and texture.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that puffs up the bread gently for a soft bite.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Adds a slight tang that complements the cinnamon and makes the bread tender.
• Cinnamon and molasses: Mixed into half the batter, these create that signature donut-sweet swirl with a hint of smoky richness.
• Butter (for coating): Melts over the warm bread to help the sugar stick and create a crisp exterior.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon (coating): Their combination forms the classic cinnamon sugar crust that you’ll love biting into.

Make It Your Way

I love taking this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe as a starting point and tweaking it just a little depending on the occasion. You can easily customize it to suit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap buttermilk for plain yogurt to add an extra tangy note — it works beautifully and keeps it moist.
• Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, just use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter; it changes the flavor slightly, but still delicious.
• Seasonal Change: Adding chopped nuts or diced apples to the batter gives it a lovely autumn feel and some extra bite.
• Difficulty Level: Even if you’re new to baking bread, the straightforward steps here are great for beginners. Just take your time with swirling the batter for that perfect marbled look!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Pan and Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a light-colored loaf pan—this helps the bread bake evenly and prevents the crust from getting too dark—and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer here because it makes the mixture silky smooth and well combined. Once that’s ready, beat in the room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract until the batter looks creamy and inviting.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients and Add Buttermilk

Now, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (or milk-vinegar combo). This helps avoid clumps and gives the batter a smooth, uniform texture. Once combined, scrape the sides of your bowl with a spatula so there are no pockets of flour lingering around.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Molasses Batter

Set aside half a cup of the batter in a smaller bowl. This is your magical cinnamon swirl! Stir in the cinnamon and molasses here, mixing well so the cinnamon blends and the molasses adds that deep, molasses-y richness. You’ll see how this addition transforms the taste.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Then dollop half of the cinnamon batter evenly over the top in spoonfuls. Pour the remaining plain batter over this cinnamon layer, smoothing it out gently. Follow with the rest of the cinnamon batter on top. Now, use a butter knife to gently swirl through the batters—this creates those beautiful cinnamon ribbons that make every slice special. Don’t over-swirl; a few swoops is perfect.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Toothpick-Clean

Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes. About halfway through, I like to check how it’s coming along. The bread should have risen beautifully with a golden top. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center: if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. If it has wet batter, pop it back in for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Create the Classic Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the bread bakes, melt your coating butter and mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate shallow dish. When the loaf comes out of the oven, let it cool for just 10 minutes—warm but not so hot it’ll break apart. Carefully loosen the edges, then turn it out onto a large plate or pan. Quickly dip each side of the loaf into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Spoon any remaining butter over the top edges for an extra crispy crust. Then roll the loaf in the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently, so the coating sticks perfectly.

Step 7: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!

Finally, slice the loaf into thick, satisfying pieces. I always love serving mine warm because the sugar crust is perfectly melty and the bread so soft inside—though it’s great at room temperature too. Grab your favorite mug and prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the lovely cinnamon sugar crust as the star, but if I want to be a little fancier—say for a weekend brunch—I sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top with a dusting sieve. Sometimes a drizzle of warm glaze made from powdered sugar and vanilla helps amp up the sweetness without hiding the cinnamon swirls.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced chai, strong coffee, or even a creamy latte. For brunch, I love it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad. The sweetness of the bread balances savory dishes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced the loaf into mini squares and arranged them in a tiered serving tray with small bowls of jam, honey, and extra melted butter on the side. It makes a charming display, and guests love trying little bits with different toppings. You could even toast individual slices and serve with cream cheese spread for a nice contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One thing I appreciate about this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is how well it keeps. I wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature. It usually stays fresh and moist for up to three days. Just avoid the fridge since it dries out the bread quickly.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freezing works great. I slice the loaf first, then wrap individual pieces tightly in foil and pop them in a freezer bag. They last up to 2-3 months this way. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw slices on the counter for about 30 minutes or pop them straight into a toaster oven for a warm treat.

Reheating

I typically reheat leftover slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes. This helps the cinnamon sugar crust regain its crispiness while warming the soft interior—way better than microwave reheating, which tends to make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend breakfast, a quick snack, or something fun to share with family, it never disappoints. The balance of soft bread, cinnamon-sweet pockets, and that buttery cinnamon sugar crust is utterly addictive. I hope it becomes a favorite for you too—just like it did for me and all my friends who’ve begged for seconds!

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