Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Nothing beats the smell of fresh cinnamon donut bread baking in your oven on a quiet morning. This incredible recipe brings together the best of both worlds; the comforting warmth of homemade bread and the sweet indulgence of your favorite bakery donuts. What makes this cinnamon donut bread so special is its incredibly soft crumb texture and that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating that melts in your mouth.

I've been perfecting this cinnamon donut bread recipe for years, and it never fails to impress family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; just five basic ingredients transform into a bakery-worthy loaf that's perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or even dessert. Trust me, once you try this cinnamon donut bread, you'll never want to buy store-bought again.

Why This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

This isn't just another quick bread recipe; it's a game-changer for anyone who loves the classic flavor of cinnamon sugar donuts but wants something easier to make at home. Traditional donuts require frying and can be messy, but this cinnamon donut bread gives you all those beloved flavors in a simple loaf format. The secret is in the perfect balance of spices and the generous cinnamon sugar topping that creates a delightful crust.

What sets this recipe apart from other sweet breakfast breads is its incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days. The old-fashioned donut flavor comes through beautifully without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This cinnamon donut bread pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee, makes an excellent afternoon treat with tea, and even works as a light dessert when served with vanilla ice cream.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Your Next Baking Adventures Await
• Related
• Pairing
• Cinnamon Donut Bread

Ingredients

Main Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Melted butter
• Whole milk
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar topping ingredients and set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Make sure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture.

Combine Wet Ingredients and Bake

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
2. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
3. Don't overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and brush the top with melted butter from the topping mixture.
5. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature and Timing Secrets

The key to perfect cinnamon donut bread lies in not overbaking it. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes; the top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 325°F and bake a bit longer.

Ingredient Quality Matters

• Fresh Spices: Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best flavor; old spices can taste dull and won't give you that vibrant donut shop taste.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your egg and milk to room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
• Quality Butter: Use real butter, not margarine, for the richest flavor and best texture.

Mixing Technique Tips

• Don't Overmix: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears; lumps are okay and actually preferred.
• Proper Measuring: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Even Distribution: Make sure your cinnamon sugar topping covers the entire surface for consistent flavor in every bite.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

Transform this basic recipe to meet different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly denser but equally delicious.

Dairy-Free Options:

• Replace butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter substitute
• Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk
• The flavor remains rich and satisfying with these swaps

Flavor Variations

• Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup diced apples and an extra ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence
• Nuts and Spice: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts and a pinch of nutmeg
• Orange Zest: Include 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest for a citrusy twist

Sugar Alternatives

You can substitute up to half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor that mimics old-fashioned cake donuts.

Equipment Recommendations

The right tools make baking this cinnamon donut bread much easier and ensure consistent results every time. A standard 9x5-inch metal loaf pan works best as it conducts heat evenly and creates that perfect golden crust.

Essential Equipment:

• 9x5-inch metal loaf pan
• Large mixing bowls (at least 2)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Parchment paper

Nice-to-Have Tools:

• Kitchen scale for more accurate measurements
• Silicone spatula for gentle folding
• Pastry brush for applying melted butter topping

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Short-Term Storage

Store your cooled cinnamon donut bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The bread actually improves in flavor after the first day as the spices continue to develop.

Freezing Instructions

This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature for several hours before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep the Night Before: Mix your dry ingredients the evening before and store in an airtight container
• Portion Control: Slice and individually wrap pieces for easy grab-and-go breakfasts
• Double Batch: This recipe doubles perfectly if you want to make two loaves at once

FAQ

Your Next Baking Adventures Await

Now that you've mastered this incredible cinnamon donut bread, you're ready to tackle even more delicious treats. The techniques you've learned here translate perfectly to other sweet breakfast recipes that your family will absolutely love.

Try making Mini Donuts Recipe next; they use similar flavors but in a fun, bite-sized format that's perfect for parties or special occasions. Another fantastic option is Homemade Donut Bites, which gives you that authentic donut shop experience right in your own kitchen. Both recipes build on the same fundamental skills you've developed making this cinnamon donut bread, so you'll feel confident and ready to create even more bakery-quality treats at home.

ViolaRecipes – Baking joy in every slice 🍞✨

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe: