Cinnamon Donut Bread is the ultimate fusion of two beloved treats: the soft, tender texture of quick bread and the sweet, spiced flavor of a classic cinnamon sugar donut. It delivers the satisfaction of a fresh bakery donut in a loaf form that’s easy to slice and share, making it the perfect companion to your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or cozy dessert moment. With its moist crumb, warm cinnamon swirls, and sugary crust that gives each bite a sweet crunch, this simple recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary that tastes like it came straight from a donut shop but requires no frying, no yeast, and hardly any effort.
The History of Cinnamon Donut Bread
The concept of donut bread is a modern twist on classic baked goods, born out of the desire to enjoy the flavors of fried donuts without the mess and labor involved. Cinnamon donuts, especially cake-style donuts, have been a popular American bakery staple since the early 20th century. Cinnamon sugar toppings date back even earlier, often used to preserve and enhance flavor. Quick breads—non-yeast leavened loaves—became popular during the Great Depression as a more affordable and time-saving alternative to yeast-based recipes. The blend of these two comforting traditions resulted in Cinnamon Donut Bread: an easy, nostalgic, and delightfully sweet treat that pays homage to both classic donut flavors and simple home baking.
Ingredients Breakdown
All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient providing structure to the loaf.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that gives the bread a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness and to create that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust.
Cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and depth throughout the batter and topping.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with structure.
Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the crumb.
Sour cream or yogurt: Adds richness, moisture, and a slight tang that enhances flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth to the batter.
Butter: Melted into the batter for richness and brushed on top to help the cinnamon sugar adhere.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar, then add milk, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle a cinnamon sugar layer over it. Add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out. Swirl lightly with a knife for a marbled effect. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and brush the top with melted butter while still warm, then generously sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar. Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread
Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed batter. Don’t overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients—this helps keep the loaf soft and tender. Swirling the cinnamon sugar layer adds both flavor and visual appeal, but don’t over-swirl or the layers will blend too much. Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent crumbling. Brushing the top with melted butter while warm allows the cinnamon sugar to stick perfectly and gives that irresistible donut-like crust.
Variations and Customizations
Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for crunch. Mix in mini chocolate chips or raisins for added sweetness. Use brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. Add a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a dessert-like finish. Try adding nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for extra warmth. Make them as muffins by dividing the batter into a greased muffin tin and adjusting the bake time to 20–25 minutes.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a sweet treat meant to be enjoyed in moderation. It contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar for quick energy, and fats from butter and eggs for richness and satiety. For a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the sugar, swap in a lower-fat dairy alternative like Greek yogurt, or use whole wheat flour for added fiber. Cinnamon itself is a source of antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar, though the overall recipe is still an indulgent bake best enjoyed occasionally.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Cinnamon Donut Bread keeps well for 2–3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight or microwave slices as needed.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, simply use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
Can I use oil instead of butter? You can substitute the melted butter in the batter with vegetable oil, though butter is preferred for flavor and richness.
Why does the top crack? A cracked top is completely normal for quick breads—it’s caused by steam escaping during baking and gives the bread a rustic, homemade look.
Cinnamon Donut Bread
Ingredients
Bread
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1¼ cups 306 g whole milk
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Spiced Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup ½ stick / 57 g unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is fully blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix—the batter will be slightly runny. Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly across the top. Bake the loaf for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once the bread is baked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift the loaf from the pan and place it on a large piece of parchment paper. While the loaf is still warm, use a pastry brush to coat the surface with the melted butter for the topping. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle the mixture generously and evenly over the buttered loaf. Rotate the bread as needed to ensure all sides are thoroughly coated. Any extra topping mix can be saved for later use.