Best Cinnamon Donut Bread Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 92% of Home Bakers Overcomplicate Their Sweet Treats?

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Yet so many of us put off baking because we imagine it requires fancy techniques or hours of labor. That’s where this glorious Cinnamon Donut Bread comes in – it gives you all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of your favorite bakery treat without any of the fuss. No yeast, no rolling pins, no deep fryer needed. Just one bowl, simple ingredients, and that irresistible donut-shop aroma filling your home.

I discovered this recipe during one of those desperate “I need something sweet NOW” moments. My toddler was napping (finally!), the rain was pattering against the windows, and my craving for something warm and cinnamon-y hit hard. What emerged from the oven was pure magic – a tender, buttery loaf with that signature crackly cinnamon sugar crust we all adore. The best part? It comes together faster than driving to your local donut shop.

Why This Cinnamon Donut Bread Will Become Your New Comfort Food

This isn’t just another quick bread recipe. What makes it special is how perfectly it captures the essence of a fresh, cake-style donut in sliceable form. The batter bakes up with that same delicate crumb, while the generous cinnamon sugar topping creates that addictive crisp exterior we can’t resist. It’s the kind of treat that makes weekday mornings feel celebratory and turns ordinary coffee breaks into little moments of joy.

What I love most is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I’ll add a handful of chopped apples for autumn vibes, or swap in cardamom for half the cinnamon when I’m feeling fancy. The loaf keeps beautifully for days (if it lasts that long!), making it perfect for gifting or lazy weekend brunches. And let’s be honest – anything that lets us eat donuts for breakfast with zero guilt (it’s bread, after all!) deserves a permanent spot in our recipe rotation.

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Cinnamon Donut Bread: A Cozy Slice of Heaven

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen—especially when it’s clinging to golden, buttery bread that tastes just like your favorite donut. This Cinnamon Donut Bread is the lovechild of a fluffy cake and a sugar-dusted bakery treat, perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts or afternoon tea breaks. Let’s gather our ingredients and bake up some comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The trusty foundation of our bread. Spoon and level it for the perfect measure!
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder – A little lift to keep things light and airy.
• ½ tsp salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetness with a delicate crunch.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – For that deep, caramel-like warmth.
• 1 large egg – Room temperature, please! It blends smoother.
• ½ cup whole milk – Richness matters here—don’t skimp.
• ⅓ cup melted butter – Unsalted, so we control the saltiness.
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference.

For the Cinnamon Swirl & Topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon – The dynamic duo! Mix these first so they’re ready to party.
• 2 tbsp melted butter – For brushing—because everything’s better with a buttery glaze.

Let’s Bake This Cozy Dream

1. Prep & Preheat – Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper (trust me, it’s a lifesaver). Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warmth of the oven will make your kitchen smell like a bakery in no time.
2. Whisk the Dry Goods – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a little fluff with the whisk—this is where the magic starts.
3. Cream the Sugars & Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until pale and slightly fluffy. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla, mixing just until combined. Overmixing? Not today. We want tenderness, not toughness.
4. Fold It All Together – Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring with a spatula until *just* incorporated. A few lumps? Perfect. They’ll melt away in the oven.

Now, here’s where the donut magic happens—stay tuned for the cinnamon swirl layering and baking tips in the next half! (Spoiler: It involves buttery brushes and a sugar shower.)

Conclusion

There you have it—a warm, cozy loaf of Cinnamon Donut Bread that brings all the comfort of your favorite bakery treat right to your kitchen. With its tender crumb, buttery cinnamon swirl, and irresistible glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a little sweetness in your day. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

So why not give it a try? Whip up a loaf, share it with loved ones (or keep it all to yourself—we won’t judge!), and let us know how it turns out. And if you’re craving more baking inspiration, be sure to check out our other homemade bread recipes for more delicious ideas!

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Cinnamon Donut Bread stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it (unglazed) for up to 2 months—just thaw and add the glaze before serving.

Can I use a different type of flour?

For the best texture, we recommend sticking with all-purpose flour. However, if you’d like to experiment, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly denser.

My bread didn’t rise much—what went wrong?

If your bread didn’t rise as expected, check that your baking powder is fresh (it loses potency over time). Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser loaf. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined for the best results.

Can I skip the glaze?

Of course! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds that classic donut-shop finish. If you’d like a lighter option, try dusting the top with powdered sugar instead.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a lovely addition to the cinnamon swirl. Just fold them in when you layer the batter in the pan for extra crunch and flavor.