Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe brings all the cozy, sugar-dusted joy of a bakery treat right to your kitchen, without the need for frying. It’s a simple, one-bowl wonder that yields a moist, tender loaf swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a buttery glaze. For another delicious baked donut idea, try this Chocolate Donut Bread Recipe or these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins Recipe.

Ingredients

This cinnamon donut bread combines the soft, tender crumb of a classic cake with the irresistible sugar-cinnamon coating of a fresh donut. Gather these simple ingredients to get started.

• 1/4 cup canola oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (for coating)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (for coating)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to its straightforward mixing method and single-pan baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Pan and Preheat

Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. For extra insurance, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the batter hits the correct temperature immediately for an even rise.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a portion of the ground cinnamon. Whisking aerates the flour and ensures the leaveners are evenly distributed, which is key for a tender crumb.

Step 3 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, creating the cake-like texture reminiscent of a baked donut.

Step 4 — Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. The acidity in the yogurt tenderizes the gluten and adds moisture. The batter may look slightly curdled at this point, which is normal.

Step 5 — Finish the Batter

With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the bread tough. The batter will be thick.

Step 6 — Layer and Swirl

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it into an even layer. In a small bowl, mix the remaining cinnamon with some brown sugar. Sprinkle most of this cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and gently swirl with a knife. Sprinkle the last of the cinnamon-sugar on top.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The Cinnamon Donut Bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, and the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed.

Step 8 — Glaze and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it onto a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Slice and serve warm for the ultimate donut-like experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~5g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~14g
Fiber	~1g
Sodium	~220mg

Note: These are approximate values for one serving of Cinnamon Donut Bread, calculated using standard ingredients. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole-Wheat or Spelt Flour — Swaps all-purpose flour for a fiber and nutrient boost, adding a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon.
• Greek Yogurt or Applesauce — Replaces some of the oil or butter to reduce fat while keeping the cinnamon donut bread incredibly moist.
• Coconut Sugar or Monk Fruit Sweetener — Lowers the glycemic index compared to white sugar, offering a caramel-like or neutral sweetness.
• Almond or Oat Milk — A simple dairy-free alternative that performs identically in the batter for a tender crumb.
• Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour — Use a trusted blend to make this cinnamon donut bread accessible without compromising texture.
• Egg Replacer or Flax Egg — Creates a vegan-friendly version that still binds the ingredients for a perfect slice.
• Protein Powder Blend — Replace up to 1/4 of the flour with unflavored protein powder for a satisfying, high-protein breakfast bread.
• Reduced-Sodium Baking Powder — An easy swap to lower overall sodium content without affecting the rise of your loaf.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair a warm slice of this Cinnamon Donut Bread with a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting breakfast.
• Transform it into an elegant dessert by toasting slices and serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• For a festive brunch, bake the bread in a decorative Bundt pan and dust it generously with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Make it a special afternoon snack by cutting it into thick fingers perfect for dipping into a side of fruit compote or Greek yogurt.
• Create a stunning holiday platter by arranging slices of the Cinnamon Donut Bread alongside fresh berries, nuts, and other sweet pastries.

This versatile cinnamon donut bread is perfect for cozy mornings, celebratory gatherings, or a simple sweet treat any time of day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and leads to a tough, dense loaf. Fix: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients like eggs or milk, which can cause the batter to curdle and bake unevenly. Fix: Bring all dairy and eggs to room temperature for a smooth, cohesive batter.
• Mistake: Incorrectly measuring flour by scooping directly from the bag, which packs in too much. Fix: Use the spoon-and-level method for an accurate, lighter measure every time.
• Mistake: Under-baking the center because the top looks done, resulting in a gummy texture. Fix: Always use a toothpick or cake tester; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
• Mistake: Adding the cinnamon-sugar topping too early, causing it to melt and disappear into the loaf. Fix: Brush the melted butter and sprinkle the sugar mix immediately after baking for that classic donut crust.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of properly greasing the loaf pan, leading to difficult removal and broken bread. Fix: Generously grease with butter or non-stick spray and consider lining with parchment paper for easy release.
• Mistake: Using old baking powder or soda, which loses potency and won’t give the proper rise. Fix: Test your leaveners annually and replace them to ensure your Cinnamon Donut Bread is light and airy.
• Mistake: Slicing the loaf while it’s still hot, causing it to crumble and lose its shape. Fix: Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Storing Tips

• Refrigerating: Once completely cooled, wrap your Cinnamon Donut Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the loaf or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. This Cinnamon Donut Bread freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: To restore that fresh-baked warmth and texture, warm slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or a 300°F (150°C) conventional oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. For food safety, ensure reheated bread reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) if previously refrigerated.

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread for days to come. Always let the bread cool completely before sealing it in a container to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect way to bring bakery-style flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. We hope you love this cozy, spiced treat as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more delicious baked goods, check out our Peach Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Easy Recipe or our Classic Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Donuts Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more sweet recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Donut Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake this Cinnamon Donut Bread a day in advance. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. The flavors often meld and improve, making it even more delicious the next day.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

While granulated sugar is standard for the cinnamon-sugar coating, you can use coarse sugar for extra crunch. The classic cinnamon-sugar topping is key to achieving the authentic donut flavor in this Cinnamon Donut Bread.