Cinnamon Donut Bread

A Sweet, Spiced Treat with a Buttery Crunch

Cinnamon donut bread is a delightful fusion of a classic cinnamon sugar donut and a soft, moist loaf cake. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a rich, buttery texture with warm cinnamon swirls throughout. What sets it apart is the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, reminiscent of your favorite bakery donuts.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is a wonderful homemade treat that fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. Best of all, no yeast is required, making it a quick and simple bake.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No yeast required – A quick bread that bakes up effortlessly.
• Warm cinnamon flavor – Swirled throughout for maximum taste.
• Buttery and moist – Soft interior with a golden-brown crust.
• Cinnamon-sugar coating – Just like a classic donut.
• Great for any occasion – Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.

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Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

4. Assemble the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

5. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it gently to cover the swirl.

6. Bake the Bread

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

7. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Once the bread has cooled slightly, brush the top and sides with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the bread, pressing gently so it adheres.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as is, or pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Make it gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and flavor.
• Use a different spice blend – Try nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a unique twist.
• Make it dairy-free – Substitute plant-based butter and almond or oat milk with vinegar.
• Turn it into muffins – Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.

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Serving Size and Timing

• Servings: Makes 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

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Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is done. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I make this bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the granulated sugar in the bread by ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture. However, reducing the cinnamon sugar topping may lessen the donut-like effect.

Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to dense bread. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and mix just until combined.

Can I make this into mini loaves?

Yes, divide the batter into mini loaf pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I add a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar topping?

Absolutely! A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk drizzled over the cooled bread makes a delicious alternative.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store it wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge.

How can I make the cinnamon flavor stronger?

Increase the cinnamon in the batter or cinnamon swirl mixture by an extra ½ teaspoon for a bolder flavor.

What can I serve with cinnamon donut bread?

Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, tea, or warm milk. It also pairs well with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable or coconut oil, but the buttery flavor may be slightly different.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon donut bread is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. With its soft, moist texture and donut-like topping, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend treat or gifting it to a friend, this easy quick bread will leave everyone wanting more.

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