Meet your new weekend obsession: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. Imagine all the cozy, nostalgic joy of a classic cinnamon sugar donut, but baked into a soft, buttery loaf you can slice, share, and savor alongside your morning coffee. This recipe turns simple pantry ingredients into a treat that’s crispy-edged, cinnamon-sweet, and tender all the way through — it’s comfort food bakery-style, straight from your own oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Donut Flavors, No Frying: You get that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch and fluffy texture — all from your oven, no pesky oil required.
- Quick and Simple: The batter stirs up in minutes with basic staple ingredients — fuss-free baking at its very best.
- Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): Slice it for brunch, snacks, or dessert — it’s always an instant crowd-pleaser, or the perfect “just for you” treat.
- Customizable Finish: Go classic or get creative with add-ins or glazes — this bread is your blank canvas for cinnamon-sugar dreams.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love that Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread relies on everyday ingredients, yet tastes anything but ordinary. Each one brings just the right magic — from the rich, tender crumb to that signature crunchy sugar coating. Here’s why you won’t want to skip a single thing:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of your loaf, keeping it light but sturdy (don’t pack it in — fluff, spoon, and level for best results).
- Granulated sugar: Adds all the sweetness and helps create that beautifully golden top crust.
- Baking powder: The key to lift and that soft, cake-donut texture.
- Kosher salt: Just half a teaspoon! It sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness lively, not flat.
- Whole milk: Brings moisture and richness; full-fat really makes the crumb plush.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and helps the loaf rise evenly for that bakery-worthy slice.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Appearing twice — first in the bread for tenderness and again for the irresistibly buttery sugar coating.
- Vanilla extract: The cozy, aromatic note that makes every bite taste like a warm hug.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Don’t be shy! These spices create that classic “donut shop” flavor in the sugar crust.
Variations
One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is how easy it is to make it your own. No matter your mood, pantry supplies, or what makes your tastebuds happy, there’s always a simple twist to try!
- Swirl in Fruit: Add 1/2 cup of chopped apples or pears to create a cinnamon apple donut bread vibe. Blueberries or raspberries also add bursts of flavor.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and vegan butter — the texture is still amazing, and the flavor is just as dreamy.
- Add Crunch: Stir a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, or sprinkle them on top before baking for a bakery-style finish.
- Glaze It: For donut-shop drama, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spraying your loaf pan with nonstick spray. This little bit of prep work sets you up for easy unmolding later and ensures your gorgeous sugar coating clings to every side.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This step ensures the baking powder distributes evenly, so your loaf rises beautifully and bakes evenly from edge to center.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Make sure your butter isn’t piping hot — lukewarm is just right — so you don’t scramble the egg! Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing from that hit of vanilla.
Step 4: Stir Together & Bake
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t stress over lumps; overmixing is the enemy of tender bread. Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the center springs back or a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
This is the fun (and deliciously messy) part! When the loaf is still warm but not scalding, gently brush every surface with melted butter. Mix together your cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg, then shower all sides of the bread with the spiced sugar — turn and pat for full coverage. The result? That signature donut sparkle and crunch, guaranteed.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
- Room Temperature Matters: Let your egg and milk sit out for a bit before starting — this helps the batter mix smoothly and produces a lighter crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: Just a gentle stir is all you need — a few lumps in the batter are totally fine and keep your loaf tender, not dense.
- Butter the Bread While Warm: Brush on the melted butter when the bread is still just-warm so the sugar coating sticks and creates that perfectly “crackly” crust.
- Get All Sides Sugared: Use parchment or a rimmed baking sheet to catch any runaway spiced sugar while you turn and coat the loaf — then sprinkle any excess right back on top.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Garnishes
This bread is spectacular right out of the pan, but for extra flair, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze, or a handful of toasted nuts on top. Even a bit of orange zest grated over warm slices brings a little sunshine to every bite.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate comfort brunch, serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai, fresh fruit salad, and creamy Greek yogurt. If you’re feeling decadent, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Sliced thick and stacked on a platter, this bread turns any gathering into a celebration. Try mini loaves or muffin versions for lunchbox treats, or wrap warm slices in parchment for a sweet homemade gift that’ll make anyone’s morning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap cooled Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sugary crust stays delicious, and the bread remains soft and flavorful.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Slice and layer with parchment, then wrap tightly in freezer-safe bags. Thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have a fresh, homemade treat ready to go whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive that out-of-the-oven warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast lightly for an extra hint of crispiness. The cinnamon sugar aroma comes right back to life every time!
FAQs
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Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread in advance?
Absolutely! It’s actually a fantastic make-ahead bake. Cool it completely, wrap it up well, and it will stay soft and flavorful for several days. You can even freeze it for extra-long storage.
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What’s the best way to get the sugar topping on all sides?
The trick is to coat the loaf while it’s still warm and to brush all sides with melted butter. Use a baking sheet or piece of parchment to catch the spiced sugar as you turn and sprinkle — don’t be afraid to really press it on for full coverage!
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Can I use low-fat milk or plant-based milk?
You definitely can! Whole milk provides the richest crumb, but your favorite 2% or unsweetened plant milk will still work. The recipe is flexible and turns out delicious with most substitutions.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a good 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend for the flour. The texture may be slightly more delicate, but you’ll still get that trademark donut bread flavor and cozy vibes!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, there’s something irresistible about Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread — it brings all the magic of fresh-baked donuts into a loaf you can share (or keep all to yourself!). Whip it up for breakfast, a lunchbox surprise, or a late-night treat, and watch it disappear. I can’t wait for you to taste those cinnamon-sugar memories in every single bite. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful fusion of traditional quick bread and the sweet, aromatic flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Bread
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups (306 g) whole milk
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Spiced Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be a bit runny.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and coat: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on parchment paper. Brush the warm bread with melted butter and sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the top.
Notes
- Leftover sugar and spice mixture can be saved and reused.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
