5 Irresistible Reasons to Bake This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe Today

If you’re searching for a no-fuss, irresistibly sweet loaf that doubles as breakfast and dessert, this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It has the sugary crust of a classic cinnamon donut, the soft crumb of a pound cake, and the familiar warmth of homemade comfort food. Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing easy breakfast treats for a crowd, or simply craving something cozy with your coffee, this recipe delivers.

This bread has quickly become a favorite because it’s easy to make, smells like a bakery while baking, and slices beautifully for sharing. Best of all, it doesn’t require frying or yeast—just a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and your favorite cinnamon spice blend.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread

There’s so much to love about this cinnamon donut bread recipe. First, it’s incredibly quick to put together. No proofing, no shaping, and no deep frying. It’s baked like banana bread, but tastes like a warm donut rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Second, it’s versatile. It works as a sweet snack, a cozy dessert, or a morning pick-me-up. It even makes a thoughtful homemade gift or a brunch potluck hit. Like our banana cream hand pies, this treat brings comfort and joy in every bite.

Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful and fluffy loaf:

For the batter:

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

For the cinnamon sugar topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

These pantry staples come together to make a loaf with a golden exterior and a perfectly moist, tender center—everything you expect from a great cinnamon donut bread recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Donut Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. While warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping.

This loaf is just as easy as our quick cake mix recipes but far more satisfying when you’re after something with a bakery-style touch.

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Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread vs. Traditional Donuts

What makes a cinnamon swirl donut bread recipe different from traditional donuts? For one, there’s no yeast or rising time involved. It bakes in the oven like a loaf cake but carries all the flavor notes you’d expect from a cinnamon sugar donut.

Instead of a glaze, this bread is finished with a buttery cinnamon topping, giving it the nostalgic taste of a fried donut—without the extra oil. It’s also easier to serve in slices, making it ideal for breakfast treats for a crowd.

Quick and Simple Desserts for Any Time of Day

This cinnamon donut bread recipe fits the bill for multiple occasions. Need a quick and simple dessert for guests? Slice and serve warm with whipped cream. Want an afternoon snack? Toast a slice with butter and pair it with coffee or tea.

Just like our frozen peach lemonade, this bread brings big flavor with little effort. It’s a reliable go-to that can move from breakfast to dessert with ease.

Easy Breakfast Treats for a Crowd

Hosting a brunch? This loaf is a showstopper on any spread. Bake a few loaves ahead of time and serve sliced on a platter alongside fruits, cheeses, and other easy breakfast snacks for a crowd.

Because it holds together so well, this bread is easy to transport too. Bring it to work, school events, or casual family gatherings. Much like our hash brown egg casserole, it’s dependable and universally loved.

Variations and Add-Ins to Customize Your Donut Bread

Want to make your cinnamon donut bread even more exciting? Try these delicious twists:

• Add a swirl: Mix cinnamon sugar and drop spoonfuls into the batter, then swirl with a knife.
• Mix in nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
• Use brown sugar in place of white sugar for a caramel-like depth.
• Top with glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a traditional donut vibe.
• Make it spicy: Add cardamom or nutmeg for a more complex flavor.

Customizing this recipe is just as fun as our mini lemon tarts, allowing you to adjust it for the season or your personal taste.

Storing and Freezing Tips

To store your cinnamon donut bread recipe leftovers:

• Room Temp: Wrap tightly and keep for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, microwave for 15 seconds or warm in a low oven. It’s a great grab-and-go breakfast that holds up well in the freezer.

Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Donut Bread

This cozy bread pairs beautifully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or chai
• Vanilla yogurt and berries
• Soft scrambled eggs or quiche
• Avocado egg salad for a sweet-and-savory brunch
• A drizzle of maple syrup or honey

It’s just as flexible as our cheesecake-stuffed baked apples, serving as both a treat and a meal enhancer.

How to Turn This into Muffins or Mini Loaves

Want something more portable? Try these variations:

• Muffins: Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes
• Mini loaves: Use mini pans and bake for 30–35 minutes
• Donut holes: Scoop into mini muffin tins and dust with cinnamon sugar

These options are perfect for kids’ lunches, bake sales, or sharing smaller portions.

Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Donut Bread

Here are a few common mistakes—and how to avoid them:

• Overmixing the batter – leads to a tough texture. Mix until just combined.
• Underbaking – check with a toothpick in the center to ensure doneness.
• Skipping the topping – it’s essential for that donut-like finish.
• Using cold ingredients – room temp butter and eggs work best.
• Not greasing the pan properly – use parchment for easy removal.

By avoiding these, you’ll get the best possible outcome from your cinnamon donut bread recipe.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for Every Season

This recipe isn’t just for fall—it works year-round. In the summer, serve it with fresh berries. In the winter, pair it with hot cocoa. During holidays, add nutmeg and clove to make it more festive. Like our snowball cake, it adapts beautifully to every season.

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FAQ – Cinnamon Donut Bread

Can I use almond milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes—just add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup almond milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Make two loaves or one large one and adjust the bake time slightly.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and test for doneness as baking time may vary.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the day before and store tightly wrapped until ready to serve.

Does this taste like a cinnamon roll?
Not quite—it’s more like a cinnamon donut bread, with a lighter texture and crisper exterior.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This cinnamon donut bread recipe is sweet, simple, and full of comforting cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re serving brunch, prepping for a party, or baking a batch to freeze, this bread has everything you love in a treat—with none of the hassle. Moist, flavorful, and bakery-worthy, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it and subscribe to recipesize.com for more quick and simple desserts, breakfast treats for a crowd, and seasonal baking ideas that delight.

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