This cinnamon sugar donut bread is soft, moist, and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with coffee!
If you’ve ever wished you could combine the cozy comfort of sweet bread with the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon sugar donut, this recipe is your dream come true. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a fluffy, moist loaf coated in a crispy, sugary crust that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting. With its warm cinnamon aroma and buttery richness, this bread is a treat that feels indulgent yet simple to make.
I made this for a weekend brunch, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it. It’s like having dessert for breakfast! Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this bread is foolproof and comes out perfect every time. I love adding a handful of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch. It’s such an easy way to personalize the recipe.
Ingredients and Their Role
* All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
* Baking Powder (2 tsp): Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
* Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
* Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp for bread, 2 tsp for coating): Adds warmth and depth to both the bread and the sugary crust.
* Unsalted Butter (½ cup for bread, ½ cup for coating): Adds richness and moisture to the bread, while melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
* Granulated Sugar (1 cup for bread, ½ cup for coating): Sweetens the bread and creates that irresistible crunchy coating.
* Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
* Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
* Milk (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Preparing the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x4-inch or 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Baking the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the bread bakes, melt the butter for the coating in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
Coating the Bread
Once the bread is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn it out onto a wire rack, brush it with melted butter, and roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
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I love making this bread during the holidays. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and it makes my kitchen smell amazing!
Perfect Pairings
Serve this sweet bread warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For an extra indulgence, spread a slice with butter or drizzle it with caramel sauce. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Variations
Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey surprise.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast.
Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top for extra sweetness.
Storing and Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a recipe I turn to again and again. It’s simple, delicious, and always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, it’s a treat that never disappoints.
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Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to make a buttermilk substitute.
→ Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?
Absolutely! Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
→ What’s the best way to serve this bread?
Serve it warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.
Sweet, Cinnamon, Irresistible
Soft, moist bread with cinnamon-sugar swirls and topping. A donut-inspired treat for any time of day!
091 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
→ For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
10⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
111 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
→ For the Topping
122 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
13¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
141 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 01
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 02
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 03
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 04
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 05
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 06
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture into the batter.
Step 07
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 08
While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the bread.
Step 09
Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Serve with coffee, tea, or enjoy as is!
Notes
For extra sweetness, drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Tools You'll Need
9x5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Whisk
Wire rack
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Dairy (butter, buttermilk)
Gluten (all-purpose flour)
Eggs
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.