There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen. Now, imagine combining the nostalgic taste of a cinnamon-sugar donut with the softness of a homemade quick bread. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Donut Bread delivers: a moist, tender loaf with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a sugar-dusted finish. No frying, no complicated techniques—just pure comfort baked into every slice.

Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break, this recipe is simple, versatile, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easier than donuts → No frying, no yeast, just mix and bake.
Perfectly moist → Thanks to buttermilk (or easy substitutes).
Customizable → Add apple chunks, chocolate chips, or even a glaze.
Kid-friendly & freezer-friendly → Bake once, enjoy for days.

🥖 Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Ingredients

For the Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Topping:

2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
3 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for dusting after baking)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Make the batter: Slowly fold wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently—do not overmix.
Layer with cinnamon swirl: Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Swirl lightly with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool slightly: Let bread rest 10 minutes, then remove from pan.
Optional coating: Brush warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar for that true “donut” finish.

🍞 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temp → Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge → Keeps for up to 5 days, wrapped tightly.
Freezer → Slice and wrap individually; freeze for up to 2 months. Warm in toaster oven or microwave before serving.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Baker Tips

Don’t overmix the batter → this keeps the bread soft.
Use fresh cinnamon → stale spice loses aroma.
For extra richness → replace half the oil with sour cream.
Let it rest before slicing → ensures the swirl sets beautifully.

🎨 Flavor Variations

Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread → Fold in 1 cup diced apples.
Pumpkin Spice Version → Add ½ cup pumpkin purée + 1 tsp pumpkin spice.
Chocolate Swirl Bread → Mix cocoa powder into half the cinnamon sugar.
Glazed Donut Bread → Drizzle with a vanilla or cream cheese glaze.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Slice thick and serve warm with coffee or tea.
Spread with cream cheese or apple butter.
Toast lightly and add a pat of butter for a caramelized edge.
Cut into cubes and turn into a bread pudding for a second-day treat.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold eggs/milk → causes uneven texture.
Adding too much cinnamon sugar on top → can make crust soggy.
Baking at higher temperature → leads to dry or cracked loaf.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may be slightly denser.

2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; let sit 5 minutes.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use two loaf pans or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Adjust baking time accordingly.

4. How do I keep it moist?
Wrap cooled bread in foil or plastic wrap. Adding a slice of bread inside the container also prevents dryness.

🥗 Nutrition (per slice, based on 12 slices)

Calories: ~210
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Sugar: 18g

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Donut Bread is the perfect blend of cozy flavors and easy baking. It gives you all the taste of a cinnamon sugar donut—without the frying hassle. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or with a creative twist, this loaf will quickly become a family favorite.

👉 Bake it today, and enjoy a slice of warmth, sweetness, and comfort with every bite.