This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a deliciously soft and sweet loaf that combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut with the comforting texture of homemade bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this bread is lightly sweet, buttery, and infused with warm cinnamon flavor. If you’re looking for an easy cinnamon sugar bread recipe, a sweet morning treat, or a dessert-like loaf that’s simple to bake, this recipe hits all the marks.
Introduction
Imagine biting into a soft, tender slice of bread swirled with cinnamon sugar—the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread brings that experience to your kitchen without the need for deep-frying donuts. With simple pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and eggs, it’s easy to whip up a loaf that tastes indulgent but feels homemade.
This recipe is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family breakfasts, or a sweet snack with coffee or tea. The cinnamon sugar swirls create a visual treat, and each bite offers a soft, buttery texture with a caramelized cinnamon-sugar topping that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Sweet, comforting flavor: Cinnamon sugar infusion in every bite
- Soft, tender texture: Moist loaf with lightly crisp edges
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike
- Versatile: Enjoy as breakfast, dessert, or snack
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or glaze for extra indulgence
Ingredients Breakdown
Servings: 8 slices
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar for topping
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for topping
Ingredient Notes:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for a tender loaf
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a fluffy texture
- Cinnamon: Gives that signature warm, sweet-spicy flavor
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture
- Eggs and milk: Create a soft, custardy interior
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall sweetness
- Cinnamon sugar topping: Creates a lightly crisp, caramelized swirl
Tools & Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for swirling
Optional:
- Electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. - Prepare dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugar
In another bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. - Add eggs, milk, and vanilla
Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined. - Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. - Layer batter in pan
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. - Add cinnamon sugar swirl
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle half over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. - Create swirls
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter for a marbled effect. - Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture
- Glaze option: Drizzle powdered sugar mixed with milk over cooled bread for an extra sweet finish
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing will make the bread dense rather than soft
- Check doneness: Start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking
Flavor Profile
This bread has a soft, tender crumb with lightly crisp edges. The cinnamon sugar swirls provide pockets of caramelized sweetness throughout, while butter and vanilla create a rich, comforting flavor. Each slice offers a balance of warmth from cinnamon and sweet, buttery richness reminiscent of a classic cinnamon sugar donut.
Nutritional Overview
Per slice (1 of 8):
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
This bread is indulgent yet portion-controlled, ideal for a sweet breakfast or dessert treat.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps bread fresh up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap; freeze for up to 1 month
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven or microwave before serving
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but texture will be denser and slightly less tender.
2. Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
Yes, adjust baking time to 20–30 minutes for muffins or smaller loaves.
3. Can I add a glaze?
Yes, mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over cooled bread for extra sweetness.
4. How do I prevent bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
5. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, it will add a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Cooking Timeline
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 min |
| Servings | 8 slices |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or cream cheese
- Pair with coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch
- Slice for a dessert plate with fresh fruit
Recipe Variations
- Nutty cinnamon bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Chocolate swirl: Add chocolate chips in batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top
- Glazed donut bread: Powdered sugar glaze over cooled bread
- Apple cinnamon twist: Add small diced apples with the cinnamon sugar swirl
Ingredient Spotlight
Cinnamon
Provides warm, sweet spice that is the signature flavor of this bread. Use fresh ground cinnamon for best results.
Butter
Softened butter creates a tender, moist loaf and enhances the sweet, rich flavor profile.
Pro Baking Tips
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother batter
- Swirl gently for marbled effect without overmixing
- Test for doneness with a toothpick to prevent overbaking
- Let cool completely for clean slicing
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Room temperature: 2–3 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly, freeze for up to 1 month
- Reheating: Microwave or warm in oven for fresh-baked taste
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 20g |
Dietary Notes:
Vegetarian-friendly. Contains gluten and dairy; can adapt with non-dairy butter and gluten-free flour.
Expanded Conclusion
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread combines the cozy sweetness of cinnamon sugar donuts with the comforting texture of homemade bread. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, it’s easy to make and wonderfully versatile. Whether you enjoy a warm slice straight from the oven, add a glaze, or include chocolate chips or nuts, this bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake a loaf today and enjoy sweet, cinnamon-scented mornings!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread – Sweet & Irresistible Breakfast Treat
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a sweet, tender loaf with swirls of cinnamon and sugar, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Soft, buttery, and lightly spiced, it’s a treat everyone will love.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Cream butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then milk and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into pan. Mix topping sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle half over batter.
- Pour remaining batter and top with remaining cinnamon sugar. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Drizzle powdered sugar glaze over cooled bread for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian



