Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread: Easy, Fluffy & Irresistible!

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is about to become your new favorite breakfast sensation, brunch star, or afternoon treat.

Imagine the Irresistible Aroma of Donuts, Made Easy!

Picture this: waking up to the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked donuts, but without any of the fuss, mess, or deep-frying. That’s precisely the magic I’m bringing to your kitchen today! I’ve always been captivated by the simple joy a classic cinnamon-sugar coating brings to everything from warm toast to fluffy churros. This beloved combination traces its roots back through countless cultures, a testament to its universal appeal as a comforting, sweet indulgence.

What makes this particular dish so special is how it masterfully blends the convenience of a quick bread with the irresistible flavors and textures we adore in a bakery-fresh donut. People absolutely rave about this recipe because it delivers on every front: a wonderfully moist and tender crumb, generously swirled with warm cinnamon and sugar, all crowned with a glorious, crunchy, buttery topping. It’s the perfect way to enjoy that beloved donut experience in an easy, sliceable form. Get ready for your home to be filled with the most delightful smells and for your taste buds to sing with every bite of this incredible Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread.

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Base:
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (I always recommend sifting it for the lightest crumb!)
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• For the Donut Coating:
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (for dipping)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• For the Optional Vanilla Glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparing the Bread Batter

Hello there, fellow baking enthusiast! Let’s dive right into creating this wonderfully comforting Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell absolutely heavenly.

1. First things first, preheat your oven and prepare your pan. I like to set my oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. You’ll want to grease and flour it really well, or for an even easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This parchment paper trick makes lifting the finished bread out an absolute breeze later on, which is especially helpful when you’re getting ready for that glorious donut coating!
2. Now, let’s whisk together our dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Give these a good whisk for about 30 seconds, making sure everything is evenly distributed. You want to make sure the baking powder is spread throughout the flour so you get an even rise. This step is important for achieving that perfect, consistent texture in your finished Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. There’s nothing worse than biting into a delicious loaf only to find a pocket of unmixed baking powder!
3. Next up, the wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. It’s a good idea to ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother, more emulsified mixture and ultimately a more tender crumb for your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. If your butter is too hot, it could start to cook the eggs, and we definitely don’t want scrambled eggs in our bread batter!
4. It’s time to combine everything! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Now, here’s where a gentle touch comes in. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. You’ll want to stir until you no longer see streaks of dry flour, but resist the urge to overmix. Overmixing is the enemy of tender baked goods, as it develops the gluten too much, leading to a tough, dense bread instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable; they’ll usually disappear during baking. The batter should be thick, but pourable, resembling a lovely cake batter rather than a sticky dough.

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

This is where we start building those beautiful layers of cinnamon sugar goodness that make this bread truly special and reminiscent of a classic donut.

5. Let’s make that irresistible cinnamon swirl mixture. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of light brown sugar (packed) and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix these together thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. The brown sugar adds a lovely molasses note that complements the cinnamon beautifully, giving it a deeper flavor profile than just granulated sugar.
6. Time to layer! Pour about half of your bread batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. It doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect, just a nice base layer. Then, evenly sprinkle about half of your cinnamon swirl mixture over this first layer of batter. You can gently tap the pan to help the sugar settle a bit. Next, carefully spoon the remaining bread batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. It might seem a little tricky to spread without disturbing the cinnamon, but take your time and gently dollop the batter, then carefully spread it to cover the entire surface. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture over the top of the batter.
7. Now for the “swirl” part! Take a butter knife or a thin skewer and gently run it through the batter in a zig-zag pattern, or make small figure-eights. You’re not trying to fully mix it in; rather, you’re aiming to create lovely ribbons and pockets of cinnamon sugar throughout the bread. Be careful not to over-swirl; we want distinct layers and streaks, not a homogenous brown batter. This visual appeal, combined with the bursts of flavor, is what makes each slice of your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread so appealing.

Baking the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

The anticipation builds as our beautiful bread bakes and fills the house with an incredible aroma!

8. Into the oven it goes! Carefully place your pan into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. The baking time will typically be between 35 to 45 minutes. However, oven temperatures can vary, so it’s always best to keep an eye on it.
9. How to tell if it’s done? You’ll know your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is ready when the top is golden brown, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs a little more time. If the top starts browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. The kitchen will be filled with the most delightful scent of cinnamon and warm bread – a truly mouth-watering experience!
10. Cooling is key! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to set and firm up, making it easier to handle. Then, carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it) and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack is crucial to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy due to trapped steam. Patience is a virtue here, my friend, though I know it’s hard when such a delicious aroma is wafting through your home!

Applying the Donut Coating

This is the magical step that transforms a delicious cinnamon swirl bread into a true Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, mimicking the beloved texture and flavor of a freshly fried donut.

11. Prepare your donut coating station. While the bread is cooling (or even after it’s fully cooled), you’ll want to get your dipping ingredients ready. In one shallow dish, melt ½ cup (113g) of unsalted butter. In another shallow dish, combine ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir these together really well until the cinnamon is thoroughly mixed into the sugar. You want that classic speckled cinnamon-sugar blend.
12. Slice the bread. Once your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread has cooled to at least warm, or even completely, slice it into generous pieces. I find about 1-inch thick slices are perfect. You can also cut it into squares if you prefer.
13. The Donut Transformation! This is the fun part! Take each slice of bread, one at a time. First, dip both sides of the slice into the melted butter. Make sure it’s well coated but not soaking wet. The butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully and adds an incredible richness and moisture, truly replicating that donut experience. After its butter bath, immediately dredge the slice through the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and generous coating on all sides. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar here; this is what makes it a “donut” bread! The combination of the warm, buttery bread with the sweet, spiced crunch of the topping is absolutely divine. Repeat this process for all your slices. If your bread has completely cooled, you might find it helpful to gently warm the slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before dipping; this helps the butter absorb and the sugar stick better.

Optional: Making the Glaze and Serving

While the cinnamon sugar coating is already fantastic, a simple vanilla glaze can add another layer of sweetness and visual appeal, making your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread even more irresistible.

14. Whip up the optional glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (120g) of sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a half-teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted powdered sugar. You want it to be thick enough to cling to the bread but thin enough to drizzle beautifully.
15. Drizzle and Serve! Once your glaze is ready, you can drizzle it generously over the coated slices of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. You can do this over individual slices, or if you’re serving the whole loaf, you can drizzle it over the entire thing before guests arrive. The glaze adds a lovely shine and an extra burst of vanilla sweetness that really enhances the “donut” flavor.
16. Serving and Storage. This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is absolutely best served warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, or even as a comforting dessert. The flavors are most vibrant and the texture is at its peak when enjoyed fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To refresh, you can pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a toaster oven, to bring back that warm, fresh-baked feel. Every bite is a delightful combination of moist, tender bread and sweet, spiced crunch, truly making it feel like a gourmet donut experience in bread form! Enjoy every delicious moment of this homemade treat!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create something truly magical, a dish that consistently brings smiles and fills the air with an irresistible aroma. If you’ve been searching for that perfect treat that combines the comforting familiarity of homemade bread with the whimsical joy of a fresh donut, then this recipe, culminating in the magnificent Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, is an absolute must-try. It’s more than just a baked good; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen. I’ve found it to be a real game-changer for those mornings when you crave something special but don’t have the time or energy for deep-frying, or for an afternoon pick-me-up that feels incredibly indulgent yet surprisingly straightforward to make. The unparalleled softness of the crumb, generously coated in that iconic cinnamon sugar mixture, really does capture the essence of a warm, sugary donut without any of the fuss. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can yield extraordinary results. I truly believe that once you pull this golden-brown loaf from your oven, your home will be instantly transformed into the most inviting bakery on the block, and everyone who tries a slice will understand exactly why I’m so enthusiastic about it.

Now, let’s talk about how to truly savor every last crumb and even elevate your experience further. While this bread is utterly divine on its own, especially when still warm with that melting cinnamon sugar crust, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy it. For a truly classic breakfast or brunch treat, I love serving thick slices alongside a steaming mug of strong coffee or a comforting cup of tea. Imagine dunking a soft piece into your morning brew – pure bliss! But don’t stop there. Consider drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. Just a mix of powdered sugar and a touch of milk or cream, whisked until smooth, can take it to a whole new level of decadence. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, a light caramel sauce or even a chocolate ganache can turn this humble bread into an impressive dessert. For an indulgent after-dinner treat, try serving a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that gently melts into the crevices, creating a beautiful interplay of warm and cold, soft and creamy textures. You could also sprinkle a few toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter next time you make it for an added nutty crunch. Or, for a seasonal twist, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom added to the cinnamon sugar blend can introduce subtle new notes that are absolutely enchanting. Don’t forget, this bread also makes a fantastic base for French toast; imagine soaking thick slices in an egg custard and pan-frying them to golden perfection – a double dose of donut-bread goodness!

So, what are you waiting for? This is your official invitation, a friendly nudge from me to you, to clear your schedule, gather your ingredients, and embark on this incredibly rewarding baking adventure. I promise you, the aroma alone as it bakes will be worth every moment, and the first bite? Oh, the first bite is pure joy. It’s a moment of simple, unadulterated pleasure that you truly deserve. Baking, for me, is such a therapeutic process, and creating something as delightful as this bread is incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to experience that same sense of accomplishment and delicious reward. Once you’ve baked your very own loaf of this sensational Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, please, please come back and share your experience with me! I absolutely adore hearing about your kitchen triumphs, seeing your photos, and learning about any creative twists or serving suggestions you come up with. Did you serve it with ice cream? Did your family devour it in minutes? Did you sneak a slice for yourself before anyone else woke up? Your stories and feedback truly inspire me and help build our wonderful community of home bakers. Let’s fill our homes with the glorious scent of cinnamon and sugar, and our tables with slices of pure comfort. Happy baking, everyone!