Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread – Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible!

There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and sugar—it instantly transports you to a warm, cozy place. And when you pair it with the soft, cake-like texture of donut bread? Pure bliss! This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is everything you love about a classic cinnamon sugar donut but in a loaf form. No deep frying, no complicated steps—just a simple, incredibly delicious recipe that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma.

I promise, once you make this, you’ll be sneaking slices all day long! Whether you enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this bread is a winner.

Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful treat at home!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• No yeast, no kneading! Just mix, swirl, and bake.
• Tastes like a classic cinnamon sugar donut but in a soft, sliceable loaf.
• Swirled with cinnamon goodness in every bite.
• A crunchy cinnamon sugar topping that makes every slice irresistible.
• Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert (or all three—no judgment!).

What Does It Taste Like?

Think of the soft, moist texture of a cake donut, but with a buttery richness and a deep cinnamon-sugar flavor in every bite. The crunchy cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful contrast, making this bread completely irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

The Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick (for swirling)
• Pastry brush (for the topping)

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.

Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls are enough!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will be incredible at this point!

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Topping

As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the top with melted butter. Then, mix together ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the warm loaf. This creates that classic crunchy donut-like topping!

Step 6: Let It Cool (If You Can Wait!)

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, slice into it while it’s still warm and enjoy every cinnamon-swirled bite!

What to Serve with Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

This bread is a treat all on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, try these serving ideas:

• Warm with butter – A simple classic.
• With a cup of coffee or tea – Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon break.
• Toasted with cream cheese – A tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream – Because why not?!

Tips for the Best Donut Bread

• Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the bread dense.
• Swirl gently. You want pretty cinnamon ribbons, not a fully mixed batter.
• Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything mix smoothly.
• Brush on the butter while warm. It helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick perfectly.

How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Fridge: Keeps fresh for 5-6 days (just warm slices before serving!).
• In the Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for best results.

Can I use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk?
Absolutely! Any milk will work in this recipe.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can bake this in a muffin tin (adjust baking time to about 18-22 minutes) or a 9-inch cake pan (bake for about 35 minutes).

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips would be delicious in this bread.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love this Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread, you’ll also enjoy these sweet treats:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls filled with strawberry cheesecake goodness!
• Lemon Raspberry Scones – A bright and zesty treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies – A crispy, chewy twist on classic chocolate chip cookies.

Final Thoughts – A Treat You’ll Make Again and Again!

This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy to make, packed with cinnamon sugar goodness, and perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, this bread won’t disappoint.

If you try this recipe, I’d LOVE to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below—your feedback makes my day.

Happy baking! 😊🍞✨