This Cinnamon Donut Bread captures all the warm, spicy flavors of a classic cinnamon donut in a convenient, sliceable loaf form. With its irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl and buttery cinnamon topping, this bread delivers the perfect balance of soft, moist texture and sweet, aromatic spice that will fill your home with delightful bakery scents as it bakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the beloved flavors of cinnamon donuts with the convenience of a quick bread
• Features a gorgeous cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout for flavor in every bite
• Simple to make with basic pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert any time of day
• Creates a beautiful presentation with minimal effort, making it great for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread providing structure – use unbleached for best flavor, or substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier profile.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness to both the bread and the topping – organic sugar works beautifully for a subtle caramel note.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to give the bread its perfect rise and light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bread – kosher salt is preferred, but fine sea salt works well too.
• Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness – no buttermilk? Use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the bread and topping – European-style butter contains more fat for extra richness.
• Eggs: Provides structure, moisture and richness – room temperature eggs incorporate best.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to complement the cinnamon – pure vanilla extract rather than imitation makes a noticeable difference.
• Brown sugar: Creates that deep, caramel-like sweetness in the cinnamon swirl – dark brown sugar adds even more molasses flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this bread its signature flavor – use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best aromatic quality.

Variations

Nutty Cinnamon Bread

Add a delightful crunch by incorporating 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter. For extra flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the mix. You can also sprinkle some on top with the cinnamon-sugar topping for a beautiful presentation.

Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread

Fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully) to add juicy fruit bits throughout the bread. The natural sweetness and moisture from the apples pair perfectly with the cinnamon flavor, creating an autumn-inspired treat reminiscent of apple cider donuts.

Cream Cheese Swirl Cinnamon Bread

Create a decadent cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture along with the cinnamon-sugar swirl when layering the batter, then swirl together with a knife for a cheesecake-like ribbon throughout the bread.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your loaf pan with either a generous coating of butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to prevent cooking the eggs. The mixture should look uniform with a slight yellow tint from the eggs.

Step 3: Make the Batter and Layer

Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula just until combined – overmixing will result in tough bread. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, add the remaining batter, and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Use a knife to create beautiful swirls by cutting through the batter in a figure-eight pattern.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping mixture for that classic donut finish. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overmix the batter – stir just until the ingredients are combined for the most tender bread texture
• Use room temperature ingredients (especially eggs and buttermilk) for the most even mixing and best rise
• Check for doneness starting at 45 minutes as oven temperatures can vary significantly
• For an extra-rich cinnamon flavor, use Ceylon or Vietnamese cinnamon, which have stronger aromatic qualities
• The bread will slice more cleanly if you let it cool completely, but it’s delicious served slightly warm
• Use a light-colored metal loaf pan for the most even baking; dark pans can cause the edges to brown too quickly

How to Serve

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is versatile enough to enjoy in multiple ways. Serve thick slices at breakfast alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a special morning treat. For an indulgent dessert, warm a slice briefly in the microwave and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also transform it into a delightful French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and pan-frying until golden. For an afternoon tea or coffee break, a simple slice on its own provides the perfect sweet companion to your favorite hot beverage.

Make Ahead

This bread is perfect for making ahead of time. The batter can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator – just bring it to room temperature before baking. Once baked and cooled, the bread will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bread at room temperature or reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds when you’re ready to enjoy them. The cinnamon-sugar topping is best added just before serving if you plan to freeze the bread.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it begins to curdle slightly, then use it as directed in the recipe. Alternatively, plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with a little milk works well too.

Why did my bread crack on top?

A crack on top is actually normal and desirable for quick breads like this one! It happens as the bread rises and sets on the outside while still expanding on the inside. This creates that beautiful, rustic look that’s characteristic of homemade bread. The crack is often where the cinnamon-sugar topping settles nicely.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! This batter works beautifully for muffins. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners, fill each cup about 2/3 full, and add a sprinkle of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each. Bake at the same temperature (350°F/175°C) but reduce the time to about 18-22 minutes. This will yield approximately 12-14 muffins.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The best way to test doneness is to insert a wooden toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the bread is done. Also, the bread should have a golden brown top and may have pulled away slightly from the sides of the pan. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C).

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Donut Bread brings together the cozy comfort of fresh donuts with the simplicity of a quick bread, creating a treat that’s perfect for any time of day. With its aromatic cinnamon swirl and sweet, buttery topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this versatile bread delivers warmth and sweetness in every bite. Give this recipe a try when you’re craving something homemade that feels both special and comforting – your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

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