Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Oh my goodness, ladies – have I got a treat for you today! This cinnamon donut bread is what happens when your favorite cinnamon sugar donut transforms into a loaf that’s even easier to make (and definitely easier to justify eating for breakfast!). The first time I made this, my kitchen filled with that intoxicating bakery aroma that had everyone wandering in asking “What smells so AMAZING?” The outside gets this incredible crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating while the inside stays soft and tender with swirls of warm spice running through every slice. It’s perfect with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or warmed slightly for dessert. Trust me, you’ll want to make two loaves because the first one disappears FAST!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the delicious flavor of cinnamon donuts without the hassle of frying or special equipment!
• The house smells absolutely heavenly while it’s baking – better than any scented candle on the market!
• That crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating creates the most satisfying texture contrast with the tender bread inside.
• It’s wonderful fresh but somehow gets even better the next day as the flavors deepen (if it lasts that long!).

Ingredients

All-purpose flour – The foundation of our bread that gives it that perfect structure while staying tender.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread just right without being overwhelming.

Brown sugar – Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to complement the cinnamon.

Butter – Creates richness and that unmistakable buttery flavor that makes this bread special.

Eggs – For structure, moisture, and that beautiful golden color.

Milk – Adds moisture and helps create that tender donut-like crumb.

Sour cream – My secret weapon for the most incredibly moist and tender texture!

Vanilla extract – That warm background note that enhances all the other flavors.

Ground cinnamon – The star of the show that gives this bread its signature flavor.

Nutmeg – Just a pinch for that authentic donut shop taste – trust me, it makes all the difference!

Baking powder – Helps our bread rise to perfect height.

Salt – Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Cinnamon sugar topping – That magical mixture that creates the irresistible donut-like crust.

The full ingredient list with measurements will be available in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Preparing Your Pan and Oven

1. Start by positioning your oven rack in the center and preheating to 350°F. Perfect temperature is key for that golden exterior!
2. Prep your 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter, then dust lightly with flour. For extra insurance against sticking, I like to line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper with some overhang to create handles – makes removing the loaf so much easier!

Making the Batter

1. In your mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy – about 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step! This creates tiny air pockets for a tender crumb.
2. Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in that vanilla extract – the kitchen is already starting to smell amazing!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
4. In a measuring cup, stir together your milk and sour cream until smooth.
5. Now comes the gentle dance – add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (dry-wet-dry-wet-dry). Mix just until combined after each addition – we don’t want to overwork the batter!
6. For that extra donut-shop magic, mix 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. We’ll use this for both the swirl and that irresistible topping!

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl and Baking

1. Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with remaining batter, spreading carefully to cover the cinnamon layer.
4. Here’s my favorite part – take a butter knife and gently swirl it through the batter in a figure-eight pattern. Don’t overdo it – just enough to create those beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout!
5. Sprinkle the top with about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture (save the rest for after baking).
6. Bake in your preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

The Magic Topping

1. While the bread is still warm (but not hot), brush the top with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This is the secret to that authentic donut finish!
2. Immediately sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, gently pressing it into the top and sides to adhere.
3. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then use those parchment paper handles to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room temperature ingredients really matter here! Set your butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream out at least an hour before baking for the best texture.
• For the most tender bread, use a light hand when mixing the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops gluten which can make your bread tough instead of tender.
• If you want even more cinnamon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon extract along with the vanilla. It’s a little harder to find but worth seeking out for cinnamon lovers!
• Don’t skip that nutmeg – it’s the secret ingredient that makes this taste like authentic donuts instead of just cinnamon bread. Freshly grated is amazing if you have a whole nutmeg!

How to Serve

This gorgeous bread is versatile enough for any time of day! Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

For breakfast:

• Toasted lightly and spread with a thin layer of salted butter
• Alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea
• As French toast (yes, really! It’s INCREDIBLE!)

For a special afternoon treat:

• With a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Alongside hot apple cider in the fall
• With fresh berries on the side for a touch of brightness

For dessert:

• Warmed slightly and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness
• With a generous spoonful of apple compote on top

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This wonderful bread actually develops more flavor overnight! You can bake it a day ahead of when you plan to serve it. Once completely cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Storage

Keep your cinnamon donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain that delightful cinnamon-sugar crust, place a piece of parchment paper between slices when storing. I like to place a slice of apple or piece of bread in the container – it keeps the bread perfectly moist without getting soggy!

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag. For individual servings, wrap slices separately before freezing. Thaw overnight at room temperature and warm slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste. I often make two loaves at once – one to enjoy immediately and one for the freezer for unexpected company!

FAQs

Cinnamon Donut Bread

This Cinnamon Donut Bread transforms your favorite bakery treat into an easy-to-bake, irresistibly moist loaf coated with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or coffee breaks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Topping

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, dust with flour, and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
• In a separate cup, mix milk and sour cream. Add to the butter mixture, alternating with dry ingredients (dry-wet-dry-wet-dry). Mix gently until combined.
• Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tbsp cinnamon in a small bowl for the swirl and topping.
• Spread half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add remaining batter and gently swirl with a butter knife. Sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top.
• Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
• Remove from oven, brush top with melted butter, and sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar. Cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to rack.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. For muffins, reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes. You can swirl in cream cheese or chopped nuts for variation.

Keyword baking, cinnamon bread, donut bread, easy loaf