If you’re craving that cozy, sweet, and warmly spiced treat that feels like a hug from the inside, you absolutely must try this Cinnamon Donut Bread. It captures the essence of a cinnamon donut in a wonderfully moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or even dessert. The beautiful swirl of cinnamon flavor throughout the bread and the subtle sugar crunch on top make every bite unforgettable, inviting you back for just one more slice.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all straightforward, pantry-friendly staples that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a vital role: the flour builds structure, sugar adds sweetness, cinnamon brings that signature warmth, and eggs and milk ensure a soft, tender crumb.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a soft and sturdy bread that holds its shape beautifully.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweet balance to the cinnamon’s warm spice and caramelizes slightly during baking for a crisp crust.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the bread its light, airy lift so it isn’t dense or heavy.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing the bread with that unmistakable, comforting flavor.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute moisture and richness.
1 cup whole milk: Keeps the bread tender and adds a subtle creaminess that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
1/2 cup melted butter (cooled): Brings buttery richness that makes every slice melt in your mouth.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated when the batter is ready. Grease your loaf pan well to ensure your Cinnamon Donut Bread releases easily once baked, preserving its beautiful crust and soft interior.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly combined. This step guarantees the cinnamon and leavening agents are distributed throughout the bread for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, and melted butter together until smooth and fully blended. Using room temperature eggs helps create a more uniform batter that bakes evenly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — that’s the secret to maintaining a tender crumb without toughness in your Cinnamon Donut Bread.

Step 5: Pour and Sprinkle

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For an extra touch reminiscent of a classic cinnamon sugar donut, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top before baking. This creates a lovely cinnamon crust you’ll adore.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell irresistibly delicious as the cinnamon warms and the bread rises to a golden brown.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top makes for a delightful presentation and amplifies that cinnamon donut feel. Fresh berries or a smear of softened butter on a warm slice take it to another level.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Donut Bread pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, offer it alongside creamy yogurt and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and add bright, fresh textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Cinnamon Donut Bread thick for a rustic breakfast plate, or cube it up for cinnamon-flavored bread pudding or French toast bake. Stacking slices with cream cheese frosting between layers creates a fun and easy dessert cake everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist and soft, ready whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze the slices separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to three months and can be toasted directly from frozen for a quick treat.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven at 300°F until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Adding a pat of butter before warming enhances the rich, comforting flavors of your Cinnamon Donut Bread.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the ideal crumb and structure. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but it may result in a denser texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the richness.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?

Yes, folding in chopped nuts or raisins into the batter before baking is a delicious way to add texture and extra flavor. Just be sure not to overload the batter so it bakes evenly.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Cinnamon Donut Bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Can I double this recipe?

You can! Just be sure to use a larger loaf pan or two pans and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Avoid overcrowding one pan for even baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is genuinely one of those feel-good recipes that’s simple to make yet so satisfying to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with family over morning coffee or enjoying it solo as an afternoon treat, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite. Give it a try and enjoy all the warm, cinnamon-spiced love baked into every slice.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread that blends the warm spices of cinnamon with a tender crumb, reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon-sugar donut. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack, this easy-to-make loaf combines simple pantry ingredients to create a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup melted butter (cooled)

Optional Topping

Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined and aerated.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, and cooled melted butter together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top for an extra sweet crust.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Room temperature eggs help the batter mix more evenly.
Use whole milk for a richer flavor, but you can substitute with 2% milk if necessary.
For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk.
Adding a cinnamon sugar topping before baking creates a sweet, crunchy crust.
Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing the bread is possible; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American