Cinnamon Donut Bread Loaf

This cinnamon donut bread nails all the joy of classic cinnamon-sugar cake donuts without the frying fuss or sticky mess. The tender crumb and golden crust remind me of pulling hot donuts from a bakery box as a kid. Swiped with melted butter and that iconic cinnamon-sugar blanket, this loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with barely any cleanup.

I still remember the first time I brought this loaf to a spring brunch. Everyone swore I was hiding a donut shop in my kitchen. Now it is my go-to for cheering up gloomy weekends and quick coffee breaks with friends.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives structure for a tender crumb Choose unbleached flour for best flavor

• Baking powder: lifts the bread to a light texture Make sure yours is less than six months old

• Baking soda: helps with browning and extra rise Store airtight for maximum potency

• Ground cinnamon: brings that signature donut aroma Use good-quality Saigon or Ceylon if available

• Salt: rounds out the sweetness and enhances flavors Fine sea salt blends best

• Granulated sugar: keeps the loaf moist and provides crunch in the topping Look for fine or superfine sugar for a delicate crumb

• Unsalted butter: delivers rich flavor Melt it gently and cool to keep the batter smooth

• Eggs: bind everything and add moisture Use large eggs at room temperature

• Vanilla extract: deepens the donut-like flavor Pure extract works best if you have it

• Buttermilk: creates a subtle tang and ensures perfect tenderness See notes below for substitutions

• For the cinnamon sugar topping: melted unsalted butter makes the sugar stick and extra cinnamon gives that bakery touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan and Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and thoroughly grease a nine by five inch loaf pan making sure you coat the corners so nothing sticks

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk the flour baking powder baking soda cinnamon and salt for a full thirty seconds to ensure every bite is seasoned evenly

Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk the sugar with the melted butter eggs and vanilla extract until glossy and smooth Then pour in your buttermilk and blend just until incorporated

Bring Together the Batter:

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon Continue stirring gently until the flour just disappears Stop as soon as you see no dry patches to avoid a dense loaf

Bake the Bread:

Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan smoothing the top with a spatula Tap the pan on the counter to burst any large air bubbles and bake for forty five to fifty minutes Check that a toothpick in the middle comes out clean with only a crumb or two attached

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

While the bread bakes mix half a cup of granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl Melt your quarter cup of butter and set both aside

Coat the Bread in Donut Goodness:

Let the baked bread cool in its pan for ten full minutes Use a thin knife around the edges to release any sticking Remove the loaf and quickly brush the top and sides with all the melted butter then shower on the cinnamon sugar pressing gently so it clings everywhere

Cool and Serve:

Allow the loaf to cool completely on a rack for the best slice It will be easy to cut and the crust stays crisp Enjoy plain or with a mug of coffee or tea

Pin it

There is nothing quite like swirling the cinnamon sugar on while the butter is still warm The aroma immediately transports me right back to my grandmas kitchen where her secret was always an extra pinch of cinnamon She said if it did not make your kitchen smell like a bakery you needed more

Storage Tips

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic or keep in an airtight container at room temperature and it stays fresh for up to three days For longer keeping slice and freeze portions in freezer bags I love microwaving a slice for twenty seconds to revive that just baked warmth

Ingredient Swaps

No buttermilk on hand You can mix three quarters cup of milk with two teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar let it sit five minutes and use as a perfect substitute If you are out of unsalted butter salted butter works fine just skip the extra pinch of salt in the batter

Serving Suggestions

Slice this bread thick and serve with cream cheese spread or a pat of butter For dessert it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream At brunch tuck it next to a platter of fresh strawberries or a tangy yogurt parfait

A Little History

The idea for this loaf is inspired by old fashioned donut shops where cinnamon sugar was the finishing touch on every cake donut This bread captures that same nostalgia and comfort but in a simple quick bread form The one bowl method means anyone can pull it off no matter your baking experience

Pin it

If you are feeling adventurous try a brown butter swap or a tiny pinch of nutmeg The end result is always irresistible and makes every morning feel a bit cozier

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the bread is finished baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it's done baking.

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds tenderness, but you can use regular milk or add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic its effect.

→ How can I store leftover cinnamon donut bread?

Cool completely, then wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer freshness.

→ Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Stir in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking to add texture and extra flavor.

→ What’s the best way to serve this bread?

Slice and enjoy it plain, warmed, or with a spread of butter. It's perfect with hot coffee or tea.