Save Cinnamon Donut Bread brings together everything you love about those nostalgic bakery donuts in a fuss-free loaf. It’s a perfectly soft and buttery breakfast or dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon sugar. Each slice boasts a beautiful marbled swirl and a melt-in-your-mouth, sweet crust that tastes just like your favorite old-fashioned treat.
I baked this loaf when my kids craved something comforting on a rainy morning. Now it’s become our Sunday ritual and never lasts more than a day in our house.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: ensures a sturdy, tender crumb and easy slicing Look for unbleached flour for best results
- Granulated sugar: brings balanced sweetness and creates the crunchy topping Choose fine-grain sugar for even mixing
- Baking powder and baking soda: team up to give the loaf a high, fluffy lift Double check freshness for optimal rise
- Salt: balances all the sweetness and highlights the flavor Opt for kosher salt for a cleaner taste
- Buttermilk: gives the bread that signature moist, plush texture Use cultured buttermilk if available or see tips for homemade substitute
- Unsalted butter: adds richness and makes every bite indulgent Melt it fully so it blends smoothly with the eggs
- Eggs: bind everything together and contribute to tenderness Choose large eggs at room temperature
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth Use real vanilla for the best flavor
- Brown sugar: enhances the cinnamon swirl with caramel notes Make sure it is fresh and soft
- Ground cinnamon: is the heart of this loaf Pick a fresh, aromatic cinnamon for the fullest flavor
- For the topping: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon give you that true donut finish Freshly melt the butter just before brushing the loaf
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper making sure the corners are snug so the bread lifts out easily after baking
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour granulated sugar baking powder baking soda and salt Continue whisking for about a minute to evenly distribute everything and break up any clumps
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl combine the buttermilk melted butter eggs and vanilla extract Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth with no streaks of egg
- Combine Mixtures Gently:
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until the batter comes together It is okay if a few small lumps remain Overmixing here would make the loaf tough
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the interior swirl Make sure the mixture is uniform so each bite has plenty of flavor
- Layer and Swirl:
- Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently spread it to the edges Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar Using a butter knife draw a few swirls through the loaf for that signature marbled look
- Bake Until Perfect:
- Place the pan on the center rack of your oven and bake at 350°F Keep an eye after 50 minutes Insert a toothpick in the center and once it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs it is ready
- Cool Carefully:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes This helps it set Then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling This prevents the bottom from getting soggy
- Finish With the Donut Topping:
- While the loaf is still warm brush the top generously with melted butter In a small bowl mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon then sprinkle this all over the top pressing gently so it sticks
- Slice and Serve:
- Once fully cooled slice thick pieces and serve plain or slightly warm Best enjoyed with a cozy cup of coffee or milk
Save I absolutely love using good quality cinnamon here the bolder the spice the better the swirl It reminds me of making cinnamon toast on weekends with my grandmother who always insisted toasting the spice would bring it to life She was right
Storage Tips
Once your bread has cooled wrap it tightly in plastic or place in an airtight container It keeps perfectly soft at room temperature for two to three days. For even longer freshness slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to three months. Warm slices gently in the toaster or microwave for that just baked feel.
Ingredient Substitutions
No buttermilk on hand Use one cup of regular milk plus a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice Let it sit for five minutes before using. Want to make it dairy free Substitute with plant based milk and vegan butter without any trouble. Whole wheat flour can be swapped for up to half of the flour for a heartier bite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve thick slices warm with a pat of soft butter or a smear of cream cheese. A little drizzle of honey adds a lovely extra touch if you prefer things even sweeter. This loaf travels well and is perfect for school lunches brunches or a festive breakfast board.
Save This easy cinnamon donut bread will fill your kitchen with warm aromas and guarantee smiles at the table. Bake it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to this cozy recipe again and again.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve a soft, tender crumb?
Use room-temperature ingredients and gently mix the batter just until combined, avoiding overmixing for the best texture.
- → Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, combine one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit briefly before using for similar results.
- → What gives the bread its cinnamon swirl?
Brown sugar and ground cinnamon are layered and gently swirled into the batter before baking, creating a marbled interior.
- → How should I store leftover slices?
Keep slices in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for longer storage to maintain freshness.
- → Are there dairy-free options?
Substitute plant-based milk for buttermilk and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a fully dairy-free version.