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Cinnamon Donut Bread

cinnamon donut bread - featured image

This easy homemade cinnamon donut bread delivers all the cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut in a simple, no-fry loaf. With a tender crumb, a sweet cinnamon swirl, and a crackly buttery topping, it’s the perfect sweet breakfast treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar swirl)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar swirl)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter, then line with parchment for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter will be thick.
  5. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar swirl.
  6. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
  7. Add the remaining batter on top, smooth again, and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon layer through the batter with a few figure-eights.
  8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil at 35 minutes if the top is browning too quickly.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool further.
  10. While the bread is still slightly warm, brush the top with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the top, pressing gently so it sticks.
  11. Wait until the bread is just barely warm before slicing for clean pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. The bread is very forgiving—swap in dairy-free milk or gluten-free flour as needed. Let the loaf cool before slicing for clean pieces. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage. For extra donut flavor, double the cinnamon sugar swirl.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon donut bread, sweet breakfast, easy loaf, cinnamon sugar, homemade donut bread, brunch, quick bread, no fry donut, cinnamon swirl bread