Introduction

There’s something magical about the warm, nostalgic aroma of cinnamon sugar filling your kitchen. This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread takes that same comfort and bakes it into a soft, tender loaf that tastes just like a classic donut—without the frying. Each slice is moist, perfectly spiced, and finished with a sweet, crunchy topping that makes it irresistible.

This recipe is perfect for anyone craving an easy homemade dessert that feels both indulgent and familiar. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy breakfast with coffee, an afternoon treat with tea, or a family-friendly dessert after dinner, it fits every occasion.

Best of all, this bread is simple to prepare, requiring basic pantry ingredients and no special equipment. It’s an easy baking recipe that delivers bakery-quality results right from your own oven, making it a must-try for anyone who loves comforting flavors with minimal effort.

 

 

What You Need

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 

 

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

1. Prep & Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour wet into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. Bake: Pour into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Top It Off: Mix sugar and cinnamon. While bread is warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
7. Cool & Slice: Let cool 10–15 minutes in the pan, then move to a rack. Slice and enjoy!

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy & Beginner-Friendly: No mixer required—just bowls, a whisk, and simple ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Works as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
• Better Than Store-Bought: Freshly baked with no preservatives.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the batter—keep it light and slightly lumpy for the best crumb.
• Use buttermilk for extra tenderness and flavor.
• Add foil on top if the loaf browns too fast before the center sets.
• For a bakery look, double the cinnamon sugar topping and sprinkle some inside the batter layers.

 

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Twist: Fold in 1 cup diced apples for a fall-inspired loaf.
• Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Glazed Donut Version: Skip the cinnamon sugar topping and drizzle with a vanilla glaze.
• Mini Loaves or Muffins: Bake in mini pans or muffin tins for grab-and-go portions.

 

Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use almond or oat milk.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Sugar Alternatives: Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener can replace granulated sugar.

 

FAQs

1. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.

3. Can I use a hand mixer?
It’s better to whisk by hand to avoid overmixing, but a mixer on low works.

4. Can I make this in a bundt pan?
Yes—bake 10–15 minutes longer, checking doneness with a toothpick.

5. Is this bread overly sweet?
No, it’s balanced. The cinnamon sugar topping adds just the right sweetness.

6. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.

7. What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

8. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, bake a day before and add topping just before serving.

9. Does it taste like a donut?
Yes, it has the flavor and texture of a cake donut in loaf form.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—bake in two loaf pans or a 9×13 pan.

 

 

Health Benefits

• Cinnamon offers antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar.
• Eggs and milk provide protein and essential nutrients.
• Homemade baking lets you control ingredients and avoid additives.

 

 

How to Serve

• Slice thick and serve with hot coffee or tea.
• Toast lightly and spread with butter for breakfast.
• Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced snack.

 

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Bake a day before; flavors deepen overnight.
• Storage: Keep covered at room temp for 3 days or in fridge for 1 week.
• Freezer-Friendly: Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months.

 

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the ultimate combination of a cozy donut and classic sweet bread. It’s simple enough for weekday baking yet special enough to serve guests. With its moist crumb, warm spice, and irresistible sugar topping, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Bake it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.