Cinnamon Donut Bread Loaf

Cinnamon donut bread brings all the cozy flavors of classic cinnamon sugar donuts into a tender, buttery loaf. This recipe is my answer for chilly weekends when the donut craving hits but I want something homey and warm straight from the oven. Every slice is soft and swirled with ribbons of brown sugar and cinnamon—finished with a sweet, crunchy topping for that donut shop nostalgia.

When I first baked this with my kids on a rainy afternoon, the house smelled like a bakery for hours. Now I bake a loaf before any special brunch or cozy movie night at home.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Creates the ideal cake like texture. I reach for unbleached flour for a more natural color and subtle wheat flavor
• Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and a tender crumb. Try organic sugar for extra depth
• Baking powder: Ensures the loaf rises tall with a light structure. Always check it is fresh for best results
• Baking soda: Reacts beautifully with buttermilk for extra lift and tang. Look for aluminium free if possible
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every bite. Fine sea salt gives even flavor throughout
• Buttermilk: Adds signature richness and moisture. If you do not have buttermilk on hand add a little vinegar to whole milk and let it sit for five minutes
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness. Use high quality European style butter for a more pronounced flavor
• Large eggs: Bind the batter and make it perfectly moist and tender. Fresh eggs also yield the best rise
• Vanilla extract: Provides aromatic sweetness. Choose pure extract for best flavor
• Brown sugar: Melts into spicy swirls and helps the bread stay ultra moist. Dark brown sugar will give a richer taste
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with warmth. Use Ceylon cinnamon if you can find it for a sweeter profile
• For the topping
• Unsalted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick and adds a donut like finish
• Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: Combine for a sweet crunchy crust that perfectly mimics classic donuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit which is one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius. Generously grease a nine by five inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray or line with parchment for easy lifting. Preparation protects your bread from sticking and tearing when it is time to serve

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour granulated sugar baking powder baking soda and salt until everything looks evenly combined and there are no clumps. This step guarantees the leaveners will be spread throughout the bread

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl whisk the buttermilk melted butter eggs and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth. The buttermilk will break up the eggs for a creamier batter and add just the right amount of moisture

Form the Batter:

Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Stir slowly with a spatula until only just combined and a few streaks of flour remain. Stop mixing to keep the texture soft rather than chewy

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

In a small bowl mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon until totally blended and aromatic. This mixture will create the classic donut swirl flavor in every slice

Create Layers:

Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use the spatula to level the top. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top and then the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Finally use a knife to gently swirl the mixture back and forth creating a marble effect through the loaf

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for fifty to sixty minutes. You will know the bread is ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean with only a moist crumb or two. The top should be golden with the edges just starting to pull away from the pan

Cool Properly:

Let the bread rest in the pan for ten minutes. This lets the crumb finish setting so it will slice up neatly. After ten minutes carefully lift the bread out and transfer to a wire rack

Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Brush melted butter over the warm loaf so the sugar topping will stick. Stir together sugar and cinnamon then sprinkle generously over the buttered surface. The topping will form a crunchy sugary crust as the bread cools

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the topping has set slice thick pieces with a serrated knife. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. This bread is just as wonderful for a breakfast treat as it is with an afternoon coffee

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My favorite moment with this bread was letting my daughter swirl the cinnamon sugar layers for the first time she took it so seriously but beamed when the marbled slices came out looking bakery perfect Each bite always reminds me of those small kitchen memories

Storage Tips

Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days For longer storage keep in the fridge for up to five days but bring to room temperature before eating to revive the soft texture This bread also freezes beautifully Just slice and wrap pieces individually so you can thaw one for a quick treat or breakfast on busy mornings

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of buttermilk use an equal amount of whole milk mixed with one tablespoon vinegar let it sit for a few minutes before using You can swap in coconut sugar for brown sugar if you like a less rich sweetness Plant based butter works well for a dairy free loaf and any neutral flavored oil can be used in place of melted butter in the batter

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon donut bread pairs perfectly with a mug of hot coffee or masala chai For an extra indulgent dessert serve slices toasted with a scoop of vanilla ice cream Spread a little soft butter on warm slices as you would with banana bread for a snack that feels extra homemade

Cultural Context

Cinnamon breads with sweet swirls trace their heritage to European yeasted loaves and American quick breads Cinnamon sugar donuts are a classic in US baking especially in autumn This recipe is a fun hybrid celebrating the old fashioned donut flavor in a simple loaf you can bake at home

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Enjoy every cozy slice of this cinnamon donut bread and make it a cherished addition to your breakfast table or afternoon snack moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease your loaf pan thoroughly with butter or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal once baked.

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds tenderness and flavor, but if unavailable, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

→ How do I achieve a perfect cinnamon swirl?

Layer half the batter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar, add remaining batter and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled pattern.

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

Slice thick and serve warm or at room temperature, either plain or with a bit of extra butter on top.

→ Can I bake this bread in advance?

Absolutely; it keeps well for several days when wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs attached, and the crust will be golden brown.