Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread with Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Crust 2025

Imagine waking up to the smell of warm, cinnamon-sugar crusted bread wafting through your kitchen. A soft, tender loaf reminiscent of your favorite cake donuts—but made effortlessly in your oven without frying or yeast. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Donut Bread offers: the perfect blend of nostalgia, comfort, and simplicity.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for a quick, satisfying breakfast, this recipe has something for everyone. From the tender crumb to the crackly cinnamon sugar topping, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser that works for everyday breakfasts, brunch parties, or even a cozy midnight snack.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know—from the science behind the ingredients and step-by-step baking instructions to clever variations, storage tips, and troubleshooting advice. Plus, a nutritional overview and answers to frequently asked questions.

Ready to bake your way to cozy bliss? Let’s dive in!

What Is Cinnamon Donut Bread? A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a sweet quick bread inspired by classic cinnamon-sugar cake donuts. It combines the tender, moist crumb of a simple quick bread with the irresistible cinnamon sugar crust that mimics the signature coating of a donut shop favorite.

Unlike traditional donuts, this bread requires no yeast or frying, making it a fuss-free, one-bowl recipe perfect for busy mornings or casual get-togethers. The batter is simple yet flavorful, enriched with butter, vanilla, and buttermilk for softness, then baked into a loaf that’s topped while still warm with melted butter and a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar.

The result? A loaf with a golden, crackly exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior bursting with warm cinnamon flavor.

Why Choose Cinnamon Donut Bread Over Traditional Donuts?

No Frying Required: Avoid the mess and hassle of deep-frying dough. Cinnamon Donut Bread bakes beautifully in a loaf pan.
Simpler Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter — no special donut dough needed.
Quick Prep: Ready to bake in under 15 minutes.
Versatile: Can be made as a loaf or baked as muffins for individual servings.
Perfect for Sharing: Easy to slice and serve, ideal for brunches, potlucks, or gifting.
Less Sweet, More Balanced: Not overly sugary, making it suitable for breakfast or snacks.

Ingredients: What You Need to Make Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread

Every ingredient plays a critical role in creating the ideal texture and flavor. Here’s a detailed look:

1. Butter (1/2 cup melted + 2 tbsp for topping)

Butter lends richness and moisture. Using melted butter in the batter helps with a tender crumb, while brushing melted butter on top before the cinnamon sugar coating ensures the topping sticks and creates that iconic crackly crust.

2. Granulated Sugar (1 cup in batter + 1/4 cup for topping)

Sugar sweetens the loaf and helps create the moist crumb. For the topping, granulated sugar combined with cinnamon forms the signature crunchy layer.

Tip: You can swap some or all of the white sugar for brown sugar for a deeper, molasses flavor and extra moisture.

3. Eggs (2 large)

Eggs provide structure and richness. They help bind ingredients together and give the bread lift.

4. Buttermilk (1 cup)

Buttermilk tenderizes the crumb and reacts with baking soda for leavening. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.

5. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)

Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

6. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)

Flour forms the base structure. Using all-purpose flour keeps the texture tender yet sturdy.

7. Baking Powder (1 tsp) and Baking Soda (1/2 tsp)

These leavening agents make the bread rise and become light. Baking soda reacts with the acidic buttermilk, while baking powder adds extra lift.

8. Salt (1/2 tsp)

Salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

9. Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp)

Key to the signature cinnamon flavor, both in the batter (optional) and the topping mix.

Step-By-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread That Will Impress Everyone

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously and line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if adding to the batter).

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix, or the bread may become tough.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Add Topping

Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Mix the remaining sugar with ground cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the top, pressing lightly to help it stick.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the loaf to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.

Pro Tips to Make Your Cinnamon Donut Bread Extra Special

Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter develops gluten, resulting in a dense loaf.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Baking powder and baking soda lose potency over time.
Even Baking: If your oven runs hot, tent the loaf loosely with foil halfway through to avoid over-browning.
Customize Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or drizzling a simple glaze over the cinnamon sugar.
Try Muffin Version: Bake in a lined muffin tin for 18–20 minutes for individual treats.

Variations: Creative Twists to Personalize Your Loaf

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Donut Bread

Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for pockets of melted chocolate goodness.

Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread

Fold in 1 cup of peeled, chopped apples and add an extra 1/2 tsp cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.

Vegan Version

Substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water), use plant-based milk with vinegar, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and increase baking powder by 1/2 tsp for extra lift.

Storage and Shelf Life: Keep Your Bread Fresh and Delicious

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp or warm slightly before serving.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Slice, 10 slices per loaf)

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this bread without buttermilk?

Yes! Simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This homemade buttermilk substitute works perfectly.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Use a muffin tin lined with paper cups or greased. Fill each about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

What if I don’t have cinnamon?

Try nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or even a combination of cardamom and cloves for a unique flavor profile.

How do I keep the bread moist?

Avoid overbaking and store the bread in an airtight container once cooled. Adding a bit of brown sugar or applesauce can also increase moisture.

Is this bread very sweet?

The sweetness level is moderate — perfect for breakfast or snack. You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer less sweet.

Why This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe Stands Out

Balanced sweetness: Not overpowering but still indulgent.
Easy to make: No special equipment or skills needed.
Flexible: Easily customized for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Perfect texture: Soft crumb with a crackly cinnamon sugar crust.
Kid-friendly: A crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Cinnamon Donut Bread Experience

Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
Pair with fresh berries or a fruit compote.
Toast slices lightly for a crunchy breakfast treat.
Use slices to make French toast with cinnamon and vanilla syrup.

Behind the Science: How Ingredients Work Together for the Perfect Bread

The Role of Buttermilk and Leaveners

Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, helping the bread rise and remain tender. Baking powder provides a double-acting lift during mixing and baking.

Butter and Sugar: For Moisture and Texture

Melted butter coats flour proteins, limiting gluten formation for a softer crumb. Sugar helps retain moisture and promotes browning of the crust.

Eggs: Structure and Emulsification

Eggs stabilize the batter, trap air, and enrich flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Donut Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen with minimal effort. Its simplicity makes it accessible, while its flavors make it unforgettable. Whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or an impressive potluck contribution, this bread delivers every time.

Try this recipe, experiment with the variations, and make it your own. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!