I love making this Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread when I want all the flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut in an easy, sliceable loaf. It bakes up soft and tender on the inside with a sweet, buttery cinnamon sugar coating on the outside. I find it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how this recipe delivers nostalgic donut flavor without any frying. I enjoy the warm cinnamon aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes. The texture stays moist and fluffy, and the cinnamon sugar crust adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. I also like that it comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
For the cinnamon sugar topping:
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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In a separate bowl, I cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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I beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
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I gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
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I pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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I bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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I let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it.
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While still slightly warm, I brush the loaf with melted butter.
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I mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle and gently press it all over the outside of the loaf.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add a light vanilla glaze on top for extra sweetness. When I want a fall-inspired twist, I mix a pinch of nutmeg into the batter. I also enjoy swirling a cinnamon sugar ribbon through the center before baking for extra flavor in every bite. For a slightly lighter texture, I substitute part of the butter with neutral oil.
storage/reheating
I store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds if I want that fresh-from-the-oven feel. I can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this without buttermilk?
I make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
How do I know when the bread is done?
I insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, I know it’s ready.
Can I turn this into muffins?
I divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Why is my bread dense?
I make sure not to overmix the batter, as that can cause the bread to become heavy instead of soft and tender.
Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?
I sometimes add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
I find this Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread to be one of the most comforting baked treats I can make. The soft interior and sweet cinnamon coating create that classic donut flavor in a simple loaf form. It’s a recipe I return to whenever I want something warm, nostalgic, and easy to share.
PrintCozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread captures all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut in a soft, tender loaf. Finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating, this easy bake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the cinnamon sugar topping:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan.
- While still slightly warm, brush the loaf with melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly over the loaf, gently pressing to adhere.
Notes
- For a buttermilk substitute, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warm spice flavor.
- Swirl cinnamon sugar into the center of the batter for a ribbon effect.
- Top with a light vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
- Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the texture soft and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
