Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is the perfect way to brighten your day! If you’re looking for a cozy recipe that combines the joy of baking with the sweet nostalgia of donuts, this is it. With its soft, tender crumb and delightful spiced sugar coating, this bread will become a beloved favorite in no time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend brunch or just treating yourself on a busy weeknight, it’s sure to bring smiles all around.
The best part? This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is easy to make and oh-so-satisfying. You’ll find yourself reaching for a slice again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and just a few steps, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the sweet flavors of cinnamon and sugar—this bread is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. It’s delicious any time of day!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and store it for busy mornings when you need something quick and tasty.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices creates an irresistible aroma while baking, filling your home with warmth and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Gather these items to create your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread!
For the Bread
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Variations
One of the best things about this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste. Here are some fun variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Mix in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat!
- Incorporate nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch and depth.
- Try different spices: Swap out the nutmeg for cardamom or ginger to explore new flavor profiles.
- Use alternative milks: Substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the moment you put it in. Also, spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until it’s well blended. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your bread.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can lead to denser bread.
Step 5: Pour into Pan
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. This will ensure that it bakes uniformly without any holes or uneven spots.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pop your loaf into the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached, it’s ready!
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently remove it from the pan onto parchment paper; this helps prevent sticking.
Step 8: Brush on Butter
While your bread is still warm, use a brush to apply melted butter all over the surface. This adds richness and helps the topping stick beautifully!
Step 9: Create Your Topping
In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant blend will give your bread that irresistible donut-like flavor.
Step 10: Sprinkle Away!
Evenly sprinkle your sugar mixture over the butter-coated surface of your loaf. Turn it as needed so every side gets that delicious coating—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Enjoy every slice of this wonderful Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread! It’s sure to be cherished by everyone who tastes it!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Creating the perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is all about a few key tricks that ensure a delicious outcome every time!
-
Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh flour and baking powder can significantly affect the rise and texture of your bread, resulting in a light and fluffy loaf.
-
Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the bread’s tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, so be gentle!
-
Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg and milk to room temperature before mixing helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
-
Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your bread at the 55-minute mark to avoid overbaking; look for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out with just a few crumbs.
-
Store properly: To keep your bread moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil after it has completely cooled. This prevents drying out and allows you to enjoy it longer!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Presenting your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to enhance its charm.
Garnishes
-
Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the flavor.
-
Cinnamon stick: Place a cinnamon stick beside your loaf on the serving plate for a rustic feel and an aromatic hint.
Side Dishes
-
Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bread.
-
Greek yogurt with honey: Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey provides a tangy contrast that complements the sweet notes of the bread perfectly.
-
Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances your breakfast experience, making it cozy and inviting.
-
Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with lightly sweetened whipped coconut cream for an indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with each slice.
Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors any time of day! Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is bound to bring smiles around your table.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat throughout the week or share it with friends and family. You can easily make it ahead of time, and with proper storage, it stays fresh for days!
Storing Leftovers
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, place it in an airtight container.
Freezing
- Slice the bread before freezing for easy access later.
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature during the day.
- Reheat in a toaster or microwave until warm—about 10-15 seconds in the microwave works well!
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give the bread a slightly nuttier flavor while still keeping it moist.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Wrap the leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it by slicing and wrapping each piece individually.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives to make a delicious vegan version.
What other toppings can I use on my Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?
Feel free to get creative! Consider adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or drizzling chocolate on top for an extra treat.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating this special Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread! It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it during breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, I’m excited for you to try this delightful treat. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful treat that combines the comforting essence of homemade bread with the sweet nostalgia of donuts. This easy-to-make recipe features a soft, tender crumb coated in a spiced sugar topping, making it perfect for any occasion—be it breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its warm aroma filling your kitchen, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. Best of all, you can whip it up quickly and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted) for topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar for topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to parchment paper.
- Brush warm bread with melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
