There’s just something about Cinnamon Donut Bread that feels like a warm hug in loaf form. Imagine the sweet, nostalgic flavor of a cinnamon-sugar donut, but baked into a soft, moist bread that makes your kitchen smell like heaven itself. This recipe is simple enough for a weekday bake yet special enough to serve for brunch when family visits.
As a Texas mom of three, I know the power of a quick, comforting recipe that brings everyone to the table. And trust me, this one does just that—every slice disappears faster than you can say “pass the butter.”
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Smells absolutely amazing while baking. (Your neighbors might “accidentally” stop by.)
- Quick prep—just 15 minutes, then into the oven it goes.
- No yeast, no fuss. Perfect for beginner bakers.
- Tastes like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a donut—need I say more?
If you loved my Apple Cider Cake, this loaf will be your new baking crush.
What Does Cinnamon Donut Bread Taste Like?
Think of the warm, sweet notes of cinnamon sugar wrapped up in a tender loaf. The outside has a light crust (especially if you sprinkle on extra cinnamon sugar), while the inside is fluffy, moist, and lightly buttery. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and indulgent—like the best part of Sunday morning in bread form.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Donut Bread
One of the things I love most about making Cinnamon Donut Bread is how simple and pantry-friendly the ingredients are. No fancy trips to the store, no unusual flours—just classic baking staples you probably already have waiting in your kitchen. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The foundation of this bread. It gives the loaf its soft, tender crumb that makes every bite taste like a warm donut. If you’ve baked my Apple Spice Cake, you’ll notice a similar light, fluffy texture here.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This sweetens the bread just enough without being overwhelming. It also helps create that golden crust that makes this loaf so irresistible.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Think of this as the “lift” behind your bread. Baking powder ensures that the loaf rises beautifully in the oven, giving you that soft and airy inside.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the show! Cinnamon is what transforms an ordinary sweet bread into a cozy loaf reminiscent of fresh bakery donuts. It adds warmth, depth, and that classic spice note we all crave.
- Large Eggs (2, room temperature): Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture. Room-temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter, creating a consistent texture.
- Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of creaminess, balancing out the spices. Whole milk keeps the bread rich and satisfying, while still keeping it light enough for breakfast or brunch.
- Melted Butter (1/2 cup, cooled): Butter adds richness and flavor you just can’t fake. By melting and cooling it before mixing, you ensure it blends smoothly into the batter, keeping the bread moist without making it greasy.
Optional but recommended: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking. It creates a sweet crust that makes every slice taste like a bakery treat.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a handful of chopped apples or pecans to the batter for a fun seasonal twist. It’ll remind you of my Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad, with that same cozy fall vibe in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread
The best part about this recipe? It’s wonderfully simple, but still feels like something special when it comes out of the oven. I’ll walk you through each step so your Cinnamon Donut Bread comes out soft, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a standard loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal—especially helpful if you plan to gift this loaf or serve it at a brunch table. (Tip: Just like I do in my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, parchment makes cleanup a breeze.)
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
This step ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed so every bite of your Cinnamon Donut Bread is perfectly spiced.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter (make sure it has cooled a little so it doesn’t scramble the eggs)
Whisk until smooth and creamy. This mixture is what will keep your bread soft and moist. The butter adds richness, while the milk balances the sweetness and spice.
Step 4: Gently Mix Wet & Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients slowly into the dry mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until just combined. The batter should look a little lumpy—that’s okay! Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of soft and fluffy.
👉 Think of this step as coaxing the ingredients together, not forcing them. I use the same gentle mixing method when making my Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins to keep them tender.
Step 5: Add the Batter to the Pan & Sprinkle Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you’d like an extra bakery-style finish, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top before baking. This will create a sweet, slightly crunchy crust on your Cinnamon Donut Bread that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a cozy cinnamon dream and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tip: If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool, Slice & Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This helps the loaf set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with a little butter or a drizzle of glaze if you’re feeling indulgent.
My kids love grabbing a warm slice straight from the cutting board—it rarely even makes it to a plate!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Use room-temp eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix—overzealous stirring leads to dense bread.
- For extra decadence, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.
- Leftovers make the BEST French toast the next morning.
- Freezes beautifully—slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go treats.
Personal note: My kids love this warm with a little pat of butter. Honestly, I think they only agree to “clean their rooms” when they know this bread is in the oven. Mom win.
Storage
- Store at room temp in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
Yes! The texture will be slightly lighter but still delicious.
What if I don’t have butter?
Vegetable oil or coconut oil will work, though butter gives the best flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just bake in two loaf pans and reduce oven temp by 5 degrees to avoid over-browning.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a simple yet special bake, Cinnamon Donut Bread is it. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you serve it plain, with a glaze, or even turned into French toast, this loaf will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe box.
So, go ahead—tie on your apron, grab the cinnamon, and bake up some joy. And if you do make it, tag me—I’d love to see your loaf shining on your kitchen counter!
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Healthy Cinnamon Donut Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Donut Bread is a soft, moist loaf with warm cinnamon spice, a golden crust, and the nostalgic flavor of an old-fashioned donut—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
½ cup melted butter, cooled
Optional Topping:
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted (cooled) butter until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. If using, mix sugar and cinnamon for topping and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve warm, plain or with butter or glaze if desired.
Notes
For a fun twist, fold in ½ cup chopped apples or pecans before baking.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with foil for the last 10 minutes.
This bread stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
