There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon swirling through the kitchen—like a warm hug on a chilly morning. I first fell in love with this Cinnamon Donut Bread during a lazy Sunday brunch at my aunt’s house. She served it fresh from the oven, the sugary crust glistening, and I knew I had to recreate that moment in my own home. This recipe is my ode to comfort, a loaf that tastes like a cinnamon-sugar donut but with the tender crumb of a quick bread. Perfect for slow mornings, afternoon tea, or sneaking a slice straight from the pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients—most are pantry staples, and the rest are worth every sprinkle!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of our bread. For a lighter texture, you can swap in cake flour.
• Baking powder & salt: Essential for that perfect rise and balance.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Use fresh cinnamon for the best aroma.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for a rich, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and creates that irresistible crust.
• Eggs: Bring everything together with a touch of richness.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture—don’t skimp here!
• Vanilla extract: A splash for warmth and depth.
• For the cinnamon-sugar topping: A mix of sugar and extra cinnamon for that donut-like finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

This recipe comes together as easily as a morning coffee—here’s how to make it:

1. Prep your pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A little extra butter on the sides ensures golden edges.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution—no cinnamon pockets!
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air for a tender loaf.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Scrape the bowl to catch any hidden butter clumps.
5. Alternate dry and wet: Gently fold in the flour mixture and milk in batches, starting and ending with the flour. Overmixing leads to toughness—stop when just combined.
6. Bake to golden perfection: Pour the batter into the pan and bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean, but don’t overbake—the bread will continue to set as it cools.
7. The finishing touch: While still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Let it cool slightly before slicing (if you can resist!).

Tip: For extra donut vibes, mix a tablespoon of melted butter with the cinnamon sugar and drizzle it over the cooled loaf. It’s like a glaze without the fuss!

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is wonderfully forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly denser but just as delicious.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk, and coconut oil instead of butter.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture.

For an extra-decadent twist, drizzle the warm bread with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk—just like a real donut!

What to Serve With Cinnamon Donut Bread

This bread is delightful on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full cozy experience, here are some perfect pairings:

• A steaming cup of spiced chai tea or hot coffee for dunking.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch.
• Pair it with scrambled eggs and bacon for a sweet-and-savory brunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Cinnamon Donut Bread tasting fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and keep for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Slice and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast lightly before serving.

Reheating Tip: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly for that fresh-from-the-oven crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this into muffins instead?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a denser texture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined—a few lumps are okay!

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
You can, but the topping adds that classic donut flavor and crunch. If you skip it, consider adding a little extra cinnamon to the batter.

A Warm Final Thought

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen, especially when it’s coming from a freshly baked loaf of Cinnamon Donut Bread. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this recipe is sure to bring comfort and joy. Happy baking—and even happier eating!