Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 40 reviews

If you are craving a sweet and comforting treat that combines the soft, tender crumb of quick bread with the irresistible charm of a sugar doughnut, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Each slice is wonderfully moist, fragrantly spiced, and perfectly coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar topping that makes every bite a delightful celebration. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this bread hits all the right notes and feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and vanilla that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two views of a golden brown loaf cake with a slightly cracked top. In the top part, a woman's hand holds a red brush and is applying a glaze to the loaf’s top surface, which is shining slightly. The cake has a rough, textured crust that is darker on the edges and lighter in the middle. In the bottom part, the same loaf is shown dusted with white powdered sugar, which is scattered unevenly over the top and a little on the side. The cake is placed on a clean, white marbled surface with soft shadows beneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this unforgettable Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe. Each one plays an important role: from the flour that builds the structure, to the sugar and spices that create that signature sweet, cozy flavor. The result is a bread that is at once soft, flavorful, and utterly addictive.

All-purpose flour, 2 cups (250 g): Provides the perfect foundation for a soft, tender crumb.
Granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups (300 g): Sweetens the bread just right, with extra for the topping to add crunch and sparkle.
Baking powder, 2 teaspoons: Ensures the bread rises nicely, keeping it light and fluffy.
Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Whole milk, 1 ¼ cups (306 g): Adds richness and moisture for that tender interior.
Large egg, 1 (room temperature): Binds the ingredients and contributes to a soft texture.
Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (melted) plus ¼ cup for the topping: Adds buttery goodness and helps create the luscious cinnamon sugar coating.
Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Infuses subtle warmth and depth to the bread.
Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (for topping): The star spice that gives the bread its signature donut-style flavor.
Ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon (for topping): Adds a hint of aromatic spice to complement the cinnamon perfectly.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. This step is essential to ensure your bread bakes evenly and releases effortlessly from the pan once done.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening agents and sugar are evenly distributed, setting the stage for the perfect rise and sweetness in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the whole milk, room temperature egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until they’re fully blended. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and flavor that will make the bread tender, moist, and wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a little batter lumpiness is a good thing here. Overmixing can make the bread dense, but a light hand will give you that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be beautifully golden brown and slightly fragrant, signaling that your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe is ready to come out of the oven.

Step 6: Cool and Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Let the bread cool in the pan for around 10 minutes before gently removing it onto a large piece of parchment paper. While it’s still warm, brush the entire surface with the melted butter reserved for the topping. Then, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture liberally over the bread, turning the loaf to coat all sides evenly. This step creates that unmistakable donut-like cinnamon sugar crust that brings this recipe to life.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

The image shows two slices of light golden-brown cake stacked on each other with a visible crumbly and soft texture, on a white marbled surface. The top slice reveals a moist, airy interior with tiny holes, while the bottom slice shows a sugar-coated crust with a slightly darker, crispy edge. Crumbs are scattered around the slices. To the left, there is a small white bowl containing a light brown powdery substance and a white cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the warm coziness of your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe, try serving slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add extra texture and a burst of natural sweetness that contrast beautifully with the spiced sugar coating.

Side Dishes

This bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe into a dessert centerpiece by slicing it thin and serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a warm caramel or chocolate drizzle. Another fun idea is to cut the bread into chunks and toss them in cinnamon sugar again before using them as croutons over yogurt or a pudding dessert for an extra touch of crunch and spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe stays fresh and moist when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it wrapped tightly helps retain that tender crumb and the signature cinnamon sugar crust.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this delicious bread later, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps beautifully frozen for up to 3 months and thaws quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices on low power for 15 to 20 seconds; just be careful not to overheat so it stays soft and not dry.

FAQs

Can I use alternative milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a different flavor profile or dietary preference. Just be sure they are unsweetened to keep the sweetness level balanced.

Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?

Room temperature eggs blend more easily with wet ingredients, resulting in better texture. If your eggs are cold, simply warm them briefly in a bowl of warm water before mixing.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips, can give your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe an extra layer of texture and flavor. Fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan.

What can I do if the top browns too quickly but the bread isn’t fully baked?

If you notice the bread is browning too fast, tent it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This will prevent over-browning while allowing the inside to cook through properly.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this batter?

Yes, this batter is versatile enough for mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Adjust baking time accordingly—mini loaves or muffins typically bake in about 20-30 minutes, so keep an eye on them.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe marries everyday ingredients with that unforgettable sweet spice topping to create a treat that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake again and again, sharing with loved ones as a heartwarming moment in your day. Trust me, once you try it, this cinnamon sugar-coated bread will become a cherished tradition in your kitchen.