Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

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If you love the warm, cozy flavor of classic donuts, this cinnamon sugar donut bread is about to become your new favorite bake. It gives you everything you adore about a cinnamon sugar donut—soft texture, buttery richness, and that irresistible sugary coating—without any frying.

This loaf comes together with simple pantry ingredients and bakes up beautifully soft and tender. It’s perfect for slow mornings, afternoon coffee breaks, or when you want an easy homemade treat that feels extra special.

Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or save a slice for later, this cinnamon sugar donut bread fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma and delivers big donut-shop flavor in every bite.

Slice of cinnamon sugar donut bread on a white plate showing soft interior

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INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you need to make this soft and cozy cinnamon sugar donut bread. All measurements are listed in both US and Metric for easy baking.

For the Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
½ teaspoon salt (3 g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
1 cup milk (240 ml)
2 large eggs, room temperature
⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter (80 ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
3 tablespoons melted butter (42 g)

Optional add-ins:

½ cup chopped nuts (60 g)
½ cup mini chocolate chips (85 g)

INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these simple steps to make your cinnamon sugar donut bread soft, fluffy, and perfectly coated.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan (9×5 inches / 23×13 cm) and lightly dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until everything looks evenly combined.
Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Whisk together the milk, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Bring the batter together by pouring the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Keep the mixing light to ensure the bread stays tender.
Fold in optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips if you use them.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and place it on a wire rack.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the warm loaf generously with melted butter, then sprinkle or roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Tip: Coat the bread while it’s still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully.

Cinnamon sugar donut bread loaf baked until golden and resting on a baking tray

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until combined. Overmixing makes the bread dense instead of soft and donut-like.
Use room-temperature ingredients. Eggs and milk blend more smoothly and help the loaf bake evenly.
Brush twice for extra flavor. For a thicker cinnamon sugar coating, brush the loaf with butter a second time and sprinkle again.
Make it dairy-free. Use plant-based milk and vegetable oil instead of butter.
Add a swirl. Layer half the batter into the pan, sprinkle cinnamon sugar in the middle, then top with remaining batter.
Turn it into muffins. Bake the batter in a muffin pan at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

SERVING IDEAS

Serve warm for the best texture. Slightly warm slices bring out the buttery cinnamon sugar flavor.
Pair with coffee or tea. This cinnamon sugar donut bread tastes amazing with coffee, chai, or a warm latte.
Dress it up for brunch. Serve slices with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Turn it into dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with a light glaze.
Perfect for sharing. Slice and serve on a platter for brunch tables, potlucks, or holiday mornings.

FAQs

How do I store cinnamon sugar donut bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze cinnamon sugar donut bread?

Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the bread a day ahead and add the cinnamon sugar coating just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can use melted butter in the same amount. Applesauce also works for a lighter texture, though the bread will be slightly less rich.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Dense bread usually comes from overmixing the batter or baking too long. Mix gently and check for doneness early to keep the crumb soft.

Recipe

Yield: 1 loaf

This soft and buttery cinnamon sugar donut bread delivers classic donut flavor in an easy, oven-baked loaf. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy sweet treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
½ teaspoon salt (3 g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
1 cup milk (240 ml)
2 large eggs, room temperature
⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter (80 ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
3 tablespoons melted butter (42 g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (23×13 cm) or line it with parchment paper.
Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl until combined.
Whisk the milk, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and place it on a wire rack.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a small bowl.
Brush the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle or roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Notes

Coat the bread while it’s warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks better.

Avoid overmixing to keep the texture soft and donut-like.

Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

If you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and incredibly easy to bake, this cinnamon sugar donut bread checks all the boxes. It delivers that classic donut flavor in a soft, buttery loaf that feels homemade and comforting with every slice.

I hope you give this recipe a try and make it part of your regular baking rotation. It’s perfect for quiet mornings, brunch with family, or whenever you want a simple treat that feels extra special.

If you loved this cinnamon sugar donut bread, don’t forget to save it to Pinterest, share it with friends, and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out for you.
Happy baking! 🍞✨