A sweet, fluffy loaf inspired by classic cinnamon sugar donuts, this cinnamon sugar donut bread has a tender crumb and a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating inside and out. It’s like having a warm, sugary donut in sliceable loaf form—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this bread captures all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a cinnamon sugar donut but in a simple loaf that I can slice and enjoy with coffee or milk. It’s easy to make, requires no yeast, and smells incredible while it bakes. The cinnamon swirl running through the soft, buttery bread gives it an extra boost of flavor, while the crunchy top adds just the right texture. I also like how versatile it is—I can add nuts, drizzle a glaze, or eat it just as it is.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and greasing a 9×5‑inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
In another bowl, I cream the softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
Then I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, and stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
I gradually mix in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
I pour half the batter into the loaf pan, then mix the topping sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle half over the batter.
I pour the remaining batter on top and add the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
Using a knife, I gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect.
I bake it for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
After baking, I let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Variations

Sometimes I like to switch things up:

I mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Chocolate chips give it a dessert-like twist.
A drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds an extra layer of sweetness once the loaf has cooled.
For a fall flavor, I swap the cinnamon with pumpkin spice.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If I want to keep it longer, I wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, I warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or toast them lightly for a crispy edge.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get a good swirl in the bread?

I gently drag a knife through the batter in an S or figure-eight pattern after adding the cinnamon sugar layers. I try not to overdo it so the swirl stays defined.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. The results are still delicious and fluffy.

Why did my loaf sink in the middle?

This can happen if I overmix the batter or if the loaf is underbaked. I always check for doneness with a toothpick to be sure it’s fully baked.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

I can, but I usually replace only half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat so the loaf doesn’t become too dense.

Do I need to use a stand mixer?

No, I usually mix everything by hand or use a handheld electric mixer. The batter doesn’t require intense mixing, which makes this recipe really easy.

Conclusion

This cinnamon sugar donut bread is a soft, sweet, and satisfying treat that brings all the comfort of a donut shop right into my kitchen. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether I serve it as a morning treat or an afternoon snack, it never lasts long on the counter.