Every time I think of Cinnamon Donut Bread, I’m transported back to those cozy Sunday mornings at my grandma’s house. The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through her warm kitchen, mixing with the sounds of laughter and chatter, was simply magical. It was during those moments that I learned the joy of sharing food with the ones we love, and this recipe always brings back those cherished memories. Whenever I bake this delightful bread, it feels like I’m wrapping my family in a warm hug, ready to start the day with a smile.

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is perfect for any occasion, particularly during the chilly fall months when all you want is something comforting and sweet. It’s the ideal treat to enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee or tea while watching the leaves change outside. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a lovely addition to brunch gatherings or an afternoon snack. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

Why You’ll Love "Cinnamon Donut Bread"

Quick and easy to prepare, taking just about 15 minutes of active time.
Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Perfectly moist and fluffy, with a delightful cinnamon-sugar topping that everyone loves.
Family-friendly and a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy a slice anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Versatile enough to serve as breakfast, dessert, or a snack throughout the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour - I love using a good quality brand like King Arthur or Gold Medal for the best results.
1 cup granulated sugar - This adds the sweetness we all crave.
2 teaspoons baking powder - Make sure it’s fresh for that perfect rise!
1 teaspoon baking soda - This helps balance the acidity of the buttermilk.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Use fresh ground for the best flavor; it makes a difference!
½ teaspoon salt - Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs - Room temperature eggs mix better into the batter.
1 cup buttermilk - If you don’t have any, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted - I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt in the recipe.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that lovely rise and golden brown crust on your bread.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. You want to make sure there are no lumps, so feel free to break up any clumps of sugar or flour with your whisk!

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them until they’re nice and frothy.
Add the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little watery; that’s totally fine!

Combine and Pour

Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay!
Once the batter is nicely mixed, pour it into a greased loaf pan. Spread it evenly so it bakes nicely.

Add Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. This is what will give your bread that delicious sweet crust!
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of the batter in the loaf pan. Don’t be shy; this is where the magic happens!
Now, pop your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Once baked, allow the Cinnamon Donut Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. Trust me, the aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Variations

Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute almond milk for buttermilk for a dairy-free option.
Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist in the fall.
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Try adding a swirl of cream cheese for a delicious surprise inside.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is delightful served warm, straight from the oven, with a pat of butter melting on top. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. For a fun twist, try toasting slices and serving them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a quick warm-up!

Helpful Notes

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk.
Feel free to substitute coconut oil for the melted butter for a dairy-free option.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
If you’re allergic to eggs, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Adjust the sugar in the recipe if you prefer a less sweet bread; it still tastes great!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Absolutely! Cinnamon Donut Bread freezes beautifully. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up. You’ll still get that lovely soft texture and delicious flavor!

How can I substitute ingredients?

Great question! If you’re out of buttermilk, you can mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of regular milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. For the eggs, if you need an egg substitute, try using 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, feel free to cut back a bit; the bread will still be tasty!

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

There are so many fun ways to jazz up this Cinnamon Donut Bread! You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. If you want a hint of citrus, a bit of orange zest can brighten up the flavors. For a richer taste, consider swirling in some cream cheese or adding a dash of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Cinnamon Donut Bread in your own kitchen! It truly is a recipe that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for sharing with family and friends. As you watch it rise and fill your home with that irresistible cinnamon aroma, you’ll know you’ve created something special. Whether it’s for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet treat at a gathering, this bread is sure to bring smiles all around. So, roll up your sleeves and dive in — I can't wait to hear how your baking adventure turns out!

Cinnamon Donut Bread

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cinnamon Donut Bread combines the flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a soft, moist loaf.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over the batter.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool before slicing.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
This bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Adjust cinnamon to taste if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Donut Bread, Bread, Cinnamon