Are you craving a deliciously sweet and aromatic dessert that combines the best of both worlds—donuts and bread? Look no further than Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread! This easy-to-make recipe offers the perfect balance of fluffy, moist bread with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special treat for the holidays, this sweet bread will surely satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (8×4 inches or 9×5 inches) with butter or cooking spray, ensuring it’s well-coated to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the bread is baking, melt the butter for the coating in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Step 8: Coat the Bread
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, turn the bread out onto a wire rack. Brush the entire loaf with the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect pairing.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Perfect for Breakfast or Snack
This sweet bread can easily double as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives it the irresistible taste of a donut, while the soft, moist bread makes it perfect for dipping into your favorite drink.
Easy to Make
With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create this mouthwatering bread in no time. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is foolproof and sure to impress.
Versatile and Customizable
Feel free to add your own twist to this recipe. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Alternatively, drizzle some glaze over the top for an added touch of sweetness.
Great for Gifting
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Whether wrapped in parchment paper or placed in a gift box, this treat will brighten anyone’s day.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the perfect treat for cinnamon lovers and anyone who enjoys the delightful combination of sweet, soft bread with a crispy coating. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, why not indulge in a slice of warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness today?
Serving and Storage Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Serving Tips:
- Enjoy Warm: This sweet bread is best enjoyed slightly warm, as the cinnamon sugar coating is extra delicious when it’s fresh out of the oven. You can warm up slices in the microwave for a few seconds or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven.
- Pair with Drinks: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or snack. It’s also great with a glass of milk or a warm latte.
- Top with Butter or Jam: For an extra indulgence, spread some softened butter or your favorite fruit jam on a slice of the bread. The sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar coating pairs beautifully with these toppings.
- Make it a Dessert: Turn this sweet bread into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the bread for a decadent treat.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the bread within a few days, store it at room temperature. Place the loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will stay good for about 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: To extend the shelf life, you can store the bread in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in an airtight container. This will keep the bread fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread freezes well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave or oven.
- Reheating: To bring back the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. If desired, brush the top with a little melted butter and sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar before reheating for an extra touch of flavor.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread for several days and savor its delightful sweetness and warmth whenever you desire!
1. Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread without eggs?
Yes, you can make this bread egg-free by using an egg substitute. Common options include applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), mashed bananas, or a store-bought egg replacer. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may slightly change, but it will still be delicious.
2. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and heartier bread. If you need a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if the flour blend doesn’t include it.
3. How can I make the cinnamon sugar coating even more flavorful?
For a unique twist, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra warmth and spice. You could also experiment with flavored sugars like brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
4. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to this bread?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even dried fruit like raisins to the batter before baking. Just fold them in gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of the bread.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
This cinnamon sugar donut sweet bread is soft, moist, and loaded with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. It’s like a donut in bread form, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee. Topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, it’s irresistible!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon juice)
For the cinnamon sugar swirl:
- 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Layer the batter and swirl:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.
- Bake the bread:
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the topping:
- While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it generously over the bread.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Serve with coffee, tea, or enjoy as is!
Notes
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the bread after it cools.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.