Some mornings call for a little extra sugar. That’s exactly how this cinnamon donut bread was born—out of a craving for something warm, a bit sweet, and easy enough to whip up before coffee kicks in. You don’t need fancy gear or a pastry degree, just a bowl, a spoon, and a hunger for that nostalgic donut-shop flavor. This loaf gives you that cake-donut vibe without the fryer mess. It’s soft inside, golden on the outside, and loaded with cinnamon sugar that’s basically the warm hug of baking spices. When I pulled this from the oven the first time, my kitchen smelled like one of those weekend fairs with fresh donuts spinning on a rack—minus the overpriced ticket. You can slice it warm, or let it cool and go full breakfast-dessert hybrid. Either way, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Great for brunch spreads, easy enough for weekday treats, and flexible for any sweet craving you need to quiet fast. If you love sweet easy recipes like I do, this one’s a keeper.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cinnamon Donut Bread
4) How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread
5) Tips for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread
6) Making Cinnamon Donut Bread Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread
8) Try these Breakfast Recipes next!
9) Cinnamon Donut Bread
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe brings that warm donut-shop cinnamon flavor home without frying.
The batter uses pantry staples and comes together with just one bowl and a whisk.
Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert—and kids love it too.
Stores well for days and freezes beautifully, so make a double batch.

2) Easy Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Some days, you just need something cozy. And when that day rolls in, this cinnamon donut bread steps up to the plate. It’s soft, sweet, and the kind of loaf that vanishes fast around here. You don’t need a mixer, just a big bowl, a sturdy spoon, and that craving for something warm and sugary. You’ll get the best parts of a donut—minus the deep-frying—and you’ll find that this loaf gives serious sweet easy recipes energy right from the first bite.

I’ve made this for weekend brunches, potlucks, and even as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream. The cinnamon sugar topping adds that little crunch that makes it feel like a donut from your favorite bakery. That’s the trick—it’s not bread pretending to be a donut, it’s bread proudly borrowing the best bits from one. Sweet easy recipes don’t ask for much, and this one is proof you don’t need to overthink comfort food.

If you’re new to baking or just want something low-effort and high-reward, this one’s your new go-to. It’s perfect if you’re juggling kids, coffee, and a cluttered kitchen. No judgment, just great bread.

3) Ingredients for Cinnamon Donut Bread

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives the loaf richness and moisture. Let it cool a little so it doesn’t scramble the egg.

Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the batter and adds crunch to the topping. Classic and necessary.

Large Egg: Adds structure and binds everything together. Make sure it’s room temp if you can.

Buttermilk: This makes the bread tender and adds just a bit of tang. You can make your own with milk and vinegar if needed.

Vanilla Extract: Brings out the cinnamon and rounds out the flavor. Don’t skip it.

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the batter. Spoon and level it for best results.

Baking Powder + Baking Soda: This combo keeps the loaf light without over-rising. You want a soft crumb.

Salt: A little goes a long way to balance the sweet.

Ground Cinnamon: The flavor hero here—warm, cozy, nostalgic.

Cinnamon Sugar (Topping): A mix of cinnamon and sugar adds that donut-like crust. Apply while the loaf is warm.

Melted Butter (Topping): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds shine to the finish.

4) How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment.

Step 2. Whisk together melted butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

Step 3. Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir well, making sure everything combines nicely.

Step 4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until no flour streaks remain. Try not to overmix—it keeps the loaf tender.

Step 6. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.

Step 7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs when it’s done.

Step 8. While the bread cools slightly, mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.

Step 9. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over it.

Step 10. Let the bread cool fully before slicing. Or don’t. Warm slices with melted cinnamon sugar are worth breaking rules.

5) Tips for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread

Don’t rush the cooling process. It helps the crumb set and makes slicing cleaner. But if you’re like me, sometimes you just need a warm piece with coffee and patience goes out the window.

If you want a thicker topping, double the cinnamon sugar and go wild. That crusty edge is what brings donut vibes, and nobody complains about extra cinnamon.

This recipe is part of my collection of sweet easy recipes and works well with all sorts of tweaks. Add a pinch of nutmeg, swap in brown sugar, or toss in some chopped apples. It’s forgiving and flexible—just like a good breakfast should be.

6) Making Cinnamon Donut Bread Ahead of Time

This bread holds up beautifully. You can bake it a day ahead and the flavor deepens by morning. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or keep in an airtight container.

If you’re serving guests or bringing it to a brunch, you can bake it the night before and it’ll still taste fresh the next day. Just give it a little warm-up in the oven to bring back that just-baked smell.

For freezer storage, wrap slices in parchment and store in freezer bags. When you’re ready, pop them in the toaster oven. Instant breakfast, no effort.

7) Storing Leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread

Keep leftover slices in a container with a tight lid at room temperature. They stay soft for up to 3 days. After that, the sugar topping can start to melt into the crust—but it’s still delicious.

If you live somewhere humid, keep it in the fridge to prevent spoilage. Just reheat a slice for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving. It brings the flavor right back to life.

You can also freeze a whole loaf. Just slice it first, then wrap it well. That way, you can pull out a piece anytime without thawing the whole thing.

8) Try these Breakfast Recipes next!

9) Cinnamon Donut Bread