Ever had one of those days where you crave a donut but also want the comforting hug of homemade bread? That’s exactly how Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread came to be in my kitchen—born out of indecision and a sweet tooth. It’s soft like a fresh donut, cozy like a warm loaf, and the cinnamon-sugar swirl? Let’s just say it’s the kind of magic that turns a plain afternoon into something you actually write home about. I remember the first time I made this—it wasn’t pretty. There was flour everywhere, the dog had cinnamon sugar on his tail, and I might’ve accidentally used baking soda instead of baking powder (rookie move, I know). But when I finally got it right—wow. It smelled like a bakery exploded in the best way possible, and every bite was golden, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. This bread is for those of us who want dessert without the fancy mixer or a dozen steps. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a little time. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack-that-pretends-it’s-breakfast, it’s always the right time for this beauty.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
- 4) How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
- 5) Tips for Making Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
- 6) Making Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
- 8) Try these bread recipes next!
- 9) Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is the perfect mix of cake and bread with a donut twist.
- You only need one bowl and no mixer, which keeps things simple.
- The cinnamon sugar swirl is easy to create and adds irresistible texture.
- This bread is sweet, soft, and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
2) Easy Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe
I’ll be honest. When I first heard about sweet easy recipes like this one, I was skeptical. Could a bread that tastes like a donut really be that simple to make?
Turns out, yes. This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread checks every box. It’s got that comforting flavor of a cake donut, plus a soft texture and a sweet swirl that surprises you in every slice. The best part? No yeast. No kneading. No need to fuss with multiple bowls or a stand mixer. Just you, a spoon, and a few pantry staples.
It’s great for brunch, but honestly, I’ve had a slice for breakfast and another one for dessert. I love recipes that lean into their imperfections—like how this one sometimes domes unevenly or has a swirl that disappears into a sugary pocket. It’s what makes it real. And good. It’s the kind of bread that feels homey, not polished. And that’s why it gets requested over and over in my house.
3) Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
All-purpose flour: This is the structure behind the softness. No need to sift, just scoop it up and keep things moving.
Sugar: Classic granulated sugar does the heavy lifting in sweetness here. It also helps create that golden crust on top.
Baking powder: Gives the bread its rise. If your baking powder is older than your last vacation, maybe give it a refresh.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance everything. It brings out the flavor in all the other ingredients.
Milk: Whole milk is best here, but any milk will work in a pinch. It adds moisture and richness.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: This keeps the bread moist and adds a slight tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet swirl.
Egg: Just one, to bind everything together and add richness.
Vegetable oil: Gives the bread a tender texture. You can swap for melted butter, but oil keeps things simpler.
Vanilla extract: Use the real stuff if you can. It makes a difference, especially in sweet easy recipes like this one.
Sugar and cinnamon (for the swirl): This mix melts into the bread and creates pockets of cinnamon goodness that feel like biting into a donut hole.
4) How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan. I usually line mine with parchment just to avoid sticky situations later.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. No need for perfection here, just mix until you don’t see streaks.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir the milk, yogurt, egg, oil, and vanilla. Mix until it’s smooth, like pancake batter but slightly thicker.
Step 4: Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until you don’t see dry flour. Overmixing can make it dense, and this isn’t that kind of bread.
Step 5: Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over it. Repeat with the rest of the batter and the sugar mix.
Step 6: Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Don’t go wild, just a few figure-eights through the pan will do it.
Step 7: Bake for about 50 minutes. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes so you don’t end up with a crumbled mess.
5) Tips for Making Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
Don’t overthink it. This recipe is one of those sweet easy recipes that comes together quickly. Just follow the steps and you’ll be golden.
Make extra cinnamon sugar. If you’re like me, you’ll want a thicker swirl. I always double the swirl mixture and use what I need.
For a clean slice, use a serrated knife once it cools. If you’re slicing while it’s still warm (no judgment), expect a gooey, delicious mess.
You can play with mix-ins like chopped apples or crushed walnuts. I tried mini chocolate chips once. Didn’t hate it.
6) Making Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Ahead of Time
This bread actually gets better the next day. That swirl settles and the texture turns almost like cake. It’s perfect for make-ahead snacks or brunch prep.
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and leave it on the counter if you’ll eat it within a day or two. For longer storage, the fridge is fine too.
I’ve made it the night before guests arrive and served it with coffee in the morning. They think I woke up early to bake. Nope. I just know how to plan ahead.
7) Storing Leftover Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
Let the loaf cool completely. Then wrap it up in foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. It’ll stay soft for a few days at room temperature.
If it starts to feel a bit dry, just warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It perks right up.
You can freeze this bread, too. I slice it first, wrap the slices individually, and freeze. That way I can grab one when I’m craving something sweet and easy.
8) Try these bread recipes next!
9) Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe
Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread – Sweet Easy Recipes Everyone Craves
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sugar (for swirl)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, yogurt, egg, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—nobody likes tough bread.
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl and sprinkle half over the batter.
- Add the rest of the batter, then top with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to swirl it around a bit—it doesn’t need to be perfect.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing (if you can wait that long).
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 slice | Calories: 210 | Sugar: 15g | Sodium: 200mg | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg
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