If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts but want something easier to make, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is your dream come true! Imagine a soft, buttery loaf infused with cozy cinnamon spice, coated in a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect cross between a fluffy donut and a moist quick bread—great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack with coffee.
This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to serve guests. Let’s bake up this delicious, aromatic treat that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Donut flavor in bread form – All the cozy cinnamon-sugar goodness without frying!
- Soft & fluffy texture – Moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to make – No yeast, no kneading, just mix and bake.
- Perfect for sharing – Great for brunch, holidays, or gifting.
- Kid-approved – A sweet treat that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp vinegar)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60g) melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or fit it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, stirring until evenly blended.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (~3 mins).
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Combine Wet & Dry
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture and buttermilk into the batter, stirring gently until just incorporated.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool 10 minutes, then remove from pan.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Brush warm loaf with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
✔ Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Just until combined for a tender crumb.
✔ Adjust cinnamon to taste – Add more for extra spice!
✔ Serve warm – Tastes amazing fresh out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- With coffee or tea – The perfect pairing!
- Toasted with butter – For extra indulgence.
- Drizzled with glaze – Mix powdered sugar + milk for a donut-like finish.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Store wrapped at room temp for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Plain yogurt or sour cream works too.
Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely! Bake in a muffin tin for 18-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the ultimate cozy treat—easy, delicious, and full of warm spice. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
