Cinnamon Donut Bread

Introduction

There’s something about the smell of cinnamon that instantly makes a house feel warm and welcoming. The Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe is one of those baked goods that fills the air with the cozy scent of a bakery, making it impossible to resist. The first time I made this bread, my family couldn’t wait for it to cool, and it disappeared so quickly that I had to make another loaf the very next day! Every slice of this bread brings back memories of sweet mornings and warm cinnamon donuts. It’s the perfect treat for family gatherings, a brunch spread, or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. The texture is light, the flavor is rich with just the right amount of cinnamon, and that sweet cinnamon topping seals the deal. Let’s dive into this recipe and show you how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
In a small bowl, mix the topping sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the kitchen should smell wonderfully cinnamon-sweet.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 210 kcal
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 160mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve

This bread is best served fresh from the oven, but it can also be enjoyed the next day. Here are a few suggestions for serving:

With coffee or tea: The rich, cinnamon flavor of this bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
As a breakfast treat: Serve slices of this bread with butter or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy breakfast.
With a drizzle of glaze: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some icing or glaze on top of each slice.
On its own: Honestly, this bread is so delicious it doesn’t need anything extra. Enjoy it straight up for the ultimate cinnamon fix.
As a dessert: Slice it into smaller pieces and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for an easy dessert.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and heavy.
Add Mix-ins: If you like, add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of this bread.
Baking Time May Vary: Ovens can vary, so start checking the bread after 50 minutes. If it’s not fully done, continue baking in 5-minute increments until a toothpick comes out clean.

Recipe Variations

Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Add 1 cup of finely diced apples to the batter to create a fruity twist on this classic bread. The apples will bake into the bread, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
Maple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Substitute the granulated sugar with maple syrup (use about ¾ cup) and reduce the buttermilk slightly. This adds a deep maple flavor to the bread.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Donut Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter to make it a chocolatey, cinnamon dream.
Mini Cinnamon Donut Breads: Instead of using a loaf pan, pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for individual servings. These will bake faster—check them after 20-25 minutes.
Vegan Cinnamon Donut Bread: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk and butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this warm bread alongside a fruit salad for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for a light dessert.
Top with a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for an even sweeter treat.
For an added flavor boost, try serving it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for 20-30 seconds per slice.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but if you use regular milk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to make a buttermilk substitute.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it the night before and store it in an airtight container. It tastes just as delicious the next day.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a different pan, but the baking time may vary. Check for doneness a few minutes earlier or later, depending on the size.
How can I add more cinnamon flavor?
You can increase the cinnamon in the batter by an additional ½ teaspoon or add a pinch of ground ginger for a spicy kick.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
While a stand mixer can be used to mix the wet ingredients, it’s best to fold the dry ingredients by hand to avoid overmixing.
Can I add raisins or currants to the batter?
Yes, adding dried fruit like raisins or currants will complement the cinnamon flavor nicely.
What is the best way to serve the bread warm?
To serve warm, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or wrap it in foil and place it in a low-heat oven for a few minutes.
Can I add frosting on top of the bread?
Yes, a cream cheese glaze or simple powdered sugar glaze would go wonderfully on top of the bread.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is more than just a sweet breakfast bread—it’s a nostalgic treat that will bring joy to anyone who tries it. Whether you serve it as part of a brunch spread, enjoy it with your morning coffee, or treat yourself to a slice in the afternoon, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make, versatile, and irresistibly delicious, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon in every bite. Give it a try, and you won’t regret it!