Cinnamon Donut Bread Delight

This cinnamon donut bread transforms your kitchen into a bakery with all the cozy aromas of fresh donuts but in an easy-to-make loaf form. Each slice delivers that perfect combination of tender crumb and sweet cinnamon sugar that makes traditional donuts so irresistible.

I first created this recipe when my kids were begging for donuts on a snowy Sunday morning. Since then, it's become our weekend tradition—the kids hover around the oven waiting for that cinnamon aroma to fill the kitchen.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides the perfect structure while keeping the crumb tender
• Granulated sugar: gives the bread its sweetness without being overwhelming
• Brown sugar: adds depth and moisture to the cinnamon swirl
• Buttermilk: creates a tender texture and subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness
• Cinnamon: is the star ingredient look for fresh cinnamon with a strong aroma for best results
• Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors choose pure extract for the cleanest flavor
• Eggs: bind everything together while adding richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and prepare:

Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare your loaf pan with either butter or parchment paper. This preparation step is crucial for easy removal later—if using butter, make sure to get into all the corners of the pan.

Create the base:

Whisk together the dry ingredients thoroughly. This uniform distribution ensures your bread rises evenly and has consistent sweetness throughout. Make sure to break up any brown sugar clumps.

Combine wet ingredients:

Whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until completely smooth. The temperature matters here—if your buttermilk is cold from the refrigerator, your melted butter might solidify into small pieces. For best results, let buttermilk come to room temperature first.

Mix the batter:

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients with a gentle hand. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour is visible. Overmixing activates gluten and leads to tough bread, so use a folding motion rather than vigorous stirring.

Create the swirl:

Layer half the batter, then half the cinnamon sugar mixture, followed by remaining batter and cinnamon sugar. The marbling technique is what makes each slice unique—drag a knife through in figure eight patterns for the most attractive swirl.

Bake to perfection:

Watch the bread carefully after 45 minutes. When properly baked, the top should be golden brown and slightly cracked. The toothpick test is essential—even a few moist crumbs are fine, but you shouldn't see wet batter.

Finish with topping:

Brush the still warm bread with melted butter, which acts as the "glue" for the cinnamon sugar topping. Apply the topping while the bread is warm but not hot to get the perfect crunchy sweet crust.

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The cinnamon sugar topping is what truly transforms this from ordinary bread to something special. My grandmother always said cinnamon makes everything taste like love, and whenever I make this recipe, I think of Sunday mornings in her kitchen with that familiar sweet spicy scent filling the air.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon donut bread pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast, but can easily transition to dessert when warmed slightly and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle slices with cream cheese glaze made from powdered sugar, cream cheese, and a splash of milk.

Storage Tips

Store this bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve on the second day. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. Reheat frozen slices in the microwave for 20 seconds or toast lightly.

Make It Your Own

While this classic version is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Add chopped apples to the batter for an apple fritter variation, or mix in a handful of toasted pecans for added texture. For a chocolate twist, fold miniature chocolate chips into the batter before adding the cinnamon swirl—the chips will create pockets of melty chocolate throughout the bread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

→ Can I substitute buttermilk?

Yes, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

→ Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can cause density. Stir gently until just combined for a fluffy texture.

→ How do I create the cinnamon-sugar swirl?

Sprinkle a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon between layers of batter, then gently swirl with a knife.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the bread a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.