Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Favorites.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread combines a moist, tender texture with the rich sweetness of a classic sugar donut. This delightful loaf is prepared using simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and butter, infused with warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Finished with a brushed butter layer and spiced sugar topping, it delivers a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet pick-me-up throughout the day. It's quick to prepare and absolutely irresistible!

Aisha
Updated on Sun, 20 Apr 2025 02:36:19 GMT
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This cinnamon sugar donut bread transforms the beloved flavors of a sugar donut into a convenient loaf form that's perfect for slicing. The bread itself has a delicate, tender crumb while the buttery cinnamon sugar coating creates that unmistakable donut experience without any of the frying hassle.

I first created this bread when my kids were begging for donuts on a snowy morning, but I wasn't about to venture out in the storm. The heavenly aroma while it baked had everyone hovering in the kitchen, and now it's our Saturday morning tradition.

  • All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without being too heavy
  • Granulated sugar: Gives the bread its essential sweetness and helps create a tender crumb
  • Baking powder: Ensures a proper rise without the need for yeast
  • Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture that makes this bread so satisfying
  • Melted butter: In both the bread and coating creates that authentic donut flavor
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds complexity
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: Create that classic donut shop spice blend

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray your loaf pan with nonstick spray, ensuring you get the corners. A light colored metal pan works best for even browning.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, whisking them together to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents. This prevents any bitter spots from concentrated baking powder.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until completely uniform. The egg should be fully incorporated with no streaks of white visible.
Create The Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula using a folding motion. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour is visible. Overmixing develops gluten and results in a tough bread.
Bake To Perfection:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs and the top has a golden color.
Apply The Coating:
While the bread is still warm, brush all surfaces generously with melted butter, then immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Work quickly so the butter stays tacky enough for the sugar to adhere.

My favorite part of this recipe is watching how the butter melts into the warm bread, creating little rivers for the cinnamon sugar to nestle into. It reminds me of weekend mornings with my grandmother, who always said cinnamon was good for the soul as much as for the taste buds.

Storage Tips

This donut bread maintains its moisture when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The sugar coating might absorb some moisture over time, but the flavor remains delicious. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

Making Ahead Options

You can prepare the dry ingredients mixture up to a month in advance and store it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply add the wet ingredients and proceed with the recipe. This makes for an almost instant weekend breakfast treat that tastes completely homemade.

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Serving Suggestions

While this bread is spectacular on its own, it reaches new heights when sliced and lightly toasted, allowing the sugar coating to caramelize slightly. For a decadent dessert, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy afternoon treat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What sets Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread apart?

This bread combines the moist, fluffy texture of a traditional quick bread with the indulgent sweetness and spiced flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut. The butter-coated spiced sugar topping makes it truly unique.

→ How should I store Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread can be made ahead of time. Simply bake and cool as directed, then store it in an airtight container. Add the spiced sugar coating just before serving for optimal freshness.

→ What can I serve with this bread?

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread pairs well with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk. It's also delicious served alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete breakfast or brunch.

→ Can I customize the spices in the coating?

Absolutely! You can adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to your liking or substitute other spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Soft, spiced Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread with a sweet butter coating. Great for breakfast or sweet cravings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread

01 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
02 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
05 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
06 1 large egg, room temperature
07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
08 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

→ Spiced Sugar Coating

09 ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
10 ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
11 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 04

Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be a bit runny.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown.

Step 06

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a large piece of parchment paper.

Step 07

While the bread is still warm, gently brush the entire surface with the melted butter for the topping.

Step 08

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the topping. Evenly sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the butter-coated surface of the bread. Turn the loaf as needed in order to coat all sides of the bread. (You may have some left over, this can be saved and reused.)

Notes

  1. A warm spiced sugar coating gives this bread its signature flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter)
  • Contains gluten (flour)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 235
  • Total Fat: 8.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g