Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

The warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked bread filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a comforting hug. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful creation that takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, and it works beautifully because the combination of gooey sweetness and warm spices will have you coming back for second (or third!) slices.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress family or friends with a cozy treat, whether for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can make it ahead of time and store it for quick indulgence throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The texture is moist and tender, reminiscent of your favorite cake.
• It features a perfectly sweet cinnamon-sugar crust that adds a delightful crunch.
• The baking time fills your home with an irresistible, warm fragrance.
• It’s easy to prepare with straightforward steps and common ingredients.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread:

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Whole milk: can be replaced with any milk.
• Unsalted butter: use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated sugar: superfine sugar works well.
• Nutmeg: can be omitted or replaced with allspice.

How to Make It

Start making your bread by following these simple steps:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan.

Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and fully incorporated.

Mix Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs attached.

Cool and Brush

Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to parchment paper. Brush the warm bread with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: yes, wrap tightly for up to 3 months.
Reheat: warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a light texture.
• Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should have a few moist crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
• Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Pair with fresh fruit for a delicious brunch spread.