Name: Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup canola oil; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup buttermilk; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp molasses; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup white sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 11 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for that golden, cozy treat that feels like a hug in bread form, you’re in for a real delight with this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma and leaves everyone begging for just one more slice. Keep reading, and I’ll share everything you need to bake this fan-freaking-tastic bread yourself.

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Why This Recipe Works

Dual Batter Swirl: The cinnamon-molasses marbled batter creates that classic donut flavor and a beautiful visual.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Dipping the warm loaf in butter and cinnamon sugar adds a perfectly sweet and slightly crunchy finish.
Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples, making this easy to whip up anytime cravings hit.
Buttermilk Boost: Adds moisture and tender crumb, while a hint of molasses deepens that donut vibe.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, cinnamon bread recipe, glazed bread with cinnamon, homemade cinnamon bread, easy cinnamon bread - A rectangular cake with a golden-brown top layer covered evenly with a fine, grainy light brown sugar coating sits on a white rectangular plate. The cake's top surface shows a gently cracked texture with soft ridges and swirls, revealing a tender and moist interior below the sugar crust. The plate rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe plays a key role in giving you that soft, tender inside with a sweet, crisp outside — just like a fresh donut but easier and cozier. I’ll share a few tips so you know what to look for when shopping and prepping.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, cinnamon bread recipe, glazed bread with cinnamon, homemade cinnamon bread, easy cinnamon bread - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden canola oil, a few chunks of unsalted butter softened to creamy texture, a small white bowl heaped with white granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white bowl of translucent vanilla extract, a neat pile of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of fine baking powder, a pinch of salt in a small white dish, a small white bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon, and a tiny white bowl with dark glossy molasses all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Canola Oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering flavor, plus it helps with a tender crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter in the batter creates richness, and melted butter later helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
White Sugar: Sweetens the bread, while also helping with browning.
Eggs: Give structure and richness to the bread.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
All Purpose Flour: The foundation for soft, fluffy bread—aim for fresh flour for best results.
Baking Powder: Gives just the right lift for a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness—don’t skip or substitute carefully.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice giving that classic cinnamon donut aroma and taste.
Molasses: Just a touch added to the cinnamon batter for deeper, richer flavor notes.
White and Brown Sugar (for topping): The combo creates that addictive cinnamon sugar crust.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is so versatile. Sometimes, I add chopped nuts for a little crunch, or swap out the buttermilk for yogurt if I’m in a pinch. You can easily tweak it to match your mood or dietary needs.

Add-Ins: I’ve tossed in chopped pecans or walnuts before—totally elevates the texture and adds a nutty note that pairs great with cinnamon.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the buttermilk with coconut milk plus lemon juice, and swap butter for a plant-based spread—works like a charm!
Spice Twist: Feel free to mix in a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for an exotic spin I’ve personally tried and loved during fall baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Wet Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pan well. In a large bowl, combine the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar. I like using a hand mixer here because it gets it really smooth and creamy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. This step sets up the base for a wonderfully tender bread.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Batter

Now, sift together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. This gentle incorporation ensures your batter stays smooth, not tough. Be careful not to overmix – once the flour is just combined, you’re good to go!

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Batter

Take about half a cup of the plain batter and transfer it to a smaller bowl. Stir in the ground cinnamon and molasses until it’s fully blended. This little cinnamon kick is what brings that donut magic.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl Your Batters

Pour half the plain batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then spoon dollops of half the cinnamon batter over it. Pour the rest of the plain batter on top, followed by the remaining cinnamon batter. Grab a butter knife and gently swirl the two batters together – don’t overdo it; the marbling should be visible.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your loaf for about 45 to 50 minutes. I always check by inserting a toothpick in the center – when it comes out clean, it’s done. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes; it should still feel warm but not too hot to handle.

Step 6: The Magical Cinnamon Sugar Coat

Pour melted butter into a large shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix together white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Carefully dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Don’t rush this step—this buttery coating is what sets this bread apart.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Softened Butter Matters: Make sure butter is softened (not melted) before mixing; it blends better and creates fluffier bread.
Swirl Gently: When swirling the batters, a light hand gives you those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons without mixing everything together.
Perfect Baking Test: Always check with a toothpick around 45 minutes – ovens vary, and this avoids drying out the bread.
Buttercoat Timing: Dip the bread while it’s still warm but manageable to handle for the best cinnamon sugar coating stickiness.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I love a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of cream cheese glaze if I’m feeling indulgent. Fresh berries on the side also brighten it up beautifully and add a fresh contrast to the sweet bread.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or spicy chai tea. If you’re serving brunch, fresh fruit salad or whipped cream complements it perfectly and balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a special occasion, I’ve found that slicing the loaf into thick, even slices and stacking them on a cake stand with ribbons of cinnamon sticks for decoration makes for a stunning presentation. You can even dip individual slices into melted chocolate for an extra wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays soft and fresh, and honestly, it usually gets eaten way before then!

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months, so you can always have a sweet treat on hand.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly until warm. For that fresh-baked crispiness on the outside, I sometimes give it a quick sear in a buttered skillet—totally worth it!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to just under 1 cup of milk, stirring it, and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This DIY buttermilk substitutes the acidity needed to tenderize the bread and activate the baking powder.
How long does this Cinnamon Donut Bread stay fresh?

Stored tightly wrapped at room temperature, this bread stays fresh and soft for about 3 days. After that, it’s best to freeze to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger loaf or two loaves?

Absolutely! Doubling the ingredients works great, just be sure to have appropriately sized pans and bake longer, checking doneness with a toothpick to avoid undercooking the center.
What makes this Cinnamon Donut Bread different from regular cinnamon bread?

The unique swirl of cinnamon-molasses batter combined with the buttery cinnamon sugar coating creates an experience much closer to a soft cinnamon donut’s texture and flavor — crisp on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like baking a little happiness in a loaf. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this bread is easy, rewarding, and downright delicious. I’m confident you’ll get hooked on it the same way I did. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to some warm cinnamon-sugar magic!