Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe

The Fluffiest Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe Ever

Sinking your teeth into a warm, pillowy cinnamon sugar donut sweet bread that melts on your tongue.

Baking this treat fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone near.

Nothing compares to the comforting blend of classic donut flavors wrapped in a soft, tender loaf.

Each slice promises a delightful journey through sweet, spicy notes that dance across your palate.

Weekend mornings become magical when you slice into this golden-brown creation.

The delicate crumb and generous coating of cinnamon sugar create a nostalgic experience that connects you to cherished memories.

Ready to transform your baking game with this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds?

Pro Tips For Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep the bread tender and soft, avoiding a tough, dense texture.
  • Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels by reducing granulated sugar or substituting with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness profile.
  • Nail the Swirl Technique: Use a butter knife or wooden skewer to create gentle, marbled cinnamon swirls without completely mixing the layers.
  • Boost Moisture Retention: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its soft, fresh texture for 23 days at room temperature.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Store Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Freeze: Wrap the cooled bread completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1015 seconds or in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 58 minutes until heated through. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra moisture and flavor.
  • Prevent Staleness: Keep bread at room temperature for 12 days in a sealed container, placing a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy texture.

What Goes Well With Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

  • Brew a Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this sweet bread with a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements the warm cinnamon notes. The robust coffee will balance the bread's sweetness and enhance its comforting flavors.
  • Indulge in a Creamy Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte with its blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon creates a perfect harmony with the donut bread. The creamy, aromatic drink elevates the cinnamon sugar experience.
  • Savor a Vanilla Milkshake Delight: A cold, creamy vanilla milkshake provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced bread. The smooth, sweet shake cuts through the bread's richness and offers a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Create a Tea Time Treat: Opt for a classic Earl Grey tea with its bergamot hints, which beautifully complements the cinnamon sugar notes. The light, fragrant tea provides a sophisticated pairing that brings out the bread's subtle flavors.

Fun Ideas For Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

  • Citrus Zinger: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking, creating a delightful textural contrast and rich depth of flavor.
  • Chocolate Swirl Fusion: Incorporate cocoa powder into half the batter, creating a marbled chocolate and cinnamon bread that feels luxurious and indulgent.
  • Maple Pecan Edition: Replace some granulated sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle toasted pecans on top for a rich, autumnal-inspired version of the classic sweet bread.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Questions Answered

  • What makes this bread different from regular banana bread?

This cinnamon sugar donut sweet bread offers a unique twist with its rich, donut-like flavor profile and swirled cinnamon sugar mixture that creates a delightful marbled effect throughout the loaf.

  • Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides extra moisture and tang, you can substitute it with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to achieve a similar tangy result.

  • How do I know if I'm swirling the cinnamon sugar correctly?

Gently drag a knife or skewer through the batter in a figure-eight or zigzag pattern, creating soft, random swirls. Don’t overmix, or the cinnamon sugar will blend completely into the batter instead of creating distinct marbled lines.

  • Is this bread suitable for breakfast or dessert?

This versatile bread works perfectly for both! It’s light enough for a morning treat with coffee and sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings after dinner.

Why Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Is Hard To Resist

  • Create Swirling Cinnamon Magic: The gorgeous cinnamon sugar swirl gives this bread a stunning marbled effect that looks professionally baked, making every slice a delightful visual and taste experience.
  • Totally Effortless Baking: This recipe requires simple pantry ingredients, minimal mixing steps, and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for beginner bakers who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Comfort Treat: Enjoy this sweet bread as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert – its soft texture and warm cinnamon flavor work beautifully for multiple occasions and meal times.
  • Quick Weekend Comfort: With just one hour from start to finish, this bread delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal time investment, allowing you to whip up a crowd-pleasing treat without spending all day in the kitchen.

Everything You’ll Need For Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

Main Ingredients:

Flour Components:
  • Flour: The base for the bread's structure, providing essential texture and substance.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Dairy and Fat Components:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and slight tanginess to the bread, helps activate leavening agents.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together, contribute to structure and richness.
Sweet and Flavor Components:
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm background flavor, use pure vanilla for best results.
  • Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic spice throughout the bread, choose fresh ground for maximum flavor.
Finishing Components:
  • Melted Butter: Creates a glossy, rich topping that helps cinnamon sugar adhere.
  • Additional Granulated Sugar: For sprinkling on top, creates a crisp, sweet crust.

Steps To Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 175C (350F). Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Combine the following ingredients in a medium bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Whip Butter And Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and pale in color, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs And Flavor

Gently incorporate:
  • Eggs (one at a time)
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until everything is smoothly combined.

Step 5: Marry Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Alternate adding buttermilk and dry ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Stir carefully to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Swirl Magic

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar mixture. Add remaining batter on top. Using a knife, create beautiful swirls throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

While the bread is still warm:
  • Brush the top with melted butter
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and serve with your favorite beverage or enjoy as a delightful standalone treat.

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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread brings warmth and comfort to kitchen counters across America. Delicate swirls of cinnamon and sugar create a delightful breakfast treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Flour and Dairy Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice (if making homemade buttermilk)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (70 g / 2.5 ounces) granulated sugar (for swirl)
  • ¼ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 175C (350F). Create a non-stick surface in a 9×5-inch loaf pan using grease and flour or parchment paper.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, leavening agents, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Transform butter and granulated sugar into a creamy, airy mixture using an electric mixer, continuing until the texture becomes light and voluminous.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract, stirring gently.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Maintain a gentle mixing technique to prevent overmixing, which can compromise the bread’s texture.
  6. Distribute initial batter layer into the prepared pan, generously scattering cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface. Repeat with remaining batter and sugar blend. Create intricate swirls using a knife, drawing delicate patterns through the batter.
  7. Position the pan in the preheated oven, baking for 50-60 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean without raw batter. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
  8. While the bread maintains warmth, delicately brush melted butter across the surface. Sprinkle a luxurious coating of cinnamon-sugar blend, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack, enabling it to set and develop optimal flavor. Slice and serve as a delightful accompaniment to morning beverages or an afternoon treat.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture in your sweet bread.
  • Softened butter creates a fluffier, more tender crumb, so take it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense bread – stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum.
  • Create deeper cinnamon flavor by toasting whole cinnamon sticks and grinding them fresh before mixing into the sugar topping.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie alternative without compromising taste.
  • Enhance moisture by adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients for an extra rich texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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