Quick Description:
If you love the warm, comforting flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut, you’ll fall in love with this Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread! Moist, buttery, and swirled with layers of cinnamon brown sugar, this easy loaf is finished with a classic cinnamon-sugar coating that gives every slice that irresistible donut-shop taste—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- WW SmartPoints: ~9–11 per slice (depending on serving size)
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 43g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- WW Points: ~10
Ingredients List:
For the Bread:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Make the Batter:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl through the batter for a beautiful marbled effect.
7. Bake:
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Add the Donut Topping:
- While the bread is still slightly warm, brush the top with melted butter.
- Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then generously sprinkle over the buttered loaf.
9. Slice & Enjoy:
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Additional Notes:
- Don’t overmix the batter or the bread may become dense.
- If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- The cinnamon sugar topping is best applied while the loaf is still warm so it sticks beautifully.
Dietary Info:
- ✅ Vegetarian
- ❌ Not Gluten-Free
- ❌ Not Dairy-Free
- ✔️ Can be made lighter using reduced-fat buttermilk and less sugar
Brief Introduction:
This Cinnamon Donut Bread combines everything you love about an old-fashioned cinnamon sugar donut in a soft, buttery quick bread. Every slice is packed with swirls of cinnamon brown sugar and finished with a sweet, crunchy topping that makes it almost impossible to stop at one piece. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon: Fold in 1 cup of diced apples before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
- Cream Cheese Version: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese between the batter layers.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice during fall.
- Vanilla Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheating Tip: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes! Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Q: Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A: It may have been underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Always test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Q: Can I make this into muffins?
A: Absolutely! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes. Reducing the sugar by about ¼ cup will still produce a delicious loaf with slightly less sweetness.
Optional Personal Note or Story:
This bread fills the whole house with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and butter while it bakes. It reminds me of stopping by a neighborhood bakery on a crisp morning for a warm cinnamon donut—but now I get that same comforting flavor right from my own kitchen. It never lasts more than a day because everyone keeps sneaking “just one more slice!”
Call-to-Action:
Made this Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread? 🍩🍞 I’d love to see it! Share your loaf and let me know if you kept it classic or added your own twist with apples, nuts, or a sweet glaze. Happy baking! ❤️
