If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the magic of soft, fluffy donuts in a loaf of bread, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweet comfort of sugar, and a rich, tender crumb baked to perfection, giving you bites that feel like a hug on a chilly morning. Whether you’re looking to surprise your family at breakfast or impress guests at brunch, this recipe hits all the right notes with a swirl of molasses cinnamon batter and a buttery cinnamon sugar topping that’s downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe is a breeze because they are all pantry staples that work together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the softness brought by butter and buttermilk to the sweet warmth imparted by cinnamon and sugar.
- Canola oil (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and keeps the bread tender without overpowering other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Contributes richness and a delicate crumb.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and lightly caramelizes during baking for a lovely crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind the ingredients while providing structure and fluffiness.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the foundation of the bread’s tender yet sturdy crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives the bread a lift to make it light and airy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds mild tanginess and tenderizes the crumb for softness.
- Molasses (1/2 tsp): Deepens the cinnamon swirl’s flavor with a subtle, smoky sweetness.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): The star spice, warming the bread and the topping with that classic cozy scent.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Used for the buttery cinnamon sugar topping that makes each bite dreamy.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Adds a molasses note and sticky sweetness to the topping.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Provides crunch and sparkle in the cinnamon sugar crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan with generous non-stick spray so the bread comes out easily without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This step builds the base for a tender, sweet bread.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time and then stir in the vanilla extract. Beating well after each addition will ensure a smooth, cohesive batter that’s ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk
Alternate adding the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk into the wet mixture. Beat gently after each addition to avoid overworking the batter, and scrape the bowl’s sides to incorporate everything evenly for a lump-free dough.
Step 5: Make Cinnamon Swirl
Take about half a cup to three-quarters of a cup of your bread batter and mix in the molasses with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This swirl creates that signature rich, fragrant cinnamon ribbon running through your bread.
Step 6: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the plain batter into your prepared pan, dollop half of the cinnamon molasses swirl on top, then cover with the remaining plain batter and finally, the rest of your cinnamon swirl. This layering ensures gorgeous marbling when baked.
Step 7: Swirl the Batter
Gently use a knife to swirl the batters together. Keep the swirls soft and flowing—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that beautiful marbled effect.
Step 8: Bake
Bake your loaf for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it onto a wire rack to cool slightly. This step is key to maintaining the bread’s shape and texture.
Step 10: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a shallow dish to create a sticky, sweet coating that will take this bread from delightful to downright decadent.
Step 11: Finish the Bread
Dip all sides of the warm bread into your cinnamon sugar butter mixture or spoon it over generously. A final sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top seals the deal with an unforgettable crust.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy finish, or pair with a light glaze drizzle made from powdered sugar and milk for extra shine and sweetness. Fresh whipped cream also makes a dreamy companion.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a tall glass of milk for a complete, satisfying breakfast or snack. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and toasting it lightly before topping with cream cheese and fruit preserves for a twist. Alternatively, cut into cubes to serve as part of a dessert bread pudding or French toast casserole, giving that cinnamon sugar magic a new form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, preserving its moistness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your delicious creation longer, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze individual slices for convenience and quick thawing.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 seconds. If you’re reheating frozen slices, thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before warming; the cinnamon sugar coating will crisp right back up.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
While regular milk can be used in a pinch, buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderizes the bread’s crumb, resulting in a richer flavor and softer texture that really elevates this recipe.
What kind of pan is best for baking this bread?
A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best to give the bread room to rise evenly and bake through without drying out or burning the edges.
Can I use melted butter instead of oil in the batter?
Using melted butter instead of oil will give the bread more buttery flavor but may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. The mix of oil and butter in this recipe balances moisture and crumb perfectly.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar crust perfectly even?
For the best coverage, dip the warm loaf into the melted butter cinnamon sugar mix while it’s still warm and a little soft—this helps the sugar stick evenly and creates that crunchy, sweet shell you want every time.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour, but results may vary slightly. Using a blend formulated for baking is best to maintain the bread’s tender crumb and structure.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe a try—whether you’re a longtime bread baker or just looking for a sweet treat that feels like warm nostalgia in every bite. It’s simple, rewarding, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. Once you taste that soft, swirled bread topped with buttery cinnamon sugar, you’ll be hooked like me!
