The Ultimate Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe (So Easy!)

Have you ever dreamt of bottling the cosy, sugary essence of a warm cinnamon doughnut and transforming it into a simple, shareable loaf? That delightful blend of a soft, fluffy interior and a crisp, buttery cinnamon-sugar coating is the stuff of dreams. Well, your dream is about to come true! We have crafted the perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe, which brings you all the comforting flavour of a bakery classic in the wonderfully straightforward form of a quick bread.

This is so much more than a standard loaf cake; it’s a true sensory delight. As the scent of cinnamon and vanilla begins to weave through your home, you’ll sense that something truly special is baking. It’s the ideal treat for a relaxed weekend morning, a brilliant centrepiece for brunch, or a lovely after-school surprise for the little ones. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to put together. We’ll guide you through each stage to guarantee your loaf turns out perfectly moist, tender, and absolutely delicious every single time.

Why We Absolutely Adore This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in our baking repertoire, and we’re certain it will in yours, too. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a surefire way to make everyone happy.

• Authentic Doughnut Flavour: It genuinely tastes like a classic cake doughnut. The crumb is beautifully soft and moist, a result of the buttermilk, while the crunchy, buttery topping provides the perfect contrast.
• Wonderfully Straightforward: This is an excellent quick bread recipe for bakers of every confidence level. You won’t find any yeast, kneading, or fussy techniques here. Simply mix, pour, and let the oven do the work!
• Common Kitchen Ingredients: You probably have most, if not all, of the necessary ingredients waiting in your cupboards right now. It’s the ideal bake for those moments when a spontaneous desire for something sweet takes hold.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Savour a slice while it’s still warm for breakfast, tuck it into a lunchbox for a treat, or present it as a simple dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s always a delightful choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this simple sweet bread, we’ve divided the ingredients into two key components: the loaf itself, and of course, that essential crunchy topping. Opting for high-quality ingredients will truly elevate the final taste.

For the Cinnamon Donut Bread

• Plain Flour: 240g (about 1 ¾ cups plus 2 tablespoons)
• Caster Sugar: 150g (¾ cup)
• Light Brown Sugar: 50g (¼ cup, packed)
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon (freshly grated is best!)
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Large Egg: 1, at room temperature
• Buttermilk: 180ml (¾ cup), at room temperature
• Unsalted Butter: 85g (6 tablespoons), melted and slightly cooled
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons

For the Famous Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• Unsalted Butter: 55g (4 tablespoons), melted
• Caster Sugar: 65g (⅓ cup)
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake the Perfect Loaf

Are you ready to bake something wonderful? Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll soon be savouring a warm, delectable slice of homemade cinnamon bread. We suggest having a quick read through all the stages before you get started.

1. Prepare Your Tin and Oven: To begin, set your oven to preheat at 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4). Thoroughly grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf tin to ensure your bread releases easily.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the plain flour, both caster and light brown sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together well to ensure everything is evenly distributed for a consistent bake.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Take a separate, medium-sized bowl and whisk the room-temperature egg until it appears light and slightly foamy. Next, add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Gently Mix the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, carefully fold the two mixtures together until they are *just* incorporated. It is vital not to overmix; a few lumps remaining in the batter are perfectly acceptable and help create a tender loaf.
5. Time to Bake: Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf tin, using the spatula to smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. To check if it’s cooked through, insert a wooden skewer into the centre; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
6. Make the Topping: As the bread bakes, you can prepare the irresistible cinnamon sugar topping. In a small, shallow dish, stir the caster sugar and ground cinnamon together until well blended. Have your separate bowl of melted butter at the ready.
7. Cool and Butter the Loaf: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in its tin for approximately 10 minutes. This step is important, as it helps the loaf firm up slightly. After 10 minutes, carefully tip it out onto a wire rack. While it is still warm, take a pastry brush and generously coat the entire surface—top and sides—with the melted butter.
8. Apply the Sugar Crust: Immediately after brushing on the butter, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture liberally all over the loaf. Gently press the sugar onto the surface to help it stick. Ensure every part is covered! Allow the bread to cool down completely on the wire rack before you slice and serve it.

Our Top Tips for a Perfect Cinnamon Donut Loaf

Having baked this loaf on countless occasions, we’ve learned a few vital tricks for perfection. Keep these pointers in mind for a flawless result.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

This is perhaps the most crucial rule for any quick bread. When you overmix, you overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough and dense loaf rather than the light, cakey texture we want. You should stop mixing as soon as the last streaks of dry flour disappear. As the baking experts at BBC Good Food often say, a gentle touch is the secret to a superior bake.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Bringing your egg and buttermilk to room temperature before you begin is a simple step that pays dividends. It allows the ingredients to blend together more easily, creating a smoother batter. This uniformity helps to trap air, which in turn results in a much lighter and fluffier loaf.

Apply the Topping While the Bread is Warm

For that signature crunchy exterior that truly makes this bread special, this step is essential. The warmth from the loaf allows the melted butter to be absorbed just enough to act as an adhesive for the cinnamon sugar. If you let the bread cool completely, the topping just won’t adhere properly.

Fun Variations and Add-Ins

Although this easy sweet bread is truly divine just as it is, it also provides a wonderful base for a bit of creative flair. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Add a Drizzle of Glaze

For an extra touch of indulgence, you can whip up a simple glaze. Just whisk 100g of icing sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and a few drops of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the fully cooled loaf for a beautiful and tasty finish.

Incorporate Some Fruit

For a delightful autumnal twist, try folding one finely chopped apple into the batter. This apple-cinnamon pairing is a classic for a reason! If you enjoy this flavour combination, we think you’ll also fall in love with our Apple Cider Whoopie Pies.

Spice It Up

Don’t hesitate to play around with the spices. Adding a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger to the batter introduces a lovely warmth and depth of flavour that beautifully complements the cinnamon.

How to Store Your Cinnamon Donut Bread

On the off chance you have any of this delicious bread left over, storing it properly will ensure it stays fresh and tasty.

• At Room Temperature: Keep the loaf in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sugary crust might lose some of its crispness, but the flavour will remain wonderful.
• Freezing: This bread freezes exceptionally well. For the best results, we suggest freezing the loaf before adding the topping. Wrap the completely cooled bread securely in cling film, followed by a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight at room temperature, then brush with melted butter and coat with the cinnamon-sugar mix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Of course! This batter is perfect for making muffins. Just portion the batter into a lined 12-cup muffin tin, filling each case about three-quarters of the way. Bake at 180°C for 18-22 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. While they are still warm, dip the tops first in melted butter and then in your cinnamon-sugar mixture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk to hand, it’s very easy to make your own. For every 1 cup of milk, add 1 tablespoon of an acid like lemon juice or white vinegar. For this recipe, you would add approximately 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to 180ml of milk. Let the mixture stand for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly, then it’s ready to use.

Why did my bread turn out dry?

A dry quick bread is usually caused by one of two things: overmixing the batter or overbaking the loaf. Remember to mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Also, since all ovens behave differently, it’s wise to start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum baking time stated in the recipe.

Is this different from a cinnamon swirl bread?

Yes, it is quite different. A classic cinnamon swirl bread is made with a yeasted dough that has a cinnamon-sugar filling rolled into it to create a spiral pattern. Our recipe is for a quick bread, which has a more cake-like texture and gets its doughnut character from the buttery, sugary crust. If you’re a fan of those swirled flavours, we think you will adore our Cinnamon Roll Blondies.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Sweet Treat

And there you have it—our simple and reliable recipe for what we believe is the most delightful Cinnamon Donut Bread imaginable. It’s the ultimate way to fill your home with the warm, comforting scents and tastes of a classic doughnut shop. This loaf is a pleasure to make and an even greater pleasure to eat and share with loved ones.

We sincerely hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings us. It’s one of those simple comforts that is guaranteed to brighten the day. Now, it’s over to you! We’d love to hear how your loaf turns out in the comments, and please feel free to share this recipe with other baking lovers. Happy baking!