If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying a warm donut, but wish it had the irresistibly soft texture of freshly baked bread, let me introduce you to your newest obsession: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread. This stunning loaf gives you all the craveable flavor of a classic cinnamon sugar donut, baked up in easy, sliceable form. Crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and crowned with a shimmering, spiced sugar crust—every bite delivers cozy nostalgia and pure joy. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or simply with coffee, one taste and this loaf will earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This no-fuss recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together for truly magical results. Each ingredient delivers a burst of flavor, moisture, or that picture-perfect golden color—so you don’t want to skip a thing!

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb; spoon and level to avoid a dense loaf.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the signature cinnamon sugar coating.
Baking powder: Gives the bread its delicious lift and donut-like fluffiness.

Kosher salt: Just a bit balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the bread moist—don’t swap for low-fat for best results!

Large egg (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and gives the crumb a perfect texture.
Unsalted butter (melted): Delivers superior flavor both in the batter and as a buttery coating for the crust.
Vanilla extract: Incorporates a welcoming aroma and classic donut flavor.

Granulated sugar (for topping): The main player in your crunchy, sparkly donut crust.
Ground cinnamon: Warm and fragrant, it wouldn’t be Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread without it!
Ground nutmeg: A pinch in the topping adds that bakery-style donut magic.

Nonstick cooking spray: Preps your pan for easy release and a picture-worthy loaf every time.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and ready by the time your batter comes together. Give your 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray. This will help your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread release perfectly, keeping that gorgeous crust intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Make sure these are well combined—an even blend here means every bite is just as fluffy and flavorful as the last.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and add the whole milk, room temperature egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and the mixture is pale and smooth. This helps ensure an even, tender crumb throughout your loaf.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the milk mixture over the flour mixture. Gently stir everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until *just* combined—overmixing can result in a tougher bread. Your batter will look a little runny, and that’s exactly what you want for maximum moistness.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using your spatula to smooth the top. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. When the loaf is ready, it should have a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out with a few moist crumbs—don’t bake until it’s bone dry!

Step 6: Cool and Prepare for Topping

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully lift it out and set it on a large piece of parchment paper. Cooling slightly helps the bread set, but keeps it warm enough to soak in that glorious buttery glaze.

Step 7: Coat with Melted Butter

While your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is still warm, gently brush the entire surface with melted butter. Be generous—this is what creates the crackly, flavorful crust you’re about to smother in spiced sugar.

Step 8: Mix the Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the topping. The blend of warm, spicy, and sweet is what brings those classic donut shop flavors to every bite.

Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over every inch of the buttery loaf, turning it as needed to coat all sides. Don’t worry if you have a bit left over—you can save the extra for future batches or even to dust over buttered toast. Let the bread cool before slicing—if you can wait!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, try a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving, or add a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness and shine. A few curls of lemon zest or a handful of toasted nuts can add elegance and crunch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit—think juicy berries or orange segments to balance the sweetness. For a dreamy breakfast, serve alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea, or offer a scoop of vanilla yogurt for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread thick and warm for casual snacking, or plate it elegantly with whipped cream and berries for dessert. Try toasting a slice and topping with butter, or use it as an indulgent base for a decadent French toast brunch—prepare for rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread fresh, wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf—or individual slices—in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop it into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, bring to room temperature before serving or reheating.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or toast gently until heated through. This revives the fluffy crumb and gives you a little of that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk or a milk alternative?

Absolutely! Full-fat oat milk or almond milk both work well. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a delicious loaf—just aim for the richest option available for best results.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may be a bit more delicate, but you’ll still get all that cinnamon sugar goodness.

Can I double the recipe?

You can! Simply double all ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Bake both loaves side by side, checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark—it may need a bit longer since your oven will be fuller.

What’s the best way to keep the topping from falling off?

Brush on the melted butter while the bread is still warm, then immediately coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will help the sugar stick and create that signature, crispy crust.

Can I add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips all add texture and fun surprises to each bite. Fold them in just before pouring the batter into the pan to distribute them evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to elevate your baking game (with minimal hassle), make a batch of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread soon. Every slice is soft, sweet, and utterly irresistible—perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself. Trust me: this is more than bread, it’s a little loaf of pure joy. Happy baking!