Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the magic of a warm, pillowy cinnamon sugar donut in a form you can slice and share, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is your ticket to pure bliss. Imagine a supremely tender loaf that’s marbled with cinnamon, kissed with vanilla, and wrapped in a crackly, buttery, cinnamon-sugar crust. Every bite delivers that nostalgic, old-fashioned donut shop flavor, all from the cozy comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or an anytime treat, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is destined to become a treasured favorite you’ll be excited to make (and share) again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

At the heart of every unforgettable loaf is a handful of simple, honest ingredients, each one chosen for the role it plays in creating that dreamy donut flavor and tender crumb. Take a quick peek—these are pantry-friendly and, together, absolute perfection for our Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread.

• Canola Oil: Adds essential moisture and keeps the bread deliciously soft without overpowering the flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and keeps the crumb tender; soften it for even mixing.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps give the crust a delicate crispness.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a warm, fragrant depth.
• Eggs (large, room temperature): Bind the loaf together and add delicious richness—room temp eggs give a fluffier texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the loaf; perfect for a soft but sturdy bread.
• Baking Powder: Gives lift and makes this “donut” bread beautifully light (no yeast needed!).
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and wakes up the other flavors.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the crumb and adds subtle tang; it’s a classic trick for irresistible cakes and donuts.
• Molasses: A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor and give that nostalgic bakery note.
• Cinnamon: The star spice! Warming, aromatic, and pure comfort.
• Melted Unsalted Butter (for topping): Helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick and takes every bite over the top.
• Light Brown Sugar (for topping): Adds a hint of caramel depth to the crunchy topping.
• Granulated Sugar (for topping): Creates that classic cinnamon “donut” sparkle on the crust.
• Cinnamon (for topping): Finishes the bread with fragrant warmth in every bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot and ready. Give your loaf pan a generous coating of non-stick spray to guarantee a flawless, easy release—this way, that beautiful cinnamon sugar crust stays right where it belongs: on your bread!

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, canola oil, and sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix until the combination becomes light and fluffy. This step is the key to a soft, dreamy crumb that echoes classic bakery donuts.

Step 3: Blend in the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the large, room temperature eggs and pure vanilla extract into the bowl. Beat until the batter turns smooth, silky, and pale. Don’t rush—well-mixed eggs mean a soft, even texture in every slice.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now comes a little dance: gently alternate between adding the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt) and the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix after each addition, being sure to scrape down the bowl. This step ensures everything is blended—no dry pockets, just luscious batter!

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of the batter into a small bowl. Stir in the cinnamon and molasses until smooth and evenly tinted. This spiced ribbon will bring depth—and pure cinnamon donut magic—to your sweet bread.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Begin by spooning half the plain batter into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface lightly. Drop dollops of half the molasses-cinnamon batter over it, then repeat with the remaining plain batter and the rest of the molasses swirl. Using a knife, gently swirl the two batters together for that signature marbled look.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two. The aromas are absolutely irresistible! Set the loaf aside to rest for 10 minutes right in the pan.

Step 8: Unmold the Loaf

Run a knife or spatula around the edges to loosen the bread, then gently remove it from the pan. Be careful—this is a soft, rich loaf, and you want to keep the golden crust fully intact. Let it cool slightly on a rack while you prep the topping.

Step 9: Prepare the Topping and Finish

In a shallow dish, stir together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Melt the additional butter if you haven’t already, then carefully dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter before rolling it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Spoon extra butter over any spots you missed, and shower the top generously with cinnamon sugar. That’s what gives this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread its irresistible “donut bakery” finish!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

Garnishes

For a simple, bakery-style finish, keep it classic with extra cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top just before serving. Or, add a flair of freshness with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few curls of orange zest, or a handful of thinly sliced toasted almonds for a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

This sweet bread pairs beautifully with a mug of strong coffee or creamy chai—making it the star of a weekend brunch spread. Try serving slices alongside a colorful fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread into stunning dessert plates by serving slices warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. For gatherings, cut the bread into thick cubes and serve as sweet “fingers” on a festive platter; they’ll disappear in a flash!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have any leftovers, simply wrap the cooled Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store at room temperature for up to 2–3 days, keeping it moist and soft. For best results, keep it in an airtight container so it retains its lovely cinnamon sugar crust.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer-safe zip bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw at room temperature, and the aroma will let you know it’s ready.

Reheating

For that “just-baked” magic, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 7 minutes. The topping will glisten, and the crumb will taste like it came straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil instead of canola?

Absolutely! Any neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower works perfectly here. You can even try melted coconut oil for a hint of extra flavor, but be sure to keep the overall texture in mind—it should stay light and soft.

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the wheat flour. Check that your baking powder is gluten free, and you’ll have a treat everyone can enjoy!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem at all. You can make a quick stand-in by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use just like buttermilk in this recipe.

Why is there no yeast? Will my bread rise?

This bread rises thanks to baking powder instead of yeast, which gives a cake-like, donut-inspired texture. It’s meant to mimic those nostalgic, cakey bakery donuts—and it rises perfectly every time!

Can I make this bread in advance for a party or holiday?

Definitely! Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread holds up well when made a day ahead—if anything, it gets even more delicious as the flavors settle and blend. Just store it in an airtight container, then add an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread fills your kitchen with that mouthwatering, donut-shop aroma. If you love cozy flavors, easy baking, and making memories with every slice, this recipe is a must-try. Honestly, give it a whirl—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Happy baking!

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