If you’re anything like me, there’s something about the cozy scent of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen that instantly feels like home. This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe has become a favorite in my house for exactly that reason—it wraps everything I love about old-fashioned donuts and homemade quick bread into one ridiculously delicious loaf.
The texture is soft and tender, almost cake-like, with a rich cinnamon swirl running through the middle and a crackly sugar crust on top that gives you that nostalgic donut-shop feel—without ever turning on the fryer. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you slow down and savor each bite, whether you’re enjoying a warm slice with your morning coffee or sneaking a piece in the afternoon with a good book.
I first made this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe on a chilly Sunday morning when we were craving something sweet but easy, and it’s been in our weekend rotation ever since. It’s a simple, no-fuss loaf that brings big flavor and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re baking for brunch, hosting friends, or just want a cozy treat to enjoy during the week, this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe never disappoints.
Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven—it always takes me back to cozy mornings and quiet weekends at home. This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe captures that nostalgic feeling in the easiest, most comforting way. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade in the best sense: simple enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to serve when friends drop by for brunch or coffee.
What I love most about this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together—no frying, no fuss. Just mix, swirl, and bake. It transforms into a beautiful loaf with a sweet, crackly sugar crust on the outside and a soft, tender center that’s ribboned with cinnamon. The balance of texture and flavor is spot-on, and that donut-like vibe? Totally there, without all the work.
I often make this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe on Sundays so we can enjoy a slice with tea in the afternoon, and then again for breakfast on Monday when the flavors have had time to deepen. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. Whether you're baking it for family, gifting it to a friend, or simply treating yourself to something special, this cinnamon swirl donut bread is pure comfort in every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Bread:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute)
- Eggs, room temperature
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Brown sugar, packed
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the Sugar Coating:
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined with no lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are fine.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl and Assemble
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl, then add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle about two-thirds of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter with a few figure-eight motions, then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture and use the knife again to create more swirls throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after about 30 minutes of baking.
- While the bread is baking, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a small bowl.
- When the bread is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the bread out of the pan and place it on a wire rack.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch to Your Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
- While the bread is still warm (but not hot), brush the top and sides with melted butter.
- Immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere to the surface of the bread.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for best results – this helps the bread set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Combine wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls, then gently mix.
- Step 2: Mixing Cinnamon Swirl in a Small Bowl
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to create the cinnamon swirl.
- Step 3: Step 3: Bake the Bread
Bake the loaf until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch to Your Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Cool the baked loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before finishing.
Hints and Tips for Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
For the perfect texture, make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients don't incorporate as well and can affect the rise of your bread.
When swirling the cinnamon mixture, don't overdo it. A few gentle swirls create those beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the bread. Too much swirling will blend everything together and you'll lose the distinct layers.
A stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes mixing this batter a breeze, but a simple hand mixer or even a wooden spoon works just fine for this recipe.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions of Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe makes a wonderful addition to a brunch spread. Serve slices alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced breakfast, or pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
While this is an indulgent sweet bread, you can make some adjustments for dietary needs:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar for the buttermilk, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup in the main recipe if you prefer a less sweet bread.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread: Fold in 1 cup of peeled, diced apples to the batter for a fall-inspired twist.
- Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon swirl layers.
- Orange Cinnamon Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter and replace 2 tablespoons of buttermilk with fresh orange juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Vanilla Glaze Option: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, try drizzling cooled bread with a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Mini Loaves: Divide the batter among three mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to about 30-35 minutes for cute, giftable treats.
Equipment Recommendations
A good quality loaf pan is essential for this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe. I recommend using a light-colored metal pan for even baking, as dark pans tend to brown the crust too quickly.
Parchment paper is your friend here! The overhanging edges make it easy to lift the loaf out of the pan without it sticking or breaking.
A kitchen thermometer can take the guesswork out of knowing when your bread is done. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C) when fully baked.
Storage Instructions
This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.
To refresh day-old bread, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast it lightly for a crisp exterior.
The Secret That Changed My Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe Forever
I still remember the first time I baked this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for my family on a rainy Sunday morning. The kitchen filled with the warm scent of cinnamon sugar, and everyone gathered around, drawn in by that comforting aroma. But what they didn’t see was me gently peeling the parchment away from the loaf, relieved that it hadn’t stuck—because that’s exactly what happened the time before. That little mishap taught me something important: don’t skip the parchment paper liner. It’s not just about cleanup—it’s about preserving that gorgeous golden crust and getting the loaf out in one beautiful piece.
Over time, I’ve learned that the smallest details make the biggest difference. Like using freshly ground cinnamon instead of the old bottle that’s been hiding in the spice drawer for years. The difference in fragrance and flavor is unreal—it turns a good cinnamon swirl into something unforgettable. These little tweaks are the kind of tips I wish someone had told me when I started baking. So consider this your gentle nudge: take the extra minute to line your pan and reach for the freshest spices you have. Your Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe will thank you with every warm, flavorful bite.
FAQ
Is donut dough the same as bread dough?
Not quite! Donut dough is usually richer, made with eggs, butter, and sometimes milk for a soft, tender texture—more like a brioche. Regular bread dough is leaner and chewier. Donuts also rise differently and are often fried, while bread is baked. They're similar in technique but crafted for very different textures and flavors.
What are the key ingredients in Dolly Parton's cinnamon bread?
Dolly Parton's cinnamon bread is known for its sweet, cozy flavor. Key ingredients typically include all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and plenty of cinnamon. It's often finished with a generous cinnamon sugar coating and sometimes drizzled with icing. Each slice is soft, aromatic, and packed with that classic Southern-style comfort.
Is cinnamon roll dough the same as donut dough?
They’re similar but not the same. Cinnamon roll dough is a rich, yeast-based dough, often made with butter, eggs, and milk—similar to donut dough. The difference is mostly in how they're used: cinnamon rolls are baked and filled, while donuts are usually fried and shaped differently. Both doughs create soft, sweet treats.
Can I add cinnamon to bread dough?
Absolutely! Adding cinnamon to bread dough brings warmth and depth of flavor. Mix it directly into the dough for a subtle taste or swirl it in for a bold, spiced center. Just be mindful—too much cinnamon can affect yeast activity, so balance is key. It’s a lovely way to create cozy, aromatic bread.
Why This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Baking Routine
There’s something so rewarding about a recipe that’s both easy to make and impossible to forget—and this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is exactly that. It’s become a weekend tradition in my home, not just for the melt-in-your-mouth texture or the dreamy cinnamon sugar crust, but for the feeling it brings to our mornings: cozy, warm, and just a little magical.
This isn’t just a loaf of bread—it’s the kind of bake that turns simple moments into sweet memories. Whether you're sharing it around the breakfast table, sneaking a slice during your coffee break, or wrapping it up for a thoughtful homemade gift, it’s a recipe that keeps on giving.
And if you’re in the mood to keep the baking fun going, you’ll definitely want to try my fresh and fruity Lemon Blueberry Banana bread—it’s like sunshine in every bite—or prep a healthy make-ahead snack with my creamy Chia Pudding that’s perfect for busy mornings.
However you enjoy it, I hope this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe finds a special place in your kitchen like it has in mine. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your loaf-love in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe:
Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan 9x5-inch, light-colored preferred
- 1 Mixing bowl Large, for dry ingredients
- 1 Mixing bowl Medium, for wet ingredients
- 1 Small bowl For cinnamon swirl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula For folding and combining
- 1 Knife For swirling cinnamon mixture
- 1 Wire rack For cooling
- 1 Parchment paper With overhang for easy removal
- 1 Pastry brush For brushing melted butter
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Buttermilk Or milk + vinegar substitute
- 2 Eggs Room temperature
- ¼ cup Unsalted butter Melted
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ⅓ cup Brown sugar Packed
- 1½ tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted butter Melted
For the Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted butter Melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl.
- Pour half the batter into loaf pan, add half the swirl mix, repeat layers.
- Use a knife to create a figure-eight pattern to swirl the cinnamon mixture.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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