Indulge in the warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness of donuts—in loaf form! This ultra-soft, fluffy sweet bread is swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection, and brushed with melted butter for that irresistible glazed-donut finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Tastes Like a Cinnamon Donut – But even easier to make!
✅ Pillowy Soft Texture – Moist, tender crumb every time.
✅ No Frying Needed – Baked, not fried, but just as delicious.
✅ Smells Like Heaven – Your kitchen will be filled with warm cinnamon bliss.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg, room temp
- 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk for extra richness)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
For the Donut Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Mix Dry Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, beat the egg, then mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined (don’t overmix).
Step 3: Layer the Cinnamon Swirl
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle half over the batter.
- Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Use a knife to swirl gently for a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake & Glaze
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Brush the hot loaf with melted butter (for that donut-like finish!).
- Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Step 5: Optional Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing.
Tips for the Best Donut Bread
🔹 Don’t Overmix – A few lumps are okay for a tender crumb.
🔹 Extra Fluffy? Swap ½ cup milk for sour cream or Greek yogurt.
🔹 Make It Ahead – This bread stays moist for 3 days at room temp.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with a pat of butter for breakfast.
- Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for dunking.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the ultimate hybrid of soft, sweet bread and a cinnamon-sugar donut. Easy to make and impossible to resist—your family will beg for it weekly!
Slice, savor, and enjoy! 🍞☕