There’s something impossibly delightful about biting into a treat that tastes like a donut but slices like a loaf—enter the irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe. Imagine your kitchen filling with a warm, spicy aroma, your first bite offering the tender crumb of a cake and the nostalgia of your favorite bakery donut, all topped with a sparkling, buttery cinnamon sugar crown. Whether you’re gathering friends for brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe will bring a touch of magic to any occasion.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With simple pantry staples, you can whip up the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe at a moment’s notice. Each ingredient is chosen to lend just the right softness, sweetness, and sparkle to every bite—don’t skip any, as they all play a meaningful role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture.

Unsalted Butter (softened): Brings rich flavor and creates a soft, tender crumb—room temperature butter is best for easy blending.
Granulated Sugar: Not only sweetens, but also helps create that golden, slightly crisp edge everyone loves.
Eggs: Two large eggs lend structure and ensure the loaf is perfectly fluffy.
Buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and keeps the bread moist for days—don’t substitute with plain milk if you can help it!
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the loaf with warmth and rounds out the spices beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The reliable base to give your sweet bread just the right body without heaviness.
Baking Powder: Lifts the loaf, giving you that bakery-style domed top.
Baking Soda: Works with the buttermilk to ensure a delightfully tender crumb.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds that unmistakable “donut shop” warmth—just half a teaspoon makes a world of difference!
Ground Cinnamon: Puts the “cinnamon sugar” in this loaf, both in the batter and the final topping.
Melted Unsalted Butter (for topping): Acts as a glaze so the cinnamon sugar topping sticks perfectly.
Granulated Sugar (for topping): Gives the loaf its signature sparkle and crunch.
Ground Cinnamon (for topping): Doubles down on gorgeous, fragrant warmth right at the finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly—make sure you reach every corner and edge. This ensures the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe releases easily from the pan, keeping that lovely shape and making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for building volume and yielding that perfect tender crumb you love in a good sweet bread. Spend about 2–3 minutes here; your patience will be rewarded!

Step 3: Add the Eggs, Buttermilk, and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition so the batter stays smooth and cohesive. Stir in the buttermilk (which keeps things ultra-moist) and vanilla extract until fully blended—your batter should look creamy and luscious at this point.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to guarantee the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe stays tender and never tough.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Watch for a beautifully golden color and use a toothpick to test for doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Let your loaf cool in the pan for just 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While it’s still warm (the secret to the best topping adherence!), brush the top generously with melted butter, then blanket every inch with your cinnamon sugar mixture. The result: a shimmering, crackly, aromatic topping that truly makes this loaf unforgettable.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This loaf is a knockout on its own, but for a little extra flair, add a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. For celebrations, a simple vanilla glaze drizzle can give the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe that extra bakery finish!

Side Dishes

If you’re hosting brunch or need a sweet breakfast option, pair your slices with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a mug of strong, hot coffee. The combination is comforting and balances the sweetness beautifully—perfect for leisurely Saturdays or holiday mornings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf thick and serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or cut it into fingers for sharing at potlucks or office gatherings. For a festive touch, consider baking mini loaves and wrapping them in parchment for charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This sweet bread keeps beautifully! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three days. The moisture from the buttermilk ensures each slice stays soft and flavorful.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead (or hoping to save some for later), the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked experience, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a toaster oven until just warmed through. This revives the aroma and brings the cinnamon sugar topping back to life!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Yes, you can use a homemade buttermilk substitute: simply add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, then use as directed. However, real buttermilk gives the loaf its signature tang and tenderness!

What’s the secret to a moist sweet bread?

Using buttermilk and not overmixing the batter are key. Buttermilk keeps the loaf soft, while overstirring can make it dense. Follow the steps for the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe and you’ll have a perfectly moist crumb every time.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold a half cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips into the batter just before baking for extra crunch or richness. Just don’t overload, so the classic donut flavor shines through.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

You can swap in a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too for a safe and delicious loaf.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Keep an eye on baking time—sometimes two loaves take a few minutes longer, so test both for doneness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make and absolutely unforgettable, give the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe a try. I promise, every slice delivers donut shop joy in homemade form—share it with loved ones, or savor it all for yourself!

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a cinnamon sugar donut in the form of a moist and delicious sweet bread loaf. This recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla in a simple-to-make treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Bread:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix wet ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix dry into wet, do not overmix.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 50–60 minutes.
Cool and finish: Cool in pan, then transfer to wire rack. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping.

Notes

This sweet bread tastes just like a classic cinnamon sugar donut in sliceable form.
Stays moist for days and pairs well with coffee or tea.
For extra indulgence, add a drizzle of vanilla glaze on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American