Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Every slice of this moist, tender bread is coated in a cinnamon-sugar crust that gives you the nostalgia of biting into a warm cinnamon donut. No yeast, no frying—just pure comfort in a loaf pan!

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup buttermilk (see substitute below if needed)

• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Buttermilk Substitute (if needed)

If you don’t have buttermilk, combine:

• 1 cup milk (preferably whole or 2%)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
  Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until curdled.

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‍ Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 8×4-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  Optional: Line with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

This ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

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Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk until well combined:

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk (or prepared substitute)

• ¼ cup oil or melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better texture.

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Step 4: Combine the Batter

• Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.

• Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the batter until just combined.

  Do not overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing creates a dense loaf.

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Step 5: Transfer to Pan & Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

• Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Tip: Oven times may vary. Start checking at 45 minutes. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

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Step 6: Cool & Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

2. Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack placed over a tray or parchment.

3. While still warm, brush the top and sides of the bread with ¼ cup melted butter.

4. In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon.

5. Sprinkle or press the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the buttery surface of the bread until it’s fully coated.

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Optional Cream Cheese Glaze (Bonus)

For an extra indulgent finish:

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and drizzle over cooled bread.

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Notes & Tips

• Texture: This loaf is soft and fluffy like a cake, with a golden, crackly crust.

• Don’t skip the topping! It gives the bread that classic donut flavor.

• Double Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled—bake two loaves or one larger 9×5-inch loaf (increase bake time to ~55–60 minutes).

• Mix-ins: Try folding in:

  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

  • 1 peeled & chopped apple

  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Serving Suggestions

• Slice thick and serve warm with butter.

• Toast and spread with cinnamon honey butter.

• Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.

• Perfect for brunch tables, holiday mornings, or after-school snacks.

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Storage & Freezing

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator:

• Store up to 1 week, but bring to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezer:

• Wrap cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight at room temp before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Bread

• Tastes like a classic cinnamon sugar donut!

• No yeast, no frying, no fuss.

• Stays moist for days.

• Kid-friendly and perfect for gifting or meal prep.