Name: Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ cup canola oil; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; ½ tsp molasses; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup white sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to capture the comforting, nostalgic flavors of your favorite cinnamon donuts in an easy-to-make loaf, then this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Trust me, it’s like a warm hug from the inside out—rich, tender, swirled with cinnamon and molasses, and finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that’s pure magic. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every step so your kitchen smells like a bakery and your family thinks you brought home fresh treats!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Balance: Soft, moist bread meets the slight chew reminiscent of a donut’s crust.
Flavor Swirls: The cinnamon and molasses mixture gives layered, rich warmth throughout the loaf.
Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Adds that nostalgic donut-shop finish, making every bite irresistible.
Easy Yet Impressive: Simple ingredients with straightforward steps that create something special.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, cinnamon swirl bread, easy bread recipes, glazed bread loaf, homemade cinnamon bread - A rectangular cake with a golden-brown top layer covered evenly with a fine, grainy light brown sugar coating sits on a white rectangular plate. The cake's top surface shows a gently cracked texture with soft ridges and swirls, revealing a tender and moist interior below the sugar crust. The plate rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I first made this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe, I paid close attention to each ingredient—the magic is really in the details and how they play together. The blend of butter and canola oil keeps the bread moist but not greasy, and that little splash of molasses in the cinnamon swirl? A game changer for depth of flavor.

Cinnamon Donut Bread, cinnamon swirl bread, easy bread recipes, glazed bread loaf, homemade cinnamon bread - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden canola oil, a few chunks of unsalted butter softened to creamy texture, a small white bowl heaped with white granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white bowl of translucent vanilla extract, a neat pile of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of fine baking powder, a pinch of salt in a small white dish, a small white bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon, and a tiny white bowl with dark glossy molasses all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Canola Oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist while having a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a lovely buttery taste, softened so it blends smoothly.
White Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning for a gorgeous crust.
Eggs: Provide structure and bind everything together for that perfect crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, floral note.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure without heaviness.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise lightly for a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings depth to the flavor profile.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, helping the bread stay soft longer.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice for that classic donut twist in the swirl and topping.
Molasses: A tiny splash adds complexity and a rich, caramel-like undertone.
Brown Sugar & Additional White Sugar (for topping): Combine for that perfect sticky, crunchy coating on the outside.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how forgiving this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe is—you can easily make it your own depending on what you have in the pantry or your flavor cravings. I sometimes add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch that feels like a fun surprise.

Nutty Variation: Toss in toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter before swirling to add texture and a nutty flavor.
Spice Boost: Mix in a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and use almond milk mixed with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
Molasses-Free: If you don’t have molasses, a little extra brown sugar in the swirl can work, though molasses gives that classic depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Pan and Mixing the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F because this bread will bake while you’re arranging your batter, and you want it nice and hot. Grease a loaf pan with your favorite cooking spray or butter—it helps the crust get that perfect golden edge. Then, in a large bowl, I mix the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar until everything is creamy and combined. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. At this point, your kitchen will already smell inviting! Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—and alternate adding the buttermilk. This part’s all about being gentle to keep the batter light and fluffy without overmixing.

Step 2: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl Batter

Take about half a cup of the plain batter and transfer it to a smaller bowl. This is where the magic happens—stir in the ground cinnamon and molasses until it’s a beautiful warm color. This swirl is what brings that donut-like cinnamon punch. Don’t skip the molasses here; it adds such a wonderful depth and richness that elevates the cinnamon flavor.

Step 3: Layering and Swirling Your Bread

Pour half of the plain batter into the loaf pan first, then dollop half of the cinnamon batter over it in little spoonfuls. Next, add the remaining plain batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon batter on top. Don’t be shy here—create nice dollops so the swirl is visible inside. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the two batters together with just a few turns. The goal is a marbled effect, not a full mix. This way, every slice has that wonderful cinnamon streak.

Step 4: Baking and Preparing the Topping

Bake the loaf for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a must to avoid that gummy middle). While it bakes, melt your butter and mix the sugars and cinnamon together in a shallow dish. I love this step because it brings that final “donut-shop” touch that makes the bread addictive.

Step 5: Butter Bath and Cinnamon Sugar Coat

Once out of the oven, let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes but keep it warm enough to handle. This warmth helps the melted butter soak in and the sugar stick perfectly. Dip each side of the loaf in the melted butter, spooning more butter on the edges to get it fully coated. Then roll the loaf in the cinnamon sugar mixture. I *always* double-coat the edges because that’s where the flavors really shine. Slice it up warm or let it cool to room temperature—it’s delicious both ways!

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir gently when combining dry and wet ingredients to keep the bread tender, not dense.
Swirl, Don’t Blend: When swirling batters, think “marble”—too much mixing loses the beautiful cinnamon ribbon effect.
Warm Bread for Coating: Dip the loaf when it’s warm so the butter melts in perfectly and cinnamon sugar sticks nicely.
Use Buttermilk Substitute If Needed: If you don’t have buttermilk, a quick mix of milk and lemon juice works like a charm—let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How to Serve Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top my slices with just a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey if I want a little extra sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon sugar crust. For chilly mornings, a spread of softened cream cheese or a swipe of salted butter complements this bread beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit like berries and sliced apples to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or special occasions, slice the loaf into thick pieces, layer them on a pretty platter, and add fresh orange slices or mint sprigs for color. You can also cut mini slices and serve alongside mini cups of dipping sauces like melted chocolate or cinnamon glaze for a fun twist (kids love this!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for 2 days—it stays moist and fresh like it just came out of the oven. After that, I transfer it to the fridge if I haven’t finished it, but it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! I slice it beforehand, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want a treat, just pop a slice in the toaster or oven straight from the freezer—perfect for busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, I heat slices in a toaster oven for 5-7 minutes or warm them in a microwave with a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds. This prevents dryness and keeps the inside soft with the cinnamon sugar coating slightly crisp.

FAQs

Can I make the Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To veganize this recipe, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and swap the butter with a plant-based alternative. Use almond or soy milk mixed with lemon juice as your buttermilk substitute, and you’re good to go!
What if I don’t have molasses—can I still make it?

Yes, you can! The molasses adds depth to the cinnamon swirl but if you don’t have any, increase the brown sugar slightly to compensate. The bread will still be delicious, just a tad lighter in flavor.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?

Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Overbaking can dry the bread, so start checking at about 45 minutes.
Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

You totally can! Just double all the ingredients and bake them in two separate loaf pans for best results. Adjust the baking time slightly if making one large loaf instead, checking with a toothpick often to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s that perfect mix of indulgence and comfort without needing a trip to the bakery. It’s easy to make, packed with cozy flavors, and makes your kitchen smell like a dream. Honestly, whenever I bake this loaf, it disappears in a flash—so I’m pretty sure you’ll love sharing it with your friends and family too! Give it a try this weekend, and prepare yourself for some serious compliments.