There’s something timeless and irresistible about the warm, nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Combine that with the soft, cake-like texture of sweet bread, and you’ve got a treat that’s hard to put down—Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread. This delicious loaf offers the best of both worlds: the comforting flavor of an old-fashioned cinnamon sugar donut with the easy preparation and shareable convenience of a quick bread. Whether served for breakfast, enjoyed as an afternoon snack with coffee, or savored as an after-dinner indulgence, this sweet bread delivers cozy, bakery-style goodness in every slice.
The history of cinnamon sugar treats dates back centuries, tracing its roots through multiple cultures that used the warming spice blend in desserts and breads. Cinnamon itself has been a prized spice since ancient times, used in Egyptian embalming practices and in medieval cuisine. Sugar, once a luxury item, became more accessible in the 18th century, transforming the culinary landscape. The modern donut, often attributed to Dutch settlers in early America, originally resembled small fried cakes. These early fried doughs evolved over time, with the cinnamon sugar version becoming a staple at county fairs and bakeries. Sweet breads, on the other hand, have long been used to create tender, cake-like loaves that are quick to make without yeast. Merging the flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut with the texture and convenience of sweet bread is a relatively recent innovation, born from the creativity of home bakers looking for a shortcut to indulgence without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Each ingredient plays a specific role: butter provides richness and a tender crumb, sugar sweetens and helps with browning, eggs add structure, milk brings moisture, and vanilla deepens flavor. Flour gives the bread body, while the leavening agents—baking powder and soda—ensure it rises properly. The cinnamon adds that warm spice note, both in the batter and the swirl, while the final coating of melted butter and cinnamon sugar adds a crisp, flavorful finish that mimics the exterior of a real donut.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine the swirl ingredients: cinnamon and sugar.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar swirl evenly over the top.
- Pour in the remaining batter and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing it and transferring it to a wire rack.
- While still warm, brush the top with melted butter, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing, though it’s hard to resist a warm piece!
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture. Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients—overmixing can make the bread dense. For an even swirl, layer the cinnamon sugar carefully and don’t press it down. Check your bread 10 minutes before the timer to prevent overbaking, and tent with foil if the top is browning too quickly. For the best flavor and texture, let the bread rest overnight before serving—though it’s just as delicious fresh out of the oven.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. Fold in mini chocolate chips or a swirl of Nutella or apple butter for a rich twist. Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin spice in the fall or cardamom for a subtle, exotic flair. To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter. You can even bake the batter in muffin tins for mini donut-style muffins or in a bundt pan for a show-stopping presentation. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar topping for more of a donut-shop vibe.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While undeniably indulgent, Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A standard slice contains approximately 250–300 calories, depending on the size and specific ingredients used. It’s high in carbs and sugars, as expected from a sweet bread, and contains fats from butter and eggs. To make a lighter version, try reducing the sugar, substituting part of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt, or using whole wheat flour for added fiber. Avoid refined sugars by replacing them with coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjusting liquid content accordingly). You can also add ground flaxseed or chia seeds for a nutrition boost without compromising flavor. Though not intended as a health food, it’s a lovely occasional treat that can be tweaked for various dietary preferences.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight before serving.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two loaf pans and watch the baking time closely. You may need to extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem—add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use as a substitute.
Q: Is this suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet, cinnamon flavor. You can even involve them in the swirling or topping process.
Q: Can I make this in a bread machine or slow cooker?
This recipe is best suited for an oven, as it requires dry heat to get the right texture and crust.
Q: What’s the difference between this and coffee cake?
While similar in texture, donut sweet bread is generally sweeter and topped with cinnamon sugar rather than streusel, giving it a donut-like finish.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1¼ cups 306 g whole milk
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Spiced Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup ½ stick / 57 g unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing—the batter should be slightly runny.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully take it out and place it on a large piece of parchment paper.
- While the bread is still warm, brush the entire surface with the melted butter intended for the topping. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture generously over the buttered loaf, turning the bread to coat all sides evenly. Any remaining mixture can be saved for later use.