This Cinnamon Donut Bread offers the delightful flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts in bread form. It’s a sweet, moist loaf with a cinnamon swirl running through it, topped off with a sugary cinnamon coating. With its donut-like consistency, this recipe is one of the most popular on Hot Rod’s Recipes. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, especially for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1/4 cup canola oil

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup white sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp molasses (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Make the Bread Batter:
   In a large bowl, mix the canola oil, butter, and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Layer:
   In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of the batter with ground cinnamon and molasses (if using).

4. Layer and Swirl:
   Pour half of the plain batter into the loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon batter on top in small dollops, followed by the remaining plain batter. Add the rest of the cinnamon batter on top and swirl it all together using a butter knife.

5. Bake the Bread:
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Prepare the Topping:
   While the bread is cooling, melt the butter for the topping. In a separate shallow dish, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

7. Coat the Bread:
   Once the loaf cools slightly (about 10 minutes), dip each side into the melted butter and then coat it with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Slice and serve!

Nutrients

• Calories: 381 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 46g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Sugar: 31g

Why Cinnamon Donut Bread Is So Special

Cinnamon Donut Bread stands out because it offers the best of both worlds—soft, fluffy bread with the addictive flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts. The cinnamon swirl throughout the bread provides a burst of flavor with each bite, while the cinnamon-sugar coating on top adds a sweet and slightly crunchy finish. This bread has the perfect balance of texture and flavor, with a moist, tender crumb from the bread base and a sweet, flavorful cinnamon swirl running through it.

What sets this bread apart from traditional cakes or other bread recipes is its ability to mimic the experience of eating a donut, but with the comforting, homey qualities of a loaf of bread. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and familiarity, making it a great option for anyone who loves cinnamon-based treats. The addition of molasses to the cinnamon filling (though optional) gives the bread a deeper, richer flavor, rounding out the sweetness and enhancing the overall experience.

The Role of Cinnamon in This Recipe

Cinnamon is undoubtedly the star of this recipe. Known for its warm, aromatic qualities, cinnamon brings an instantly recognizable flavor that is both comforting and sweet. The ground cinnamon is added to both the batter and the cinnamon swirl filling, ensuring that every bite of the bread is packed with its signature spice.

Cinnamon pairs beautifully with the butter and sugar in the recipe, elevating the sweetness of the bread without being overpowering. The swirl of cinnamon and sugar running through the loaf creates pockets of spice, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, buttery bread. The cinnamon topping at the end further enhances the bread, providing an extra layer of sweetness and a slightly crisp texture on the outside of the loaf.

The warm, spiced aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as the bread bakes is one of the key reasons why this recipe is so irresistible. It creates an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect treat for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a special dessert for guests.

The Perfect Bread Base

At the heart of Cinnamon Donut Bread is the simple, yet delicious, bread batter. The combination of butter, oil, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk creates a moist, tender loaf that is light in texture but rich in flavor. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the overall flavor of the bread. The eggs help to create structure and moisture, ensuring the loaf has a soft, slightly dense texture that is satisfying but not too heavy.

One of the reasons why this bread is so beloved is its consistency, which is reminiscent of a donut—fluffy, light, and soft. The oil in the recipe ensures that the bread stays moist, while the butter adds richness, making the bread a true indulgence. The touch of vanilla extract further enhances the flavor, giving the bread a sweet, aromatic backdrop that complements the cinnamon without overpowering it.

The Cinnamon Swirl Filling

The cinnamon swirl in this bread is what gives it that distinct, donut-like quality. The cinnamon and molasses (optional) are mixed with a portion of the batter to create a spiced filling that is dolloped onto the loaf before baking. As the bread bakes, the cinnamon mixture swirls through the loaf, creating a beautiful and flavorful ribbon of cinnamon in every slice.

The addition of molasses gives the swirl a rich, deep flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the spice of the cinnamon. It’s the perfect balance between sweetness and depth, giving the bread a unique flavor profile. The molasses adds a subtle complexity to the cinnamon filling that elevates the entire loaf. Even without the molasses, the cinnamon swirl is a key feature that adds both flavor and visual appeal to the bread, making it a standout treat.

The Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Once the bread is baked, it’s topped with a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating that enhances the donut-like experience. The topping is made by combining white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon, which is then applied to the bread after it has cooled slightly. The melted butter used to coat the bread helps the sugar adhere and creates a glossy, slightly crunchy exterior that mimics the sugary coating on a freshly fried donut.

This cinnamon-sugar coating is the finishing touch that brings everything together. It provides a sweet, crispy contrast to the soft, moist bread inside and ensures that each bite is as flavorful and satisfying as the last. The combination of the soft bread, the gooey cinnamon swirl, and the sweet, crunchy topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that are sure to delight anyone who tries it.

A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s perfect for breakfast, especially when served warm with a cup of coffee or tea. The bread’s slightly sweet flavor and soft texture make it an ideal way to start the day, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of breakfast spreads, such as butter, jam, or even peanut butter.

In addition to being a great breakfast option, this bread also makes for a wonderful snack or light dessert. Whether you’re enjoying a slice in the afternoon with a cup of tea or serving it as a sweet ending to dinner, Cinnamon Donut Bread is a treat that will always be well-received. Its comforting, familiar flavors make it a great choice for gatherings, family meals, or potlucks, and it’s sure to become a favorite for everyone who tries it.

How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Donut Bread

Cinnamon Donut Bread can be served in a variety of ways. For a more indulgent treat, you can slice the bread and toast it lightly, allowing the crispy edges to contrast with the soft interior. It’s also delicious when served with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

The bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days in an airtight container, but it’s best enjoyed within the first few days to ensure maximum freshness. If you have leftovers, you can freeze slices for later enjoyment. Simply wrap the slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To enjoy, just toast the slices lightly to bring back the warmth and texture.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the best of two worlds—the rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts and the soft, tender texture of homemade bread. With its cinnamon swirl, buttery bread base, and sugary cinnamon topping, this bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and texture. It’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to a gathering. The ease of preparation and the satisfying flavors make it a must-try for any fan of cinnamon-based desserts. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular recipes, and it will quickly become a favorite in your own kitchen.