
This cinnamon donut bread transforms traditional donut flavors into a delicious loaf form that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. The marbled cinnamon swirl and buttery sugar coating create that classic donut experience without the hassle of deep frying.
I first created this recipe when my children were begging for donuts on a snowy Sunday morning. Since I couldn't make it to the bakery, this loaf was born out of necessity. Now they request it almost every weekend and honestly, I prefer it to traditional donuts.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: creates the perfect tender crumb structure for this loaf
- Granulated sugar: provides the classic sweetness that makes donuts so irresistible
- Buttermilk: adds tanginess and moisture that keeps the bread soft for days
- Unsalted butter: gives richness and that distinctive donut mouthfeel
- Eggs: provide structure and richness to help the loaf rise beautifully
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors and adds depth
- Brown sugar: in the swirl creates caramel notes that plain sugar cannot achieve
- Ground cinnamon: is the star flavor that makes this bread truly reminiscent of a cinnamon donut
- Baking powder and baking soda: work together for the perfect rise and texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F and prepare your loaf pan with either a generous coating of butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal. Having everything ready before mixing ensures the baking powder activates in the oven, not in your bowl.
- Mix The Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together thoroughly in a large bowl. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and ensures no pockets of salt or baking soda remain that could create bitter spots in your finished bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and uniform. The buttermilk may look slightly curdled when it meets the warm butter this is normal and will not affect your bread.
- Create The Batter:
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a gentle hand just until combined. Stop immediately when you no longer see dry flour the secret to tender quick bread is minimal mixing once the wet and dry ingredients meet.
- Layer The Batter And Swirl:
- Pour half your batter into the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer, covering it completely. Add the remaining batter carefully on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Take a butter knife and create swooping figure eight motions through the batter to marble the cinnamon throughout.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should be domed and golden brown with a visible crack down the center.
- Apply The Finishing Touch:
- While the bread is still warm but not hot, brush the top generously with melted butter, allowing it to soak slightly into the crust. Immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar topping so it adheres to the butter. This creates that characteristic donut sugar coating that makes this bread special.

The brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl is truly what sets this recipe apart. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of regular sugar one morning. The molasses content in brown sugar creates pockets of moisture that make the swirl almost gooey like the center of a cinnamon roll. My daughter now refuses to eat the bread if I make it any other way.
Make Ahead Options
This cinnamon donut bread actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can bake it up to two days before serving. Simply wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. If you need to make it further ahead, freeze the unglazed loaf for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature, then warm slightly in the oven before adding the butter and cinnamon sugar topping.
Creative Variations
While this classic version is perfect, you can customize this recipe to create different flavor profiles. Add a half cup of chopped apples to the batter for an apple cider donut effect. For a chocolate twist, fold in a half cup of mini chocolate chips. You can also add a teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile. My personal favorite variation is adding orange zest to both the batter and the topping for a bright citrus note.

Serving Suggestions
This bread shines when served slightly warm, which activates the aromatic cinnamon oils. Cut thick slices and serve alongside coffee or milk for breakfast. For a more dessert like presentation, top warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also transform leftovers into a decadent bread pudding by cubing the bread, soaking it in a custard mixture, and baking until golden.
The Buttermilk Secret
Buttermilk is the unsung hero of this recipe. Its acidity not only tenderizes the gluten in the flour for a softer crumb but also reacts with the baking soda to create the perfect rise. If you find yourself without buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. The texture wont be exactly the same, but this substitution works in a pinch.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make this loaf moist?
The combination of buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs ensures a tender and moist texture. Mix the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- → Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze them for up to a month.
- → Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, replace the buttermilk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter substitutes to make it dairy-free.
- → What creates the swirl effect?
The swirl is created by layering cinnamon sugar between the batter and gently swirling it with a knife before baking.