Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

You know that irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen when you’re baking cinnamon sugar donuts? Well, imagine that cozy scent wrapping you up in a warm hug—and then make it into a fluffy, soft loaf of bread. That’s what this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is all about. It’s like a sweet, spiced hug in every bite, with a golden, crispy cinnamon-sugar topping that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). Trust me, this is the bread you didn’t know you needed in your life, and once you bake it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

This bread is perfect for all kinds of occasions—from breakfast to dessert, or even a sweet snack in the middle of the day. Here’s why it’s going to steal your heart:

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and no fancy techniques, this bread comes together quickly and effortlessly. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!

Cinnamon-Sugar Perfection: That cinnamon-sugar coating on top? It adds a crunchy, sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the soft, tender bread inside. It’s like having a donut without the frying!

Fluffy and Moist: This sweet bread is incredibly moist thanks to the butter and sour cream, which gives it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The soft crumb will make every slice feel like a treat.

Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast, serve it as a dessert, or simply savor it with your afternoon coffee. You can even pack slices for a delicious snack on-the-go.

Crowd-Pleasing: This is the kind of recipe that’ll impress everyone—whether it’s at a family breakfast or a casual get-together with friends. It’s a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread. Don’t worry, it’s all basic stuff that you probably already have in your pantry!

All-Purpose Flour

The main structure of the bread. It gives the loaf its soft, tender texture and light crumb.

Sugar

For sweetness! The sugar adds the perfect balance to the spice and richness of the bread.

Baking Powder

The leavening agent that helps the bread rise and stay light and fluffy.

Salt

Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness and balance out the flavors.

Ground Cinnamon

The star of the show! This adds that warm, comforting spice that makes the bread taste just like a cinnamon sugar donut.

Butter

For richness and flavor, this will make the bread ultra moist and tender.

Sour Cream

Adds a slight tang and keeps the bread moist. Plus, it contributes to that irresistible texture.

Eggs

They help bind everything together and give the bread a soft, light structure.

Vanilla Extract

For a touch of warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon.

Milk

Helps bring everything together into a smooth batter and ensures the bread isn’t too thick.

Cinnamon Sugar (for topping)

This sweet, spicy mixture goes on top before baking to give the bread that signature crispy, sugary crust.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s bake up some magic with these easy steps:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bread won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this aside for later.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes of mixing. It helps the bread rise properly and gives it a nice texture.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that added burst of flavor.

Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could result in a dense loaf.

Fold in the Sour Cream

Now, fold in the sour cream, which will add moisture and richness to the bread. This step ensures your bread is ultra-soft.

Transfer to the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.

Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top of the bread batter. This will create that irresistible crispy, sugary crust!

Bake to Perfection

Bake the bread in your preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the soft, cinnamon-sugar goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 260

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

This sweet bread is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with some fun accompaniments:

Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with a slice of this bread for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top can add a little indulgence to your slice of bread, especially for dessert.

Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples will add some freshness and balance out the sweetness of the bread.

Ice Cream: For an extra decadent treat, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm bread with cold ice cream is a combo you won’t forget!

Additional Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly:

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so stop when everything is just incorporated.

Add Extra Cinnamon: If you really love cinnamon, you can add a little extra ground cinnamon into the batter or use it as a topping in place of part of the sugar.

Store Properly: Store your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freeze for Later: You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then placing it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
A1: Yes! Buttermilk will add a slight tang and make the bread even more tender. Just swap it in for the regular milk in the recipe.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of sugar for the topping?
A2: Absolutely! You can use brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavor, or even coconut sugar for a slightly different taste.

Q3: Can I add other spices to the bread?
A3: Sure! Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice would complement the cinnamon beautifully if you want to try a new twist on the classic flavor.

Q4: Can I make this bread in a bundt pan?
A4: Yes, you can! Just be sure to reduce the baking time slightly and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Q5: Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?
A5: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q7: Can I make this bread in advance?
A7: Yes, this bread can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container.

Q8: Can I freeze this bread?
A8: Yes! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before slicing.

Q9: Can I add a glaze on top?
A9: Yes! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk would add an extra sweet touch on top of the cinnamon-sugar crust.

Q10: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A10: You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and tang.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the kind of treat that’ll have you coming back for seconds. With its tender crumb, warm cinnamon flavor, and irresistible sweet topping, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this bread is sure to make your kitchen smell heavenly and bring smiles all around the table. Enjoy the sweet goodness and share the love!

This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar—just like a classic cinnamon sugar donut, but without the frying! A perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

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This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar—just like a classic cinnamon sugar donut, but without the frying! A perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes1 loaf (about 8-10 servings)
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 810 servings) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven:
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  • Prepare Wet Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

  • Combine Batter:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  • Bake:
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  • Let Cool:
    Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
    Brush the warm bread with melted butter. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it generously over the top of the bread. For extra sweetness, you can roll individual slices in cinnamon sugar before serving.

  • Serve & Enjoy!
    Slice and enjoy with coffee, tea, or warm milk!

Notes

  • For a fun twist, you can add some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the batter before baking.
  • The bread keeps well for a few days in an airtight container and can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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