Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/4 cups whole milk; 1 large egg (room temperature); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for topping); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)

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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is the ultimate cozy baking recipe for anyone craving a warm, sweet, and nostalgic treat without the hassle of deep frying. This loaf combines the soft, cake-like texture of classic donut batter with the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly fills your kitchen with a buttery, bakery-style aroma—perfect for weekend baking, holiday brunch ideas, or simple family recipes that impress without extra effort. This recipe is also a fantastic option for anyone looking for affordable meals and healthy cooking at home because the ingredients are simple pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible even for beginner bakers. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas (yes, breakfast-for-dinner counts!), cozy family comfort food, or quick weeknight recipes that satisfy a sweet tooth, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients make it perfect for affordable meals and budget-friendly recipes
No mixer required, ideal for easy dinner for beginners or quick baking projects
Warm, comforting flavors that work for breakfast, dessert, or meal prep recipes
Kid-approved and family-friendly, great for healthy recipes for families
Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, especially when you need easy party food ideas
Customizable flavors, making it simple to adjust sweetness, spices, or toppings

Ingredient Breakdown

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the loaf while keeping it tender. Flour is a classic, budget-friendly grocery staple and works well for most baked goods without the need for specialty blends.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread and helps create that signature donut flavor. It also contributes to moisture, giving the loaf a soft, delicate crumb.
Baking Powder – The leavening agent that helps the bread rise. Using fresh baking powder ensures the loaf bakes up fluffy instead of dense.
Kosher Salt – Enhances every flavor and balances sweetness. Even small amounts of salt are essential in healthy ingredients for baking.
Whole Milk – Adds richness and keeps the texture soft and tender. Whole milk works best, but 2% is a good easy substitution for recipes.
Egg – Helps bind the batter and contributes to structure and moistness. Room-temperature eggs help the bread bake evenly.
Melted Unsalted Butter – Adds buttery flavor to the batter and plays a key role in achieving that “donut-like” taste. This fat also improves tenderness.
Vanilla Extract – Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile. High-quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference in sweet recipes.
Butter for Topping – Brushed over the warm loaf to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick. It also adds a glossy, bakery-style finish.
Granulated Sugar (for topping) – Gives the bread its signature crunch and sweetness, reminiscent of classic cinnamon donuts.
Ground Cinnamon – The star spice of this recipe. Adds warmth, comfort, and nostalgic flavor, making this loaf perfect for American comfort food recipes.
Nutmeg – Enhances the cinnamon and elevates the donut flavor. Nutmeg is an essential ingredient in many traditional family meals and baked goods.

Pro Tips

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir only until the dry ingredients disappear. Overworking the dough results in a dense loaf instead of a soft, donut-like texture. This is one of the best kitchen tricks for home cooks who want tender baked goods.
Use room-temperature ingredients. This helps the bread rise evenly and improves the overall texture. It’s a simple but powerful healthy cooking tip.
Check for doneness early. Every oven varies, so begin checking around the 55-minute mark. A toothpick with a few crumbs—not wet batter—is the goal.
Brush the topping while warm. The cinnamon-sugar coating sticks much better when the loaf is hot, creating that perfect, bakery-style finish.
Let it cool fully before slicing. This ensures clean, even slices and prevents crumbling. An essential easy meal prep hack for bakers.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a caramel-like flavor and deeper color.
Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, perfect for readers searching for gluten-free recipes.
Add mini chocolate chips to turn it into a dessert-style loaf for chocolate lovers.
Swap whole milk for almond milk or oat milk to create a dairy-light version, an excellent option for healthy recipe alternatives.
Make a low-carb version using a low-carb flour blend and sugar substitute for low-carb dinner ideas or keto-friendly swaps.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is incredibly versatile and can be served for breakfast, dessert, or as part of an easy party food spread. Enjoy a warm slice with morning coffee, pair it with fresh fruit for healthy meal pairings, or serve alongside scrambled eggs, sausage, or yogurt parfaits for a complete brunch plate. If you’re hosting guests, include this bread on a breakfast board alongside muffins, pastries, and seasonal jams for impressive presentation. For dessert lovers, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to create a comforting, bakery-style treat.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

For busy families looking for meal prep ideas, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread stores beautifully. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week—although refrigeration may slightly firm the texture, reheating solves this instantly. To freeze, wrap slices individually for easy grab-and-go snacks or freeze the whole loaf for up to 3 months. This is an excellent option for best freezer meals. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–12 seconds or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Leftover recipe hacks include turning slices into French toast, dessert croutons, or a sweet breakfast sandwich.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is inspired by the traditional flavors of old-fashioned cake donuts, a beloved part of American comfort food history. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, butter, and nutmeg mirrors recipes passed down through generations, especially in holiday dinner recipes and seasonal baking traditions. While classic donuts require frying, this baked donut-style loaf creates the same nostalgic flavor with a modern, healthier twist, making it ideal for today’s families seeking healthier weeknight meals and traditional family meals with simplified preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This loaf stores exceptionally well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely. Swap whole milk for almond milk, reduce sugar by ¼ cup, or use half whole-wheat flour for healthy substitutions that still deliver great flavor.
What substitutions can I use for allergies or dietary preferences?
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free recipe, dairy-free milk for lactose sensitivity, or sugar alternatives for a lower-sugar loaf.
Can I make this in mini loaves or muffins?
Yes! Adjust bake time—mini loaves take 22–30 minutes and muffins take 18–22 minutes.