If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the sweet, comforting taste of cinnamon donuts with the soft, fluffy texture of bread, this recipe is your answer! Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread is a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet simple to make. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen as this bread bakes in the oven—pure bliss. Plus, you won’t need a deep fryer or fancy ingredients to whip this up. It’s the perfect way to start your day, whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a weekday pick-me-up.

This recipe holds a special spot in my heart. Growing up, cinnamon donuts were my favorite treat at the local bakery—a reward after a long week of school. Now, I’ve transformed those nostalgic flavors into a comforting bread recipe that’s easier, less messy, and just as satisfying. Let’s dive in!

The Story Behind Cinnamon Donut Bread

Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread is inspired by classic cinnamon donuts, a beloved treat often found in bakeries across the globe. The idea of turning those donuts into a loaf of bread came to me during a cozy fall weekend when I wanted something warm and sweet but didn’t want to deal with frying dough. This bread captures the essence of those donuts, from the cinnamon-sugar topping to the soft, cake-like crumb.

Cinnamon itself has a rich history in baking. Known as “sweet wood” in ancient times, cinnamon has been a staple in desserts for centuries, adding warmth and depth to everything it touches. Pair that with the comforting texture of homemade bread, and you’ve got a winner.

This recipe is particularly ideal for fall and winter, though honestly, I’d eat it year-round. It’s perfect for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for brunches and potluck gatherings. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how versatile it can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread so magical. Each one plays a role in creating that signature taste and texture.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of this bread. If you prefer a healthier twist, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor if you’d like.
Baking powder: Ensures the bread rises beautifully, giving it a fluffy texture.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Be sure to use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor. Ground cinnamon is perfect, but you could experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a twist.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Eggs: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
Milk: Creates a soft and moist crumb. Whole milk works best, but almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and that classic donut-like flavor. Coconut oil can be a substitute for a dairy-free version.
Cinnamon-sugar topping: A mix of cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. This is what gives the bread its donut-like finish!

Pro tip: Store your cinnamon in an airtight container to preserve its potency. Fresh spices make all the difference in flavor.

Equipment Needed

To make Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread, you don’t need any fancy gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
Whisk: For combining the ingredients evenly.
Loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly. You can also use mini loaf pans for individual servings.
Spatula: Great for folding the batter gently without overmixing.
Cooling rack: Helps cool the bread evenly after baking.

If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use an oven-safe square dish, though the baking time might vary slightly. A little creativity goes a long way!

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread

Ready to get baking? Follow these steps for the perfect loaf:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and dust lightly with flour.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240ml) of milk, and 1/2 cup (115g) of melted butter until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—stop when the batter is just combined.
Pour into the pan: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.
Add the topping: Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the batter for that donut-like finish.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Pro tip: If your bread starts browning too quickly on top, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Cinnamon Donut Bread turns out perfectly:

Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Keep an eye on the oven: Ovens can vary, so check your bread around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Use fresh cinnamon: Old spices can dull the flavor. Invest in high-quality cinnamon for the best taste.

Trust me, these little adjustments make a big difference in the final result!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Vegan-friendly: Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
Add-ins: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Citrus twist: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.

I once added crushed pecans to the mix, and it was a game-changer. The nutty crunch paired beautifully with the cinnamon sweetness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread is best served slightly warm, straight from the oven. Slice it up and pair it with:

A hot cup of coffee or tea.
A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
Fresh fruit on the side for a balanced breakfast.

To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw them as needed.

Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional value per slice (based on 12 slices):

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g

Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, this bread contains no preservatives, making it a healthier option than store-bought treats. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your sugar intake!

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread is your ticket to a cozy, flavorful breakfast that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy, customizable, and packed with nostalgia. Whether you’re sharing it with family over coffee or treating yourself to a slice before work, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

I love how versatile this bread is—and how it brings a little bakery magic to my home. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your own twists on the recipe in the comments below. Let’s keep the cinnamon love going!

Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it the night before and store it in an airtight container. Reheat slices in the microwave for a fresh taste.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Almond flour can be used, but the texture will be denser and more cake-like. Consider using a gluten-free baking blend instead for similar results.

How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease your pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray and dust it lightly with flour. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! Slice the bread, wrap each piece individually, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices as needed and reheat in the microwave.

What’s the best way to serve Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Serve warm with coffee or tea. Add a drizzle of glaze or whipped cream for a decadent treat!

Homemade Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe Perfect for Breakfast