There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of fresh cinnamon donut bread filling your kitchen on a weekend morning. This incredible recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a magical loaf that captures all the beloved flavors of your favorite bakery donuts without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you're craving a sweet breakfast treat or searching for the perfect afternoon snack, this cinnamon donut bread delivers that signature donut taste with a tender, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.

What makes this cinnamon donut bread truly special is its ability to satisfy those donut cravings while being significantly easier to make than traditional yeasted donuts. The secret lies in creating layers of cinnamon sugar goodness throughout the loaf, combined with a perfectly balanced batter that produces the most incredibly moist and fluffy cinnamon donut bread you've ever tasted. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe that brings bakery-quality results straight to your home kitchen.

Whole loaf of cinnamon donut bread on white counter

The Sweet Story Behind This Incredible Recipe

This cinnamon donut bread recipe was born from a desire to recreate those childhood memories of warm, glazed donuts from the local bakery, but in a more convenient, home-friendly format. Unlike traditional donuts that require special equipment and careful oil temperature monitoring, this cinnamon donut bread uses the simple quick bread method that anyone can master. The genius of this recipe lies in its unique approach to layering flavors, creating distinct swirls of cinnamon sugar that mimic the classic donut experience in every single bite.

What truly sets this cinnamon donut bread apart from other sweet bread recipes is its incredibly moist crumb and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The addition of sour cream and melted butter creates an exceptionally tender texture, while the generous cinnamon sugar swirl provides that signature donut flavor profile. This cinnamon donut bread has become a family favorite because it delivers all the satisfaction of fresh donuts with the convenience of a simple loaf that can be sliced and enjoyed throughout the week.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Cinnamon Donut Bread
Recipe Variations
Storage
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
FAQ
Perfect Pairings for Your Baking Adventure
Related
Pairing

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Baking powder
Salt
Eggs
Sour cream
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Milk
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl
Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed
Set aside half of the mixture for swirling and half for topping

Create the Bread Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl
In separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, sour cream, and milk
Gradually fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined

Assemble and Bake

Pour half the batter into greased loaf pan
Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture
Add remaining batter and top with remaining cinnamon sugar
Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.

Mixing cinnamon donut bread batter in glass bowl

Create the Bread Batter: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and wet ingredients into smooth batter.

Layering batter and cinnamon sugar in loaf pan

Assemble and Bake: Layer batter and cinnamon sugar in loaf pan before baking.

Equipment For Cinnamon Donut Bread

9x5 inch loaf pan
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Large mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire cooling rack
Rubber spatula for folding

Expert Cooking Tips

Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create better texture
Don't overmix the batter to avoid tough, dense bread
Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center
Allow bread to cool completely before glazing for best results
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture for up to 5 days

Recipe Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra crunch
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for heartier texture
Create apple version by folding in diced apples and apple pie spice
Make mini loaves for individual portions or gift-giving
Add cream cheese swirl for extra richness and tangy flavor

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for grab-and-go breakfasts
Freeze whole loaf or slices for up to 3 months in freezer bags
Reheat slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore softness
Keep glazed bread in airtight container to prevent glaze from hardening

Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything

The most important secret to achieving bakery-quality cinnamon donut bread lies in the technique of creating distinct layers within the batter. Instead of simply mixing cinnamon into the entire batter, creating separate swirls ensures each bite delivers that intense cinnamon sugar burst that makes donuts so irresistible. The key is to gently marble the cinnamon mixture through the batter without completely incorporating it, allowing beautiful ribbons of flavor to develop throughout the loaf.

Another game-changing secret involves the addition of sour cream, which not only adds moisture but also provides a subtle tangy note that perfectly balances the sweetness. This ingredient transforms ordinary sweet bread into something that truly captures the essence of cinnamon donut bread. The acid in the sour cream also reacts with the baking powder to create extra lift, resulting in that coveted light, fluffy texture that makes this bread absolutely irresistible.

FAQ

What is the famous bread at Dollywood?

The famous bread at Dollywood is their signature cinnamon bread, served warm with apple butter. While different from cinnamon donut bread, both share that beloved cinnamon-sugar flavor profile that makes them irresistible comfort foods. Dollywood's version is more of a traditional yeast bread, whereas cinnamon donut bread uses the quicker baking powder method for easier home preparation.

Is doughnut dough the same as bread dough?

Traditional doughnut dough differs significantly from regular bread dough, as donuts typically use enriched yeast doughs with higher fat and sugar content. However, cinnamon donut bread bridges this gap by using a quick bread method that mimics donut flavors and textures without yeast. This cinnamon donut bread recipe creates similar results through careful ingredient ratios and baking techniques.

Is cinnamon bread healthy?

Cinnamon donut bread can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation, offering some nutritional benefits from cinnamon's antioxidants and potential blood sugar benefits. While this sweet bread is higher in sugar and calories than whole grain breads, homemade cinnamon donut bread allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes, making it a better choice than many store-bought alternatives.

Is doughnut dough the same as cinnamon roll dough?

Both doughnut and cinnamon roll doughs share similarities as enriched yeast doughs, but they have different fat ratios and handling methods. Cinnamon donut bread simplifies this by using a quick bread approach that captures the best flavors of both without complex yeast handling. This cinnamon donut bread method delivers similar taste satisfaction with much easier preparation and consistently reliable results.

Perfect Pairings for Your Baking Adventure

Now that you've mastered this incredible cinnamon donut bread, why not expand your baking repertoire with two more amazing recipes that complement this sweet treat perfectly? These additional recipes will give you a well-rounded collection of crowd-pleasing baked goods that work beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to fill your kitchen with amazing aromas.

The Ultimate Banana Nut Bread with Almond Flour Recipe offers a healthier twist on classic quick bread, while the Easy Jalapeno Cheese Bread provides a savory contrast that's perfect for those who prefer less sweet options. Together with your new favorite cinnamon donut bread, these recipes create the perfect trio of homemade breads that will have your family and friends requesting them again and again. Each recipe uses simple techniques and readily available ingredients, ensuring your baking success every single time.

From my kitchen, with heart.
Nicole Harper ❤️

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