Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe: Imagine all the cozy, sweet goodness of a classic cinnamon-sugar donut baked into a soft bread loaf you can slice and share. This recipe gives you just that—a tender, buttery bread swirled with warm cinnamon and a hint of molasses, all topped with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating that feels just like your favorite donut. It’s so simple to put together and makes a perfect breakfast, snack, or anytime treat that everyone will love.

If you adore the sweet, spicy warmth of cinnamon-sugar donuts but want something fuss-free and easy to slice, this Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is your new go-to. Picture a soft, buttery loaf filled with a rich cinnamon and molasses swirl, finished off with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating that makes every bite feel like a treat. Plus, the smell while it bakes? Absolutely unbeatable.

This recipe keeps things simple with everyday pantry staples and just a basic loaf pan—no fancy gadgets needed. You’ll spend about 30 minutes mixing and layering, then pop it in the oven for around 45 minutes. It makes one loaf that slices into about eight servings—perfect for sharing with your family or serving up for brunch guests. Whether fresh and warm or later at room temperature, this bread hits all the right notes.

• What to expect below: a detailed ingredient list, easy-to-follow steps, tips for coating and serving, handy substitutions, and storage advice to help you keep leftovers fresh.
• The finish is a soft, tender crumb with a cake-like texture, topped with that lovely cinnamon-sugar crunch reminiscent of your favorite donut shop treat.
• Bonus: this recipe is make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe, great for busy mornings or spontaneous snack cravings.

Why You’ll Fall For It

What really strikes a chord with this cinnamon swirl donut bread is how it captures that nostalgic donut flavor with simple home ingredients. You get the buttery richness, the cozy cinnamon warmth, and just the right amount of sweet sugar all baked into a soft, sliceable loaf. It’s basically dessert masquerading as breakfast.

• The cinnamon and molasses swirl adds a deep, flavorful punch, balanced with a buttery-sweet cinnamon-sugar crust that gives it a true donut vibe.
• The recipe is straightforward and uses ingredients you likely already have around your kitchen—no need for anything fancy or complicated.
• It’s super versatile—great for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy dessert, served warm or room temp.
• Perfect for making ahead of time, storing in the freezer, and pulling out when you need a quick sweet bite.
• Yields a family-friendly loaf that’s simple to slice and share, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Ingredients for One 8-Serving Loaf

• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mixing, Swirling, and Baking

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a light-colored loaf pan well.
2. In a large bowl whisk canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until creamy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, stirring after each, then stir in vanilla.

4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

   

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet alternately with the buttermilk, stirring gently until just combined and scraping the sides.
6. Scoop about 1/2 cup of batter into a small bowl and stir in cinnamon and molasses until uniform.
7. Pour half the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan.

8. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon batter over the plain batter.

   

9. Add the remaining plain batter on top, then dollop the remaining cinnamon batter.
10. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters to create a cinnamon swirl.
11. Bake 45–50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

12. While the bread bakes, pour melted butter into a shallow dish and combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in another shallow bowl.

    

13. Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10 minutes.
14. Remove the loaf from the pan, dip each side into the melted butter, then press into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat, adding extra butter to the edges if desired.

15. Slice the coated loaf.

    

Serving Ideas and Pro Tips

• Enjoy this cinnamon sugar donut bread warm out of the oven, or let it come to room temperature for a softer experience.
• It pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or a cup of tea and makes a delightful breakfast or brunch choice.
• For a simple dessert, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a special touch.

Easy Substitutions and Mix-Ins

• Swapping out canola oil? No problem! Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil work just as well.
• No buttermilk? I’ve got you covered. Just stir 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens—easy and effective.
• Don’t have molasses on hand? Maple syrup or honey make perfect alternatives that offer similar sweetness and depth.
• Feel free to get creative and add a handful of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips in the cinnamon swirl for an extra special touch.

Keeping and Freezing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. This bread freezes beautifully for up to three months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slices quickly in the microwave for a cozy, fresh-baked feel.