Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread: The Best 1-Hour Treat
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There’s something magical about the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen—especially when it’s coming from a freshly baked loaf of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread. This heavenly dessert combines the soft, pillowy texture of a classic donut with the ease of a quick bread, making it the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.
Did you know? The concept of cinnamon-sugar treats dates back centuries, with cinnamon being one of the most prized spices in ancient trade routes. Today, this bread brings that same indulgent flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a cozy weekend bake or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe delivers buttery richness, a tender crumb, and a caramelized cinnamon-sugar crust that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
- Donut Flavor, Bread Simplicity – Imagine the taste of a freshly fried cinnamon sugar donut, but in a moist, easy-to-slice loaf. No deep-frying required!
- Budget-Friendly Bliss – Skip the bakery markup! This homemade version costs a fraction of store-bought donuts and stays fresher longer.
- Double Cinnamon-Sugar Magic – With a swirl inside and a crunchy topping, every bite is packed with sweet, spiced perfection.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
For the Bread:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
6. Layer the Batter and Swirl
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Add the remaining batter, top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar, and gently swirl with a knife.
7. Bake the Bread
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Add the Topping
- Brush the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Cool and Serve
- Let cool completely before slicing. Enjoy with coffee or tea!
What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
- Coffee or Chai Latte – The warm spices pair perfectly with a creamy brew.
- Fresh Berries & Whipped Cream – For a lighter contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Turn it into a decadent dessert!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
✅ Room-Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and eggs ensure a smooth batter.
✅ Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the bread tender.
✅ Buttermilk Hack – No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
✅ Test for Doneness – If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10 seconds or toast lightly for a crispier edge.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a foolproof way to satisfy sweet cravings with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
For those exploring alternative diets, learn more about unrefined sweeteners as a potential swap.
Happy Baking! 🍞✨
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 240 ml buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ⅓ cup 70 g granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
- Beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Combine Batter:
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Layer & Swirl:
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar. Repeat layers and swirl with a knife.
Bake:
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Add Topping:
- Brush warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
- Substitutions: Use yogurt or sour cream if buttermilk is unavailable.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
