Cinnamon Donut Loaf – Soft, Sweet & Glazed Bakery-Style Bread

Introduction

Cinnamon Donut Loaf is the perfect combination of a classic cinnamon sugar donut and a soft, tender quick bread. This irresistible loaf delivers all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite bakery donut—warm cinnamon, rich vanilla, buttery sweetness, and a glossy sugar glaze—baked into a moist, sliceable bread.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. You don’t need yeast, frying oil, or complicated techniques. Everything comes together in one bowl, making it ideal for beginner bakers and busy home cooks. Yet, despite how easy it is, the final result looks and tastes like something from a professional bakery.

Each slice is fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and coated with a sweet cinnamon topping that melts into the bread. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, Cinnamon Donut Loaf always feels comforting and indulgent.

This recipe is perfect for holidays, bake sales, gifting, or simply treating yourself. Serve it warm with coffee or tea, and you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a household favorite.

If you love cinnamon donuts but want a mess-free, oven-baked version, this loaf is exactly what you need.

Ingredients
For the Loaf:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation
Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3:

In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, oil (or butter), and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.

Step 4:

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5:

While warm, brush loaf with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top. Drizzle with glaze once cooled, if desired.

Variations

Apple Cinnamon Loaf: Add 1 cup diced apples

Cream Cheese Swirl: Add sweetened cream cheese in the center

Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace ½ cup milk with pumpkin puree

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon: Add mini chocolate chips

Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Cooking Note

Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the loaf soft and tender. Overmixing can make it dense and tough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with butter

Pair with coffee or latte

Enjoy with vanilla ice cream

Serve with fresh fruit

Add whipped cream for dessert

Tips

Use room-temperature eggs and milk

Line pan for easy removal

Let loaf cool before glazing

Store covered to keep moist

Reheat slices for fresh-baked taste

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45–50 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)

Calories: 380

Protein: 6g

Sodium: 320mg

FAQs

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Yes. It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when covered.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Donut Loaf?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

Why is my loaf dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Measure carefully.

Can I skip the glaze?
Yes. The cinnamon sugar topping alone is delicious.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Donut Loaf is a soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet bread that captures everything you love about cinnamon donuts—without frying. With its tender crumb, warm spice, and glossy glaze, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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