There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen. It instantly transports you to a cozy, heartwarming place.

If you’re a fan of sweet, homemade delights that are easy to whip up, you’re in for a treat. Allow me to introduce you to Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, a delightful fusion of traditional quick bread and the sugary indulgence of a classic donut. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is everything you’d hope for in a comforting sweet treat. It has a moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, and what truly sets it apart is its spiced sugar coating. Think of it as the lovechild of your favorite donut and a slice of quick bread—warm, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to something special with your morning coffee, this recipe is guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this heavenly loaf:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Spiced Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the process of making this delectable bread. Don’t worry—it’s beginner-friendly and comes together with minimal effort.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will give your bread its moist and tender texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! The batter should be slightly runny but smooth.
5. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs. The top should be golden brown and beautifully aromatic.
6. Cool Slightly
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a large piece of parchment paper.
7. Add the Spiced Sugar Coating
While the bread is still warm, brush the entire surface with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the butter-coated surface of the bread, turning it as needed to coat all sides evenly. You might have some leftover sugar mixture—save it for another batch or use it as a topping for oatmeal or coffee!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is ready, slice it up and enjoy! Here are some ideas for serving:
- Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Serve it as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and savory dishes.
- Enjoy it as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This bread stays fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick grab-and-go treat.
Nutrition Information
Each loaf makes approximately 12 slices, with each slice containing about 295 calories. While this isn’t exactly health food, it’s perfect for indulging in moderation or sharing with loved ones.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe so special? It’s all about balance. The bread itself is light and moist without being overly sweet, while the spiced sugar coating adds just the right amount of richness and texture. The cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm, comforting flavors that feel like a hug in every bite.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can make this bread for holidays, family gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the moment you mix the batter to that first bite of sugary goodness, this bread is sure to bring joy to your kitchen and your taste buds.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon sugar perfection. Trust me—this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
A soft, moist loaf with the nostalgic flavor of a classic sugar donut, finished with a warm spiced cinnamon-nutmeg sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
**Bread**
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
**Spiced Sugar Coating**
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be slightly runny.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs.
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove and place on parchment paper.
8. Brush warm bread with melted butter for topping.
9. In a bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle all over buttered bread to coat.
10. Turn loaf to coat all sides evenly. Let cool and enjoy.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
You may have some sugar topping left—store it for future use.
Best served slightly warm or toasted.
Wrap leftovers tightly and store at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 4.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
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