Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread 🍞✨ | The Ultimate Homemade Bakery-Style Loaf
By Chef Ina Garten & Chef Ree Drummond | Curated by FreshTonerHungar Culinary Team
Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling your kitchen — buttery sweetness, soft crumb, and a golden crust dusted with cinnamon sparkle. That’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread. It’s like your favorite cinnamon-sugar donut transformed into a soft, sliceable loaf. 🍩
This bread strikes the perfect balance between tender cake and breakfast loaf, making it ideal for brunch, coffee breaks, or gifting. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to wow guests.
“This bread tastes like a donut shop in loaf form,” says Chef Ina Garten. “It’s buttery, aromatic, and impossibly comforting.”
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread
This sweet bread delivers everything we love about homemade baking — the simplicity, the smell, the comfort. Every bite combines tender crumb, buttery richness, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. 😍
- ✅ Soft, moist texture that stays fresh for days.
- ✅ No yeast or mixer needed — just whisk, pour, and bake.
- ✅ Classic donut flavor with the ease of a quick bread.
- ✅ Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Bread Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- A dash of nutmeg for warm, donut-shop aroma
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your bread releases cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well blended. This creates the base of your sweet bread, giving it structure and flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. The butter adds richness, while vanilla brings that comforting bakery aroma we all love. 🧈
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing — the batter should be thick, slightly lumpy, and moist. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of fluffy.
Step 5: Pour & Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
Chef Ree Drummond’s Tip: “Your kitchen will smell like heaven at this point — buttery cinnamon magic!”
Step 6: Add the Topping
While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top, pressing lightly so it adheres. The result? A golden, sweet crust reminiscent of a cinnamon donut glaze. 🍩
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled for the perfect crumb texture. Serve plain, with butter, or lightly toasted with coffee for breakfast bliss. ☕
Chef’s Notes & Variations 👨🍳
- Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half the batter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then add the rest for a marbled loaf.
- Mini Loaves: Bake in mini pans for 25–30 minutes for individual gifts.
- Glazed Option: Drizzle with a simple vanilla icing (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla).
- Doughnut Muffins: Pour into muffin tins and bake 20–25 minutes for donut-style cupcakes!
Chef Ina Garten advises: “Use the best cinnamon you can find. Freshly ground or high-quality Saigon cinnamon elevates this simple recipe into bakery-worthy territory.”
Health & Nutrition Tips 🥗
- Swap half the flour for whole wheat to add fiber and nutrients.
- Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-light version.
- Reduce the sugar by ¼ cup for a subtly sweet breakfast loaf.
- Add chopped apples or raisins for natural sweetness and texture.
Nutrition Facts Table 📊
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1 of 10) | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal | Provides sustained energy |
| Protein | 4g | Supports muscle repair |
| Total Fat | 11g | Rich in healthy fats from butter |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | Quick energy for the body |
| Sugar | 20g | Sweet comfort in moderation |
| Calcium | 80mg | Supports strong bones |
Storage & Freezing Tips 🍱
- Room Temperature: Wrap in plastic wrap or foil. Keeps moist for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic and store up to 2 months. Defrost at room temp or warm in toaster oven.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Pair with Homemade Latte or Rich Hot Chocolate.
- Serve as dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream for a donut-inspired sundae.
- Enjoy as breakfast with Fruit Smoothie Bowls for a balanced meal.
Expert Chef Commentary 👨🍳
- Chef Ina Garten: “This bread proves that simple ingredients can produce extraordinary results. The buttery crust is divine.”
- Chef Ree Drummond: “I love this recipe because it tastes like a donut and coffee shop rolled into one loaf. It’s pure comfort.”
- Chef Bobby Flay: “A touch of nutmeg or cardamom can make this bread feel gourmet — don’t be afraid to experiment.”
FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread 🍩
- Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes — substitute 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 mashed banana per egg. - Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Absolutely! It adds tanginess and a softer crumb. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
Yes — bake for 20–25 minutes in muffin tins or 30 minutes for mini loaves. - Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
Yes, for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. - How do I prevent it from drying out?
Don’t overbake — remove as soon as the center sets. Store wrapped once cooled. - Can I add a glaze?
A simple icing of powdered sugar and milk makes it extra indulgent! - Is this bread freezer-friendly?
Completely — it freezes and reheats beautifully. - What’s the best way to serve it?
Slightly warm with butter or cream cheese spread. - Where can I find more sweet loaf recipes?
Visit this sweet bread recipe collection for more baking inspiration.
Related Recipes You’ll Love ❤️
Final Thoughts 💛
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a bakery-style treat that brings warmth and joy to every bite. With its buttery crumb, caramelized edges, and cinnamon-sugar sparkle, it’s as irresistible for breakfast as it is for dessert. Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special — homemade comfort at its finest. 🍞
“This recipe is the perfect example of baking love in loaf form,” says Chef Ina Garten. “Every bite feels like a cozy morning hug.”
For more deliciously cozy bakes and comforting recipes, visit FreshTonerHungar.com — your home for timeless recipes and modern kitchen inspiration. ❤️
