Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

If a cinnamon sugar donut and a tender pound cake had a love child, this would be it. Cinnamon Donut Bread is soft, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, all wrapped in a sugary crust that’s giving big donut energy. The top gets that perfect crunchy edge, while the inside stays fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s one of those bakes that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma—like a warm hug in loaf form. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for your breakfast table or coffee break.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like a cinnamon sugar donut, but in sliceable loaf form
• No yeast, no fuss—quick and easy to whip up
• Cozy cinnamon swirl inside and a sweet crunchy top
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat with coffee
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead brunches

Recipe Snapshot

Feature	Details
Category	Breakfast / Dessert
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	45–50 minutes
Total Time	About 1 hour
Servings	1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Key Flavor	Cinnamon & vanilla donut vibes
Texture	Soft, moist, with a sugary crust

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dreamy Cinnamon Donut Bread to life (no exact measurements here—check the recipe card below for those!):

• All-purpose flour – for the structure of the loaf
• Baking powder – helps the bread rise and get that tender crumb
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the loaf and forms the crunchy topping
• Ground cinnamon – the star flavor here; warm, spicy, and comforting
• Salt – balances out the sweetness and boosts flavor
• Egg – binds everything together and adds richness
• Milk – adds moisture and softness
• Plain yogurt or sour cream – makes the loaf ultra-tender and slightly tangy
• Vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth
• Unsalted butter – for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Cinnamon sugar – for swirling and topping (don’t skip this—it’s the magic touch)

📌 Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient amounts and instructions!

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Bread

1. Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven and grease a loaf pan (or line with parchment for easy removal). Set it aside while you whip up the batter.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before adding it to the wet ingredients.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this adds air to the batter and helps the bread rise beautifully.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, then the yogurt (or sour cream), milk, and vanilla. Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing!

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—keep it light and fluffy.

6. Layer with Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, then top with the remaining batter and more cinnamon sugar. A little swirl with a knife won’t hurt either!

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a rack and try not to sneak a bite while it’s still warm (or do—we won’t judge).

Pro Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the crumb tender.
• Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Flavor Variations

• Maple Glaze Drizzle – Give it a donut shop upgrade with a maple glaze on top.
• Add Chopped Apples – Fold in diced apples for a fall twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Remix – Swap some cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in autumn.
• Vanilla Bean Boost – Use vanilla bean paste for an extra dreamy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a pat of butter for the ultimate cozy breakfast
• Pair with a latte or chai for a café-style treat
• Slice and toast leftovers for a caramelized edge (so good!)

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Make-Ahead: Bake the night before and store tightly wrapped at room temp.
• Storage: Keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Leftovers: Pop slices in the toaster for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Craving more cozy loaves? You’ve got to try Joy’s Banana Bread Recipe—it’s rich, nostalgic, and packed with banana flavor. Total comfort in every bite.

• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly.

FAQ

Is donut dough the same as cinnamon roll dough?
Not quite! While both are enriched doughs (meaning they have butter, eggs, and milk), donut dough is typically lighter and fluffier, often yeast-risen and fried. Cinnamon roll dough is usually a bit denser and baked, designed to hold those gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar. They’re cousins, not twins!

How much is Dollywood cinnamon bread?
As of the last update, Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread costs around $9–$10 per loaf at the Grist Mill—but prices can vary slightly depending on the season. Worth every sweet, sticky penny if you ask me.

Is bread dough the same as donut dough?
Regular bread dough is usually lean (flour, water, salt, yeast) with minimal fat or sugar. Donut dough is richer and softer thanks to added eggs, milk, sugar, and butter. So while both rise with yeast, donut dough is like bread dough’s dessert-loving sibling.

What is cinnamon bread made of?
Cinnamon bread is typically made from a soft, enriched dough or quick bread batter, swirled or topped with cinnamon sugar. It often includes flour, eggs, butter, milk, sugar, and lots of cinnamon for that signature cozy flavor.

Where can you buy Dolly Parton cinnamon bread?
You’ll find Dolly Parton’s iconic cinnamon bread at Dollywood in Tennessee—specifically at the Grist Mill in Craftsman’s Valley. It’s legendary and always served warm with that irresistible glaze. Some grocery stores have Dolly Parton-branded baking mixes too!

What are the ingredients in Aldi cinnamon bread?
Aldi’s take on cinnamon bread varies by brand and season, but typically includes flour, sugar, cinnamon, eggs, oil or butter, and leaveners like baking soda or yeast. Some versions come with a swirl or streusel topping—hello, delicious!