Chef Rachel Thompson - Comfort Baking Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Baking Expert

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Bakery Management Experience ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ Quick Bread Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe was inspired by my childhood memories of weekend mornings at the local donut shop with my grandmother. I wanted to capture that same cozy, cinnamon-sugar magic in a bread that could be enjoyed warm from the oven at home, filling the kitchen with the most incredible aroma."

Rachel specializes in transforming beloved bakery classics into approachable home recipes. She's passionate about creating treats that bring comfort and nostalgia while being simple enough for everyday baking adventures.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Sliced cinnamon sugar donut bread with visible swirls, golden crumb topping, and white glaze drizzle, displayed on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and a cozy kitchen background

Creating the Perfect Donut Bread Texture

The key to achieving that signature donut texture in bread form lies in the proper balance of wet and dry ingredients. The combination of oil and milk creates a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days, while the eggs provide structure and richness that mimics the beloved donut experience.

The cinnamon swirl technique is crucial for distributing flavor throughout the loaf. Creating layers of batter and cinnamon mixture ensures every slice has that perfect balance of sweet bread and spiced filling, just like biting into a cinnamon sugar donut.

💡 Professional Tip

Don't overmix the batter - stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, dense bread instead of the tender, cake-like texture we want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Divide batter among 12 muffin cups, layer the cinnamon mixture, and top with crumbs. Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes. They're perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. The bread actually gets more moist after a day, making it perfect for make-ahead treats.

You can reduce the granulated sugar in the batter by up to ¼ cup, but I wouldn't reduce the cinnamon swirl sugar as it's essential for that donut flavor. The bread will be less sweet but still delicious.

You can omit the nutmeg or substitute with additional cinnamon, a pinch of allspice, or even a tiny amount of cardamom. Nutmeg adds warmth but isn't absolutely essential.

Dense bread usually results from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, and mix just until ingredients are combined.

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips work wonderfully. Add up to ½ cup to the batter, but fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.

The bread is done when it's golden brown, springs back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Substitute the milk with non-dairy milk and use vegan butter for the cinnamon swirl and crumb topping. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Dense or Heavy Texture

Problem: Bread turns out dense instead of light and tender

Solution: Don't overmix batter, measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling, ensure baking powder is fresh, and don't substitute oil with butter in the batter.

✅

Cinnamon Swirl Sinks

Problem: Cinnamon mixture sinks to bottom instead of creating swirls

Solution: Make sure cinnamon mixture isn't too thin, don't add too much at once, and swirl gently without overmixing. The batter should be thick enough to support the swirl.

✅

Crumb Topping Falls Off

Problem: Streusel topping doesn't stick to bread

Prevention: Press crumb mixture gently into batter before baking, ensure butter in topping is properly incorporated, and don't make crumbs too large or they won't adhere.

✅

Overbaked or Dry

Problem: Bread comes out dry or overbaked

Recovery: Check oven temperature with thermometer, don't overbake (toothpick should have a few moist crumbs), and wrap bread while still slightly warm to retain moisture.

✅

Uneven Rising

Problem: Bread rises unevenly or has a domed top

Prevention: Spread batter evenly in pan, don't overfill (should be about ¾ full), and ensure oven rack is in center position for even heat distribution.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add a pinch more salt to the batter or reduce sugar slightly in next batch

Too Salty: Increase vanilla extract or add a touch more cinnamon to balance

Bland: Increase cinnamon in both batter and swirl, add more vanilla, or include a pinch of nutmeg for warmth

Cozy baking ingredients including flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and butter arranged on a vintage wooden surface with measuring cups and cinnamon sticks

Selecting Quality Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

The quality of your cinnamon makes a significant difference in this recipe since it's the star flavor. Ceylon cinnamon provides a sweeter, more delicate flavor, while Cassia cinnamon offers the bold, spicy taste most people associate with bakery donuts. Fresh spices always provide better flavor than old ones.

Using whole milk rather than low-fat versions creates the richest, most tender crumb that closely mimics the texture of actual donuts. The fat content in whole milk contributes to both flavor and the moist texture that makes this bread so satisfying and long-lasting.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cinnamon Quality: Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor. If your cinnamon is over a year old or lacks fragrance, replace it. Ceylon cinnamon is milder, while Cassia is more intense.
  • Flour Measurement: Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off with a knife. Don't scoop directly from the bag as this can pack too much flour and make the bread dense.
  • Oil vs Butter: Vegetable oil creates a more tender, moist bread than butter in the batter. Save the butter for the cinnamon swirl and crumb topping where its flavor really shines.
Step-by-step layering process showing batter being swirled with cinnamon mixture and topped with golden crumb topping before baking

Mastering the Layering and Baking Process

The layering technique is what transforms ordinary quick bread into something special. Creating distinct layers of batter and cinnamon mixture, then gently swirling, ensures each slice has beautiful marbled patterns and consistent flavor distribution throughout the loaf.

Proper baking temperature and timing are crucial for achieving the perfect texture. The moderate temperature allows the bread to bake evenly without the outside browning too quickly, while the crumb topping develops a golden, buttery crust that adds textural contrast to the tender interior.

Perfect Swirling Technique

Use a knife to create figure-8 patterns through the layers, going just deep enough to create swirls without overmixing. Three or four swirls are usually perfect for beautiful marbled slices.

Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread

Prep 20 min
Cook 55 min
Serves 10 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Bread Batter

  • 100g brown sugar, packed
    Creates rich, molasses-sweet swirl
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
    Key flavor for authentic donut taste
  • 60g melted butter
    Binds swirl and adds richness
  • 60g cold butter, cubed
    Creates buttery crumb topping
  • 60g all-purpose flour
    Base for crumb topping
  • 120g powdered sugar
    Creates smooth, sweet glaze
  • 30ml milk and ½ tsp vanilla
    For perfect glaze consistency

For the Cinnamon Swirl and Topping

  • 320g all-purpose flour
    Foundation for tender, cake-like texture
  • 200g granulated sugar
    Sweetness and tender crumb
  • 120ml vegetable oil
    Creates moist, tender texture
  • 240ml whole milk
    Richness and moisture
  • 2 large eggs
    Structure and richness
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    Enhances overall flavor profile
  • Warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
    Classic donut flavoring

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Make Batter

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In separate bowl, combine oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.

  2. Make Cinnamon Swirl

    In small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon until combined. Pour half the batter into prepared pan, dollop half the cinnamon mixture on top, and swirl with knife. Add remaining batter and top with remaining cinnamon mixture.

  3. Prepare Crumb Topping

    In bowl, combine cold butter, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use fingers or pastry cutter to work mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over batter.

  4. Bake the Bread

    Bake 50-60 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.

  5. Make Glaze and Serve

    Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread. Let glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing. Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage and Freshness

This bread actually improves after a day as the flavors meld and the crumb becomes more tender. Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze slices individually for quick breakfasts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Try toasting slices lightly and serving with butter for an extra special treat.

Customization Ideas

Add orange zest to the batter for citrus notes, substitute maple syrup for some of the sugar, or fold in chopped apples for a fall twist. You can also make it in a bundt pan for special occasions.