Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Bring It Together
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir until just combined—overmixing will make the bread dense.
5. Layer and Top
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter. Drizzle the melted butter across the top for that donut-like finish.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Donut Vibes Without Frying: All the flavor and texture, none of the hassle.
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Versatile: Perfect as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.
Variations to Try
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Glazed Donut Style: Drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) once cooled.
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Apple Cinnamon Twist: Fold diced apples into the batter before baking.
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery. With its golden cinnamon-sugar crust and tender crumb, every slice feels like a little indulgence. Simple enough for a weekday bake, yet special enough for brunch gatherings, this bread proves that donuts don’t always need a fryer to shine.
