If you love the flavor of classic cinnamon sugar donuts but want something easier to bake at home, this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Loaf is the perfect recipe. It’s soft, moist, and buttery on the inside with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust on the outside—just like your favorite old-fashioned donut in loaf form.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cozy loaf pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and stays soft for days.
Why You’ll Love This Donut Loaf
• Tastes like a cinnamon sugar donut in cake form
• Soft, moist, and buttery texture
• Easy one-bowl style baking
• Perfect for breakfast or snacking
• No yeast or frying required
Recipe Information
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices
Ingredients
For the Loaf
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder 
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1 cup buttermilk 
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Brush the warm loaf generously with melted butter.
In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle or roll the loaf in the mixture until fully coated.
Tips for the Perfect Donut Loaf
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep it soft and tender
• Coat the loaf while it’s still warm for the best sugar crust
• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra donut-shop flavor
Serving Suggestions
This loaf is delicious with:
• Hot coffee 
• Tea or chai
• Warm milk
• Butter or cream cheese spread
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes! Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I freeze donut loaf?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Coat with cinnamon sugar after reheating for best texture.
Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can make it dense—mix gently and use room-temperature ingredients.
SEO Keywords
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Loaf Recipe, donut bread loaf, cinnamon loaf cake, baked donut bread, easy cinnamon sugar cake, breakfast loaf recipe, homemade donut loaf, bakery-style loaf cake, cinnamon dessert bread
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Loaf brings everything you love about classic donuts into an easy, no-fry loaf cake. Soft, buttery, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar, it’s the kind of comforting bake that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and disappears quickly once sliced.
Bake it once, and it’ll become a regular favorite in your home.
