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Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread (Tastes Like a Donut!)

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First of all, thank you for stopping by — I’m so happy to share this one with you. ❤️ This recipe is deeply special to me. It comes straight from my great-grandma’s kitchen — a humble loaf that’s soft, buttery, and spiced just right. If cozy had a flavor, this would be it.

This Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread is soft like a muffin, smells like a donut shop, and tastes like love. It’s one of those recipes that makes the whole house smell like a warm hug — and the best part? You don’t need yeast, fancy mixers, or hours of rising time. Just simple ingredients and a craving for something sweet and nostalgic.

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💛 Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

  • Tastes like a cinnamon sugar donut — but in bread form
  • Quick & easy — no yeast or kneading
  • Perfect texture — tender, moist crumb with a crispy cinnamon top
  • Versatile — great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
  • Freezer-friendly — make now, save for later!

🍞 What It Tastes Like

Imagine the soft inside of a classic cinnamon donut, but shaped like a loaf. The crumb is moist and rich, almost like a coffee cake, while the top has a gentle crunch from the cinnamon-sugar glaze.

Warm from the oven? It’s divine.
Sliced and toasted the next day? Still dreamy.


🛒 Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a tangy twist)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Pastry brush (optional, for topping)
  • Cooling rack

🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

  • Buttermilk swap: No buttermilk? Add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.
  • Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips.
  • Glaze option: Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar topping for a fancier finish.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.


2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Milk (or buttermilk)
  • Vanilla extract

4. Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.


5. Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.


6. Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.


7. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the bread is still warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle (or press) the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Let it soak in and crisp up as it cools.


8. Cool & Slice

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled (or warm, if you can’t resist!).


🍽 How to Serve It

  • Warm with a pat of butter (my favorite)
  • Toasted the next morning with coffee
  • With ice cream for a quick dessert
  • As French toast — YES, seriously good!

💡 Tips for Sweet Bread Success

  • Don’t overmix — this keeps the bread soft and tender
  • Use room-temperature eggs and milk for best texture
  • Let it cool fully before slicing for clean cuts
  • Double the topping if you want extra crunch!

🧊 Storage & Freezing

  • Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days (microwave slices to rewarm)
  • Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in muffin form?
Yes! Fill muffin tins ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes at 350°F.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, though butter gives a richer flavor. Use a neutral oil like canola.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use almond milk + 1 tbsp vinegar and plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.


✨ In Summary

This sweet bread is simple, nostalgic, and just downright delightful. Whether you call it a donut loaf, cinnamon tea bread, or Grandma’s secret recipe — this one’s a keeper. It’s easy to whip up, perfect to gift, and destined to become a family favorite in your home, too.


📌 More Breads to Fall in Love With


📸 Show Me Your Sweet Bread!

Did you bake Grandma’s Cinnamon Sugar Bread?
Tag your creations on Pinterest or Instagram @mycozykitchen — I LOVE seeing your delicious spins!
And if you enjoyed it, leave a review below. It means the world. 💛


📊 Nutrition (Per Slice, Approx.)

  • Calories: 230
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Protein: 4g

Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread

This soft, buttery Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Bread tastes like a cinnamon sugar donut but in loaf form, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

For the Bread
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs Use room temperature for best texture
  • 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk for a tangy twist
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
  1. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
Topping & Cool
  1. While the bread is still warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Let it soak in and crisp up as it cools.
  2. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16g

Notes

This bread is great warm with butter, toasted, or even used in French toast. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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