Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful treat that combines the soft, tender crumb of a loaf with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating of a classic donut. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it’s easy to make and irresistibly comforting.

Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly runny—avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Step 6: Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs and the top is golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a piece of parchment paper.
- Step 8: While the bread is still warm, brush the entire surface with ¼ cup melted butter.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 10: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the butter-coated bread, turning the loaf as needed to coat all sides.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature egg and milk for better batter consistency and even baking.
- Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the sugar-spice topping for a unique twist.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with buttermilk.
- Save any leftover cinnamon sugar for topping other baked goods or sprinkling on buttered toast.
Storage
Store the Sugar Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve after freezing, thaw at room temperature and lightly warm in the oven or microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the right texture. Whole wheat flour can be substituted but may result in a denser loaf.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, and the top is golden brown.
PrintSugar Donut Bread Recipe
Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic sweet bread, featuring a moist and tender crumb infused with vanilla and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, mimicking the flavors of a sugar-coated donut. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this loaf is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and offers a comforting treat with a crisp, spiced exterior and soft interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (306 g) whole milk
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly runny.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top as needed.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and the top is golden brown.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a large piece of parchment paper to cool further.
- Brush with Butter: While the bread is still warm, gently brush the entire surface with the melted butter reserved for the topping to help the sugar mixture stick.
- Prepare Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly blended.
- Apply Topping: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter-coated surface of the bread. Rotate the loaf as needed to coat all sides thoroughly. Save any leftover sugar mixture for another use.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
- The cinnamon-sugar topping adds the classic donut flavor—feel free to add more spices like allspice or cloves for extra warmth.
- Use whole milk for best richness, but you can substitute with a non-dairy milk if desired.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before applying the butter and sugar topping to ensure it sticks properly.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Keywords: sugar donut bread,sweet bread,cinnamon sugar bread,homemade donut bread,baked donut bread,vanilla bread,cinnamon nutmeg bread,breakfast bread,sweet loaf

