Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

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If you’ve ever wished your morning slice of sourdough could taste like a cozy cinnamon sugar donut—your wish is granted. This Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread blends the comforting tang of sourdough with the nostalgic sweetness of your favorite bakery treat.

First off, thank you so much for stopping by—I’m beyond excited to share this one with you! Whether you’re already obsessed with sourdough baking or just looking for a new twist on your favorite quick bread, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and smiles to your kitchen.

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What is Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread is a tender, cake-like loaf infused with the natural tanginess of a bubbly sourdough starter, swirled with cinnamon, and finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar topping that gives it that unmistakable donut-shop vibe. Think quick bread meets cinnamon roll meets sourdough magic—anything but boring!!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

  • It’s a perfect use for extra sourdough starter.

  • No yeast waiting game—this is a quick bread with starter added for flavor, not leavening.

  • Sweet, spiced, and cozy—ideal for brunch, dessert, or just because.

  • The cinnamon sugar crust makes each bite sparkle (yes, sparkle!).

The Taste

This bread is moist and soft on the inside with a rich cinnamon aroma and a golden sugar-crusted exterior. The tang of the sourdough starter balances the sweetness, making it utterly addictive without being overly rich. I like to call it “donut bread with depth.”

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Naturally leavened flavor without a long ferment.

  • Great way to use sourdough discard or active starter.

  • Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and makes your house smell AMAZING.

  • No fancy equipment or technique needed—just stir, bake, and enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), room temperature

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 1/4 cup melted butter

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Tools You’ll Need

  • One standard loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 or 9 x 5 inches)

  • Mixing bowls (at least two)

  • Whisk or hand mixer

  • Spatula

  • Pastry brush (for the buttery topping—so satisfying to use!)

  • Wire cooling rack

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

  • Swap the milk with buttermilk for an even tangier twist.

  • Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

  • Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips for cinnamon-choco heaven.

  • Try a brown sugar-cinnamon swirl layer in the middle for even more donut vibes.

Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, milk, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Add Topping

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the top and sides with melted butter. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together and generously sprinkle it over the bread, gently pressing so it sticks.

Step 6: Cool Fully and Slice

Let the loaf cool completely before slicing—this helps it set properly and keeps the crumb super soft and donut-like.

What to Serve With This Bread

  • A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai—trust me, it’s a dreamy match.

  • Fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a pretty brunch plate.

  • A drizzle of maple glaze if you’re feeling extra.

  • Warmed up with a pat of butter for a treat that feels like a hug.

Tips for Success

  • Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best flavor.

  • Let ingredients come to room temp—cold eggs or milk can mess with the texture.

  • Don’t skip the topping—it’s what gives it that true donut feel!

  • Want more cinnamon flavor? Add a little more to the batter or swirl some in the middle.

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temp: Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.

  • Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

  • Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and toast lightly to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sourdough discard instead of active starter?
Yes! It won’t rise the bread (baking powder and soda do that), but it will still give you that tangy depth of flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be fab.

Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can make the bread heavy. Be gentle with your mixing and patient with your cooling.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking.

Conclusion

This Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread is everything I love in a cozy bake—easy to make, ridiculously delicious, and packed with flavor and heart. Whether you’re new to sourdough or a seasoned starter pro, this recipe is a sweet way to put it to good use.

Looking for more sourdough bakes with flavor and flair? You’ll love these other reader favorites:

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your creation—tag me on Pinterest and leave a review! Let’s keep the oven warm and the cinnamon flowing.

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Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread is a tender, cozy loaf with the tang of sourdough and a buttery cinnamon sugar topping—like your favorite donut in bread form! It’s quick to make, totally irresistible, and perfect for using up your bubbly starter.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), room temperature

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup melted butter

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, milk, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

  • In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

  • While warm, brush with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the loaf, pressing lightly to help it stick.

  • Cool completely before slicing to maintain the soft, donut-like texture.

Notes

  • This bread works beautifully with sourdough discard too—just note the flavor will be a bit milder.

  • Want a swirl? Mix an extra tablespoon of cinnamon with brown sugar and layer it in the middle.

  • Freezes like a dream! Slice before freezing for easy grab-and-toast mornings.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breads
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread, sourdough quick bread, cinnamon sugar loaf

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