Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

There are some recipes that become instant favorites—the kind you make once and suddenly can’t live without. Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread is exactly that kind of recipe. With only three simple ingredients, this breakfast bread delivers everything you want in a morning treat: a tender crumb, a warm cinnamon aroma, and the nostalgic flavor of an old-fashioned cinnamon donut.

If you’re someone who loves a quick breakfast that tastes like it took hours, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s easy, comforting, surprisingly filling, and perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow morning, this bread makes the start of your day feel special.

Let’s explore why this recipe works, how to make it, and all the delicious ways you can customize your new favorite breakfast bread.

What Is Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread is a simple, moist, and slightly tangy breakfast bread that captures the flavor of cinnamon donuts—but in loaf form. The recipe uses only three ingredients:

Sourdough starter

Cinnamon-sugar mix

Self-rising flour (or pancake mix)

The magic of sourdough is its tang and tenderness. When paired with warm cinnamon sugar, the result is a loaf that tastes like a donut, smells like breakfast heaven, and feels like something your grandmother would have baked.

The texture is dense yet soft, moist without being heavy, and has a sweet crunchy top that mimics a donut’s sugary coating.

Why Three Ingredients Are All You Need

Most donut breads require butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, and more—but this 3-ingredient version skips all of that without sacrificing flavor.

Here’s how:

1. Sourdough Starter

The starter already contains flour and water, plus natural yeast. It acts as:

A binder (like eggs)

A leavening agent (like baking powder)

A hydrator (like milk)

This means one ingredient replaces three!

2. Self-Rising Flour

This flour contains:

Flour

Baking powder

Salt

So you don’t need additional rising agents.

3. Cinnamon Sugar

This provides:

Sweetness

Warm spice

A donut-like crust

That’s why this recipe is magic: you get the flavor of a traditional donut bread without all the extra work.

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

Here’s what you need:

• 2 cups sourdough starter (active or discard)
• 1½ cups self-rising flour
  (or you can use pancake mix or Biscuit mix)
• 1 cup cinnamon sugar
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

That’s literally all. No eggs, no milk, no butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Despite how simple the recipe is, the results taste like something from a bakery. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar

Mix:

• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl:

• Add 2 cups sourdough starter
• Add 1½ cups self-rising flour

Mix gently until combined.
Don’t overmix—keeping it slightly lumpy makes the bread fluffy.

Step 4: Layer the Bread Like a Cinnamon Donut

Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the batter.

Add the remaining batter.
Finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, depending on your oven.

The top will become caramelized and donut-like as it bakes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

This helps it hold shape and prevents crumbling.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Every Morning

People fall in love with this recipe for a reason. Here’s why it becomes a daily favorite:

Fast

You can mix this bread in less than 5 minutes.

Minimal Ingredients

If you keep sourdough starter on hand, you always have breakfast ready.

Perfect with Coffee

The warm cinnamon pairs beautifully with a hot drink.

Not Too Sweet

It satisfies sweet cravings without being heavy.

Healthy-ish

No oil, no butter, no eggs—just flour, starter, and sugar.

Kid-Friendly

Kids love it, especially warm with butter.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Donut Bread

Here’s how to take the texture and flavor to the next level:

Use Sourdough Discard

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover sourdough starter.

Add Extra Crunch

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a bakery-style crust.

Warm It Before Eating

A warm slice tastes just like a cinnamon donut.

Don’t Overmix

You want the bread tender—not tough.

Grease the Pan Well

Even with parchment, a little spray helps.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you master the base recipe, you can create dozens of variations:

1. Apple Cinnamon Donut Bread

Add:

• ½ cup finely diced apples
• ½ tsp nutmeg

Tastes like apple fritters.

2. Chocolate Cinnamon Bread

Add:

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Perfect for chocoholics.

3. Maple Donut Bread

Replace some sugar with:

• ¼ cup maple syrup

Warm and dreamy.

4. Pumpkin Spice Donut Bread

Add:

• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• ½ tsp pumpkin spice

A fall favorite.

5. Raisin Cinnamon Bread

Add:

• ½ cup raisins or cranberries

A nostalgic, old-fashioned version.

How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread

This bread is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

Warm with Butter

Melts into the crevices—pure comfort.

With Cream Cheese

Spreads like frosting.

Topped with Honey

Adds floral sweetness.

As French Toast

Slice thick, dip in egg, and fry.
It becomes insanely good.

With Fresh Fruit

Bananas and berries are perfect.

How to Store Your Bread

This bread stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

At Room Temperature

Lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container.

In the Refrigerator

Lasts up to 7 days.

Freezer Friendly

Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.

To reheat:
Warm in microwave for 10–15 seconds.

The Magic of Sourdough in Sweet Recipes

People often think sourdough is only for bread, but using sourdough starter (or discard) in sweet recipes adds:

• Moisture
• Tender texture
• Subtle tang
• Better browning
• Natural fermentation benefits

It’s healthier than conventional baking and tastes incredible.

Why This Recipe Works Perfectly With Discard

Sourdough discard is:

• Slightly tangy
• Already partially fermented
• Soft and liquidy

This makes it ideal for moist baked goods.

Instead of throwing it away, this recipe uses it to create something delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pancake mix instead of self-rising flour?

Yes! It works beautifully.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free self-rising flour.

Can I lower the sugar?

Absolutely—use ½ cup instead of 1 cup for a lightly sweet loaf.

Can I bake it in a muffin tin?

Yes! Bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite 3-Ingredient Breakfast

Sourdough Cinnamon Donut Bread proves that breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With only three ingredients, you get:

• A warm, tender loaf
• Sweet cinnamon flavor
• A donut-like crust
• A filling, satisfying meal
• A recipe perfect for busy mornings

Whether you’re eating it warm with butter, packing it to-go, or enjoying it with a cup of coffee while the house is quiet, this recipe makes any morning feel peaceful and cozy.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many people say:

“I make it every morning now.”

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