Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread combines the best qualities of a donut and a quick bread. It’s soft, moist, and packed with that irresistible cinnamon flavor that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Perfect as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread is sure to be a hit at family gatherings or brunch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bread Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup canola oil

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon molasses

For the Topping:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Base Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, blend canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Create the Cinnamon Swirl:
   Transfer ¾ cup of the batter into a separate bowl. Add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and molasses, and mix until well combined.

7. Layer the Batter:
   Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture in small dollops on top. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the plain batter.

8. Add Remaining Batter and Swirl Again:
   Pour the remaining plain batter over the marbled layer. Spoon the remaining cinnamon mixture on top and swirl again.

9. Bake the Bread:
   Place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

10. Cool and Prepare the Topping:
    Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a shallow dish. In another dish, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.

11. Coat the Bread:
    Remove the bread from the pan, place it on a wire rack, and gently dip each side into melted butter, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving

Estimated Nutritional Value (per slice)

• Calories: ~ 300 kcal

• Total Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

  • Trans Fat: 0g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Carbohydrates: 37g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 22g

• Protein: 3g

• Sodium: 200mg

Note:

These values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. For more accurate information, you can input the specific ingredients and serving sizes into a nutrition calculator.

The Base of the Bread: A Soft, Moist Structure

The base of this bread is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to a combination of buttermilk, canola oil, butter, and eggs. The use of buttermilk not only helps to keep the bread tender, but it also imparts a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar. The butter adds richness, and the canola oil contributes moisture, giving the bread its melt-in-your-mouth texture. The eggs bind everything together, creating a cohesive batter that will rise and become fluffy during baking.

The dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—are the building blocks that ensure the bread structure holds up while remaining light. Baking powder provides the lift, giving the bread its light and airy texture without the need for yeast. The mixture of wet and dry ingredients is gradually combined to ensure the batter remains smooth and lump-free, allowing for the best texture in every bite.

The Cinnamon Swirl: A Flavorful Surprise

What sets Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread apart is the addition of the cinnamon swirl. The cinnamon swirl adds an extra layer of flavor and creates a beautiful marbled effect throughout the bread. To create the swirl, a portion of the batter is mixed with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and molasses. This cinnamon mixture is then layered between the plain batter and swirled together to create a striking visual and flavor contrast. The result is a soft, cinnamon-sweetened interior that complements the bread’s tender crumb.

The molasses in the cinnamon swirl adds a deeper, richer flavor, elevating the bread with a touch of sophistication. It balances out the sweetness, ensuring that the cinnamon flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Each bite reveals just the right amount of spice, making it feel like you’re enjoying a warm, gooey cinnamon roll in the form of a loaf.

Creating the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: A Final Touch of Sweetness

Once the bread is baked to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touch—the cinnamon-sugar coating. The bread is dipped in melted butter and then rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, giving it a delightful sweetness and crunch on the outside. The coating is reminiscent of the sugary glaze that often coats cinnamon donuts, providing the perfect contrast to the soft, tender interior of the bread. This topping also adds a glossy, golden finish, making the bread look as good as it tastes.

The cinnamon-sugar coating not only enhances the flavor but also gives the bread a satisfying texture that brings the entire experience together. The buttery richness combined with the sweet cinnamon crunch is irresistible, making each slice even more decadent and indulgent.

Baking and Perfecting the Bread

Baking the Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is straightforward, but there are a few important tips to ensure that it bakes evenly and retains its moisture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan for easy removal after baking. Once the batter is prepared and the cinnamon swirl has been layered in, the bread bakes for 45-50 minutes. It’s important to check the bread towards the end by inserting a toothpick into the center to ensure that it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

When baked correctly, the bread will have a golden-brown exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. The cinnamon swirl should be visible throughout the loaf, adding a marbled effect that makes every slice visually appealing. The warm aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, adding to the anticipation of tasting this delicious treat.

Why Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is Perfect for Any Occasion

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family brunch, taking it to a potluck, or enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a lazy morning, this bread is sure to impress. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be stored at room temperature for several days, making it a convenient option for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings.

The bread’s flavor is both familiar and comforting, drawing on the beloved taste of cinnamon donuts while offering the softness and texture of a quick bread. This balance of flavors makes it a perfect choice for those who crave the sweet, warm, and spicy taste of cinnamon but want something a little more substantial than a donut. It’s also a great treat to bring to a brunch or holiday gathering, where its appearance and flavor will stand out among other offerings.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

1. Measure Ingredients Accurately: For the best texture and rise, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution and avoid clumps in the batter.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures that the batter comes together smoothly and evenly, helping to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

3. Swirl Carefully: When adding the cinnamon mixture to the batter, be gentle when swirling. Overmixing or stirring too vigorously can cause the swirl to disappear, leaving you with just a uniform bread. A few gentle swirls are all you need to create the perfect marbled effect.

4. Test for Doneness: The bread should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the loaf with foil and continue baking until fully done.

5. Let It Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from falling apart and allows the flavors to set.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is the ultimate treat for any cinnamon lover. With its soft, moist texture and the irresistible swirl of cinnamon-sugar throughout, it’s a comforting and indulgent dessert or snack that everyone will enjoy. The addition of a cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, making each slice even more irresistible. Easy to make and versatile, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and is sure to be a hit at any family gathering or brunch.

Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just as a delicious treat to enjoy at home, Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread offers a sweet escape into a world of cinnamon goodness. Try it today and fill your kitchen with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread!