Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic quick bread, combining tender cake-like texture with warm cinnamon swirls and a sweet buttery coating. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this recipe invites you to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy loaf form.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup canola oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses
• For the coating:
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric stand mixer to combine the oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gently stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk until a uniform batter forms. Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure there are no lumps.
4. Step 4: Remove 1/2 cup of the prepared batter and place it into a smaller bowl. Mix the ground cinnamon and molasses into this smaller portion.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon batter in small dollops over the plain batter. Pour the remaining plain batter on top, then dot the surface with the remaining cinnamon batter.
6. Step 6: Use a butter knife to swirl the two batters together gently. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: While the bread bakes, prepare the coating. Pour the melted butter into a large shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
8. Step 8: When the loaf is done, let it cool for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges and remove the loaf from the pan—it should be warm but cool enough to handle.
9. Step 9: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter until fully coated. Spoon any remaining butter over the edges that are crispier.
10. Step 10: Press the butter-coated loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until all sides and the top are fully covered.
11. Step 11: Slice the loaf and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives and use almond or soy milk with vinegar.
• Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon batter adds a pleasant crunch.
• If molasses is unavailable, replace it with dark brown sugar for a similar depth of flavor.
• Use a light-colored loaf pan to prevent over-browning and ensure even baking.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it moist longer, refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven to bring back the soft texture and warm cinnamon flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure the blend is designed for one-to-one substitution. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This simple substitute will add the necessary acidity for tender bread.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 112 reviews

This Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon with a moist, tender loaf that tastes like a deliciously soft donut. Swirled with a cinnamon-molasses mixture and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze, this loaf is perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter

• 1/4 cup canola oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses

Coating

• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric stand mixer to combine the oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk (or milk with vinegar) until a uniform batter forms. Scrape down the sides to ensure no lumps remain.
4. Create cinnamon swirl batter: Remove 1/2 cup of the prepared batter and place it into a smaller bowl. To this, add the ground cinnamon and molasses and stir until combined.
5. Layer batters in pan: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the loaf pan. Spoon the cinnamon batter in small dollops over the top. Next, pour the remaining plain batter over this layer, then dot the top with the remaining cinnamon batter.
6. Swirl the batters: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect, being careful not to over-swirl.
7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Prepare coating while baking: Melt the butter and pour it into a large shallow dish. In another large shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
9. Cool and remove from pan: Once baked, allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges and remove the loaf from the pan. It should still be warm but cool enough to handle.
10. Coat the loaf: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter until fully coated. Spoon any remaining butter over the crispier edges to keep them moist.
11. Apply cinnamon sugar coating: Transfer the butter-coated loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and press gently so the sugars adhere to the sides and top of the loaf evenly.
12. Serve: Slice the loaf into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use a light-colored loaf pan to prevent over-browning.
• You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus vinegar to achieve a similar tang.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t over-swirl the batter to keep distinct cinnamon layers.
• The coating is best done while the loaf is still warm for better absorption of butter and sugar.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheat slices gently before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Keywords: Cinnamon Donut Bread, Cinnamon Swirl Bread, Sweet Loaf, Breakfast Bread, Donut-Inspired Bread