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Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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