Introduction

This irresistibly soft cinnamon sugar donut bread combines the best of both worlds: the tender crumb of a quick bread and the sweet, spicy coating of a classic donut. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy treat any time of day.

Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1/2 cup Canola Oil (can substitute with vegetable or coconut oil)
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened) (margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative)
1 cup Sugar (or coconut sugar for lower glycemic option)
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (almond extract can be used for a twist)
2 Large Eggs (room temperature) (can use flax eggs for vegan version)
2 cups All-Purpose Flour (a gluten-free flour blend can be used)
1 tablespoon Baking Powder (ensure it’s fresh)
1/2 teaspoon Salt (reduce in low-sodium diets if needed)
1/2 cup Buttermilk (or mix ½ tsp of vinegar with ½ cup milk as substitute)
1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)
1/4 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (for coating the bread)
1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (dark brown sugar can enhance flavor)
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can use a sugar alternative)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until well combined and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk, mixing just until combined—avoid overmixing.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine part of the batter with cinnamon and molasses, mixing gently.
Step 6: Layer half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the molasses-cinnamon batter on top. Repeat with the remaining batters.
Step 7: Use a knife to swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled effect.
Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Dip the cooled loaf in melted butter, then roll it evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture made from light brown sugar and granulated sugar.

Tips & Variations

Use coconut sugar or brown sugar to add deeper, caramel-like notes to the bread.
For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Adjust the cinnamon and sugar ratio in the coating to suit your sweetness preference.
Swirling the batter carefully creates a beautiful marbled look but avoid overmixing to keep the layers distinct.

Storage

Store the donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly to restore softness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure the baking powder you use is also gluten-free.

How do I make a vegan version?

Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and dairy-free butter or margarine. Substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar as usual.

Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

This Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and molasses in a moist, tender loaf that tastes just like your favorite donut. Swirled with a cinnamon-molasses mixture and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, this bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Batter Ingredients

1/2 cup Canola Oil (can substitute with vegetable or coconut oil)
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened) (margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative)
1 cup Sugar (or coconut sugar for lower glycemic option)
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (almond extract can be used for a twist)
2 Large Eggs (room temperature) (can use flax eggs for vegan version)
2 cups All-Purpose Flour (a gluten-free flour blend can be used)
1 tablespoon Baking Powder (ensure it’s fresh)
1/2 teaspoon Salt (reduce in low-sodium diets if needed)
1/2 cup Buttermilk (or mix ½ tsp of vinegar with ½ cup milk as substitute)
1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)

Coating

1/4 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (for coating the bread)
1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (dark brown sugar can enhance flavor)
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can use a sugar alternative)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick after baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-oil mixture until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Prepare Cinnamon Molasses Mixture: Take a portion of the batter and transfer it to a separate bowl. Stir in the cinnamon and molasses until evenly combined.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the cinnamon-molasses batter over it. Repeat layering the remaining plain batter and then the molasses batter.
Swirl the Batter: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the layered batters to create a marbled pattern throughout the loaf.
Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coat the Loaf: Once the bread is fully cooled, dip it in the melted unsalted butter, then roll it in a mixture of light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and extra cinnamon to give it a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating reminiscent of a donut.

Notes

For a vegan alternative, use flax eggs and margarine instead of butter.
You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with ½ teaspoon vinegar for acidity.
For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Adjust the sugar types based on dietary needs; coconut sugar for lower glycemic index, or sugar alternatives as preferred.
Make sure baking powder is fresh for proper rise.
To enhance flavor, dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and soft.

Keywords: cinnamon sugar bread, donut bread, sweet bread, cinnamon molasses bread, swirl bread, breakfast loaf