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Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic quick bread, featuring a rich cinnamon and molasses swirl baked into a soft, buttery loaf. Once baked, the bread is coated with a luscious butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture, giving it a sweet, crispy crust that mimics the flavors of a cinnamon donut. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, this recipe yields 12 slices of moist, flavorful bread with a beautiful marbled swirl inside.


Ingredients

Scale

Batter

  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon molasses

Swirl

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—alternating with the buttermilk. Stir gently so the batter forms without overmixing.
  5. Scrape Bowl: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  6. Check Batter Consistency: Make sure there are no lumps remaining, indicating the batter is smooth and ready.
  7. Prepare Swirl Batter: Remove 1/2 cup of the batter into a small bowl. Add cinnamon and molasses to this and mix thoroughly to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
  8. Prepare Loaf Pan: Spray a loaf pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  9. Layer Batter: Spoon half of the plain batter into the loaf pan and smooth it evenly on the bottom.
  10. Add Swirl Layer: Spread half of the cinnamon/molasses batter over the plain batter layer.
  11. Add Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining plain batter on top of the cinnamon layer.
  12. Top with Remaining Swirl: Spoon the last of the cinnamon/molasses batter on top of the bread batter layer.
  13. Swirl Mixture: Using a butter knife or toothpick, swirl the batters together gently to create a marbled effect without mixing completely.
  14. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  15. Cool in Pan: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes inside the loaf pan.
  16. Loosen and Remove Loaf: Gently loosen the edges with a knife, then carefully remove the loaf from the pan using your hands to avoid breaking the bread.
  17. Prepare Coating: While the loaf cools, pour the melted butter into a large shallow dish. Add the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon, stirring until well combined.
  18. Dip Loaf in Butter: Dip each side of the loaf into the melted butter to coat it thoroughly.
  19. Coat with Sugar Mix: Place each butter-coated side of the loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even, thick coating.
  20. Final Touch: Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the loaf for extra sweetness and texture.

Notes

  • Using room temperature eggs ensures smooth batter and better texture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and soft.
  • The swirl effect is best achieved by gentle swirling—too much mixing will blend the flavors rather than swirl them.
  • If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Allow the bread to cool slightly before dipping in the butter and sugar mixture to avoid melting the coating too much.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven for a fresh-baked taste.