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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- 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.
- Scrape Bowl: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Check Batter Consistency: Make sure there are no lumps remaining, indicating the batter is smooth and ready.
- 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.
- Prepare Loaf Pan: Spray a loaf pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Batter: Spoon half of the plain batter into the loaf pan and smooth it evenly on the bottom.
- Add Swirl Layer: Spread half of the cinnamon/molasses batter over the plain batter layer.
- Add Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining plain batter on top of the cinnamon layer.
- Top with Remaining Swirl: Spoon the last of the cinnamon/molasses batter on top of the bread batter layer.
- Swirl Mixture: Using a butter knife or toothpick, swirl the batters together gently to create a marbled effect without mixing completely.
- 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.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes inside the loaf pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dip Loaf in Butter: Dip each side of the loaf into the melted butter to coat it thoroughly.
- Coat with Sugar Mix: Place each butter-coated side of the loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even, thick coating.
- 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.
