Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic sweet breads, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a tender, buttery loaf. This recipe creates a beautiful marbled effect, with swirls of rich cinnamon filling that adds an irresistible sweetness.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon treat, this bread is sure to please everyone. Enjoy a slice warm or toasted for a delicious start to your day or a comforting snack any time!

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Ingredients

For the Bread Base:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup buttermilk

¼ cup canola oil

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon molasses

For the Topping:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or a non-stick spray to ensure easy release.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Cream Together the Base Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk.

Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined for a light texture.

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:

Transfer ¾ cup of the batter to a separate bowl. Mix in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and molasses until well blended.

Layer the Batter:

Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop half of the cinnamon mixture on top in small dollops. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the mixtures together, creating a marbled appearance.

Add Remaining Batter and Swirl Again:

Pour the rest of the plain batter over the marbled layer. Spoon the remaining cinnamon mixture on top and swirl again for an appealing layered effect.

Bake the Bread:

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Prepare the Topping:

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a shallow dish. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Coat the Bread:

Carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack. Dip each side of the bread into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delightful Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread!

Notes:

Flour Measurement: For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to a denser bread.

Buttermilk Substitutes: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier blending with the sugar and oil, which helps create a light texture.

Cinnamon Variation: Feel free to experiment with different spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the flavor profile of the bread.

Serving Suggestions: This bread is delicious on its own but can also be served with a drizzle of glaze or a spread of cream cheese for added indulgence.

Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2-3 months.

Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking the bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Customization: You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to add too many to maintain the bread’s structure.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 10 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though the texture may be denser.

If using whole wheat flour, consider using a mix of half all-purpose and half whole wheat for better results.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

If there are a few moist crumbs, that’s fine; just avoid any wet batter.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips can be added to the batter.

Just be mindful not to overmix after adding them to keep the bread light and fluffy.

How should I store the bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to bake it fresh if possible.

What should I do if my batter is too thick?

If your batter appears too thick, you can add a splash of milk or buttermilk to loosen it up.

This will help ensure a lighter texture in the finished bread.

How do I properly swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter?

When adding the cinnamon mixture, drop it in dollops on top of the plain batter.

Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it in without overmixing; this will create a marbled effect rather than mixing it completely.

Can I use an alternative to buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by combining ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

How can I ensure my bread rises properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and active.

Also, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a denser bread.

Mix just until combined.

What can I do if the bread is browning too quickly?

If you notice the top of the bread is browning too fast while baking, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

This will help prevent over-browning while allowing the inside to bake through.