Introduction

Discover the joy of baking with this irresistibly soft cinnamon sugar donut bread. It combines the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon and molasses with a tender, moist crumb that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

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, 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, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine a portion of the batter with cinnamon and molasses, mixing well.
Step 6: Layer half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the molasses-cinnamon mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 7: Use a knife to swirl the batter gently, creating a marbled pattern.
Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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 the melted butter, then roll it in a mixture of light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine and use a plant-based milk for the buttermilk substitute.
Use gluten-free flour blends to make the bread suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
Enhance the aroma by adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice along with the cinnamon.
Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Storage

Store the donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until soft and fragrant.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread vegan?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Use a non-dairy milk with vinegar as the buttermilk substitute.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, simply add ½ teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade buttermilk works perfectly in the recipe.

Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This irresistibly soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread combines tender, moist bread swirled with a fragrant cinnamon and molasses mixture, then coated with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Batter

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)

Molasses Cinnamon Swirl

1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)

Topping

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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bread once baked.
Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is creamy and well combined, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk into the wet mixture, stirring just until all ingredients are combined and no large lumps remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Prepare Cinnamon Molasses Swirl: Transfer a portion of the batter into a separate bowl and mix in the molasses and cinnamon thoroughly for the swirl layer.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the plain batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Next, spoon half of the molasses cinnamon batter over the plain batter. Follow by layering the remaining plain batter and finally the rest of the molasses mixture on top.
Swirl the Batter: Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the batters in the pan to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl to maintain distinct layers.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before applying the topping.
Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Dip the cooled loaf into the melted butter, ensuring full coverage on the surface. Next, roll the bread in a mixture of light brown sugar and granulated sugar combined with cinnamon to coat it completely, giving a sweet, crispy crust.

Notes

You can substitute canola oil with vegetable or coconut oil depending on preference or availability.
For a dairy-free version, margarine can be used instead of butter, and flax eggs can replace chicken eggs.
Using a gluten-free flour blend allows this recipe to be adjusted for gluten intolerance.
If buttermilk is unavailable, mix ½ teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice with ½ cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Ensure baking powder is fresh for the best rise and texture.
Adjust salt quantity if you are following a low-sodium diet.
For a seasonal twist, substitute cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.
To keep the marbled look distinct, do not over-swirl the batter layers.
Allow the bread to cool completely before coating with butter and cinnamon sugar to ensure the topping sticks well.

Keywords: cinnamon sugar bread, donut bread, cinnamon swirl bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe