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Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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