Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic quick bread, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and molasses with a tender, moist crumb. Coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, it’s perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup canola oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs at 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 or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses
• Coating:
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F and grease a light colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric stand mixer to combine the oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until fully blended and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gently stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk until a uniform batter forms. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure there are no lumps.
4. Step 4: Remove 1/2 cup of batter from the bowl and place it into a smaller bowl. Mix in the ground cinnamon and molasses to this portion.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon-molasses batter in small dollops over the plain batter. Pour the remaining plain batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon batter dolloped over the top.
6. Step 6: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: While the loaf is baking, prepare the coating. Pour the melted butter into a large shallow dish. In another dish, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together.
8. Step 8: After baking, let the loaf cool for 10 minutes before loosening the edges and removing it from the pan. The loaf should still be warm but cool enough to handle.
9. Step 9: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter until fully coated. Spoon extra melted butter over any crispy edges.
10. Step 10: Transfer the buttery loaf to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and press gently to coat all sides. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk and substitute butter with vegan butter or oil.
• Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness or dark brown sugar for a richer flavor in the coating.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the cinnamon batter to 1 teaspoon.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through, then enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

This Cinnamon Donut Bread recipe combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and molasses with a moist, tender crumb, finished with a classic cinnamon-sugar coating for the ultimate sweet treat. Perfectly baked in a loaf pan, it’s a delightful twist on traditional donuts, easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter

• 1/4 cup canola oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs at 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 or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses

Coating

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a light-colored loaf pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric stand mixer to combine the oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is well blended and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gently fold in the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, and salt — alternately with the buttermilk, stirring just enough to create a uniform batter without overmixing. Scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate any lingering flour lumps.
4. Prepare Cinnamon Batter: Remove 1/2 cup of the prepared batter into a separate small bowl. Mix in the ground cinnamon and molasses thoroughly to infuse this portion with rich cinnamon flavor.
5. Layer the Batter in Loaf Pan: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Add spoonfuls of the cinnamon batter in small dollops over the first layer. Pour the remaining plain batter over the top, then dot the remaining cinnamon batter across the loaf’s surface.
6. Create the Cinnamon Swirl: Use a butter knife to swirl the two batters together gently, creating a marbled effect without fully blending the flavors.
7. Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to maintain moistness.
8. Prepare Coating While Baking: In two separate shallow dishes, pour the melted butter into one and mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in the other to prepare the coating.
9. Cool and Remove Loaf: Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then loosen the edges carefully and remove the loaf. It should be warm and still manageable by hand.
10. Dip and Coat the Loaf: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter until fully coated, spooning extra melted butter over edges that are crispier. Then press the loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until all sides, including the top and edges, are thoroughly coated.
11. Serve: Slice the cinnamon donut bread and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• If buttermilk is not available, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar for a homemade buttermilk alternative.
• Use a light-colored loaf pan to ensure even baking and avoid over-browning.
• The swirling of cinnamon batter helps create a marbled cinnamon effect, but avoid overmixing to keep distinct flavor pockets.
• Serve the bread warm for a soft, donut-like texture, or at room temperature for easier slicing.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Keywords: cinnamon donut bread, cinnamon swirl bread, baked donut bread, easy cinnamon bread, sweet bread recipe