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Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/cinnamon-donut-bread-recipe/