Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Cinnamon Donut Bread, a cozy and moist loaf swirled with cinnamon-molasses batter and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make bread combines tender crumb and a crackling sugary crust reminiscent of your favorite donut.
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, using an electric stand mixer, blend together the oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until well combined and creamy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk until the batter is uniform and free of lumps. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Batter: Remove 1/2 cup of the prepared batter and transfer it to a smaller bowl. Stir in ground cinnamon and molasses into this reserved batter, creating the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the loaf pan. Spoon small dollops of half the cinnamon-molasses batter evenly over the plain batter. Follow by pouring the remaining plain batter on top. Lastly, dot the surface with the remaining cinnamon batter.
- Swirl the Batter: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare Coating: While the bread bakes, melt the butter and pour it into a large shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar.
- Cool and Remove From Pan: Once baked, cool the loaf for 10 minutes, then loosen the edges carefully and remove it from the pan. It should still be warm but cool enough to handle.
- Coat the Loaf: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter until fully coated, spooning additional butter over crispy edges. Then transfer the loaf to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides and the top evenly.
- Serve: Slice the cinnamon donut bread and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using a light-colored loaf pan ensures even baking and prevents over-browning.
- For buttermilk substitute, combine 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Do not over-swirl the batter to maintain distinct cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread.
- The coating is best applied while the bread is still warm to allow the butter and sugar to stick perfectly.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- This bread tastes delicious toasted and is excellent when served with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon donut bread, cinnamon swirl bread, cinnamon molasses bread, sweet breakfast bread, cinnamon sugar coating
