Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Category: Decadent Desserts

This donut-style bread features a buttery base swirled with cinnamon sugar, then coated in more sweetness. Ready in 1 hour, serves 6, and tastes just like a fresh bakery donut.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:59:41 GMT
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There's something magical about pulling a freshly baked loaf of Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread from the oven. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of a classic cinnamon donut into a tender, moist bread that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Each slice reveals a perfect spiral of cinnamon-sugar swirled throughout, creating a treat that's both visually stunning and deliciously comforting.

I've made this bread countless times for weekend brunches and holiday gatherings. My favorite memory is baking it early one Christmas morning - the heavenly aroma gently woke my family, drawing them to the kitchen with smiles on their faces.

Essential Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Choose unbleached for better texture and a more natural flavor
  • Buttermilk: The secret to achieving that tender, donut-like crumb. The tanginess balances the sweetness perfectly
  • Canola oil AND butter: This dynamic duo creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days
  • Pure vanilla extract: Splurge on the real thing; it makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor
  • Ground cinnamon: Look for Ceylon cinnamon if possible; its sweet, complex flavor elevates the entire bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace
Start with room temperature ingredients for the best texture
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
Position your oven rack in the center for even baking
2. Mix The Base
Cream butter and sugar until truly light and fluffy - this takes at least 5 minutes
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
Incorporate vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform
3. Create The Perfect Swirl
Layer half the plain batter in your prepared pan
Dollop the cinnamon mixture in strategic spots
Use a butter knife to create elegant swirls, being careful not to overmix
Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon mixture
4. Master The Bake
Place the pan in your preheated oven
Resist opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes
Look for golden edges and a slight crack on top
Test with a skewer - a few moist crumbs are perfect
5. Perfect The Finish
Cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes
Transfer to a wire rack
Brush with melted butter while still warm
Dust generously with cinnamon sugar mixture
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Growing up, my grandmother always said cinnamon was nature's comfort spice. She'd sprinkle it on everything from morning toast to evening tea. This bread reminds me of those warm memories every time I bake it.

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The true beauty of this Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread lies in its versatility. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven, toasted with butter, or transformed into French toast, it never fails to bring comfort and joy to any table.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
Yes, mix regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk.
→ How long does this bread stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
→ Why do you swirl the batter?
Swirling creates beautiful layers of cinnamon throughout the bread and ensures even flavor distribution.
→ Can I skip the sugar coating?
Yes, though the coating gives it that classic donut taste. You could dust with powdered sugar instead.

Donut-Inspired Sweet Breakfast Bread

A sweet bread with cinnamon swirls and sugary coating that tastes just like your favorite donut, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
45 minutes
Total Time Required
60 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 6 Number of Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

→ Bread Base

Contains 01 items 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Contains 02 items ¾ cup granulated sugar
Contains 03 items ½ cup buttermilk
Contains 04 items ¼ cup canola oil
Contains 05 items ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Contains 06 items 2 large eggs
Contains 07 items 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Contains 08 items 1 teaspoon baking powder
Contains 09 items ½ teaspoon salt
Contains 10 items 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Contains 11 items 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Contains 12 items ½ teaspoon molasses

→ Sweet Topping

Contains 13 items ½ cup unsalted butter
Contains 14 items ¼ cup granulated sugar
Contains 15 items ¼ cup brown sugar
Contains 16 items ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven nice and hot at 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a good coating of butter or non-stick spray.

Step 02

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl - this is your dry dream team.

Step 03

Get your mixer ready! Blend the oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy - about 3-4 minutes of mixing magic.

Step 04

Drop in those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Pour in the vanilla and give it another good mix.

Step 05

Start combining your wet and dry ingredients, but do it in three rounds, alternating with buttermilk. Remember: start and end with the dry stuff, and don't overmix!

Step 06

Scoop out ¾ cup of your batter and mix it with brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses in a separate bowl - this is your swirl mixture.

Step 07

Pour half your plain batter in the pan, add dollops of half the cinnamon mixture, and swirl it with a knife. Then repeat with the remaining batters.

Step 08

Pop it in the oven for 45-50 minutes. It's done when a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Step 09

Let it cool for 10 minutes, then dip each side in melted butter and roll in your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Let it cool completely before slicing into this beauty.

Important Tips

  1. This bread combines the best of both worlds - the comfort of homemade bread with the irresistible flavors of a cinnamon sugar donut.
  2. For the best swirl effect, don't overmix when creating the marble pattern - less is more!

Essential Tools

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy (butter, buttermilk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (flour)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 385
  • Fat Amount: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein Amount: 5 g