Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
A delightful Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread that combines soft, moist bread with a swirl of cinnamon and molasses, finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. This baked treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal breakfast or snack option.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Batter Ingredients
- 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 Mixture
- 1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)
Coating
- 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)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar. Mix well until the mixture is creamy and fully combined, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Stir just until all ingredients are combined without overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare the Molasses Cinnamon Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix a portion of the batter with the cinnamon and molasses until evenly incorporated, creating the flavorful swirl.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the plain bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the molasses cinnamon mixture over it. Repeat the layering with the remaining plain batter and molasses mixture.
- Swirl the Batter: Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter in the pan to create a marbled, cinnamon pattern throughout the bread.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat with Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar: Once cooled, dip the loaf into the melted butter to coat the surface, then roll it in a mixture of light brown sugar and granulated sugar combined with cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy crust reminiscent of a cinnamon sugar donut.
Notes
- You can substitute margarine for butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk for buttermilk alternative.
- Using coconut sugar or sugar alternatives can reduce the glycemic index of this bread.
- Fresh baking powder ensures good rise and texture, so check the expiration date before use.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the swirl mixture.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Keywords: cinnamon sugar bread, donut bread, molasses bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread, cinnamon swirl