Print

Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

4.3 from 66 reviews

This Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread blends the comforting flavors of cinnamon and molasses into a tender, moist loaf. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack, this recipe features a marbled batter baked to perfection and coated with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust that mimics the taste of classic donut treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet 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)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (almond extract can be used for a twist)
  • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature) (can use flax eggs for vegan version)
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk (or mix ½ tsp of vinegar with ½ cup milk as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
  • 1/4 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (for coating the bread)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sugar (or coconut sugar for lower glycemic option)
  • 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 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)
  • 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (dark brown sugar can enhance flavor)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can use a sugar alternative)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
  2. Mix Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar. Beat these ingredients together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture until the batter becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
  5. Create Cinnamon Molasses Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix a portion of the batter with the cinnamon and molasses for a flavorful swirl component.
  6. Layer Batters in Pan: Spread half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spoon half of the molasses-cinnamon mixture on top. Repeat layering with remaining batters.
  7. Swirl the Batters: Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the two batters together in the pan to create a marbled effect without mixing them completely.
  8. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. 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.
  10. Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Once cooled, dip the loaf into the melted unsalted butter and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture made from the light brown sugar and granulated sugar combined with cinnamon, giving it a deliciously sweet crust akin to donut coating.

Notes

  • You can substitute oils and sugars according to dietary needs or preferences, such as coconut oil or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
  • For a vegan version, use flax eggs in place of large eggs and margarine instead of butter.
  • Using fresh baking powder is crucial for proper rising of the bread.
  • To keep the bread moist, avoid overbaking and check for doneness with a toothpick.
  • The cinnamon-sugar coating adds an authentic donut flavor and texture to the bread’s crust.

Keywords: cinnamon sugar donut bread, cinnamon bread, cinnamon swirl bread, baked donut bread, molasses bread, cinnamon loaf, breakfast bread