The Best Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Crafting a delectable cinnamon swirl donut bread brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will dance through your home, promising a delightful treat.

Soft, pillowy layers promise a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug.

Unexpected twists of rich cinnamon create magic between tender bread slices.

Each bite connects memories of childhood bakery visits with homemade comfort.

Mesmerizing swirls promise a delectable journey for anyone seeking a special breakfast or afternoon snack.

Bake this recipe and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread That Wows

• Craft an Irresistible Swirl: This cinnamon swirl bread delivers mouthwatering layers of sweet cinnamon throughout each slice, creating a stunning marbled visual that's sure to impress family and guests.
• Master Baker's Delight: Perfect for baking enthusiasts who love creating restaurant-quality treats at home, this recipe offers a sophisticated yet approachable challenge for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Comfort Treat: Ideal for multiple occasions like brunches, afternoon tea, breakfast, or as a delectable dessert companion, this bread serves multiple purposes and satisfies diverse cravings with its rich, warm flavor profile.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples, you can create a bakery-worthy bread that looks and tastes incredibly complex, making it an affordable and impressive homemade treat that feels like a special indulgence.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Main Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure to the bread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Canola Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and contributes to the bread's softness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
• Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the bread's flavor profile.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create the signature cinnamon swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the classic warm and aromatic flavor.
• Molasses: Adds depth and richness to the cinnamon mixture.

How to Bake Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a light layer of butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Foundations

Grab a medium bowl and sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Create a smooth, lump-free mixture that will give your bread a perfect texture.

Step 3: Whip Up the Base

• Canola oil
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes of blending.

Step 4: Add Liquid Goodness

Crack eggs into the creamy mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks smooth and combined.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Elements

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

Fold gently to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 6: Craft the Cinnamon Magic

Pull out 3/4 cup of batter into a separate bowl.

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Molasses

Mix until the cinnamon mixture looks rich and consistent.

Step 7: Create Swirly Layers

Pour half the plain batter into the pan.

Dollop cinnamon mixture on top. Use a knife to create beautiful swirls throughout the batter.

Step 8: Add Final Layers

Cover with remaining plain batter. Top with final cinnamon mixture.

Swirl again with a knife to create a mesmerizing marble effect.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few crumbs.

Step 10: Prepare Finishing Touch

Let bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Melt additional butter in one dish.

Mix sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in another.

Step 11: Give a Delicious Coating

Carefully remove bread from pan.

Dunk each side in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips to Nail Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature for smoother batter blending and better bread texture.
• Swirl carefully with a knife to create beautiful marble patterns without overmixing the batter.
• Check bread doneness early to prevent drying out; ovens vary in temperature and performance.
• Use fresh ground cinnamon for more intense and vibrant flavor profile in the swirl mixture.
• Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.

Variations on Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender.
• Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, canola oil with coconut oil, and buttermilk with almond milk or soy milk for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas with Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• Brew a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the bread's warm cinnamon notes, cutting through the sweetness with its robust flavor profile.
• Spread a layer of whipped cream cheese or mascarpone to add a luxurious, tangy contrast against the bread's sweet cinnamon swirl, creating a delightful taste sensation.
• Blend a smooth vanilla almond milk or a spiced chai latte to echo the cinnamon undertones, enhancing the bread's comforting warmth and adding an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
• Serve a small glass of late-harvest Riesling or a light dessert Port, whose subtle sweetness and gentle acidity will beautifully balance the bread's rich, sugary texture.

Storage Advice for Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep bread at a consistent temperature to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets remain to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place bread in a sealed container or zip-lock bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve its texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to create a similar tangy flavor and texture.

• Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• How can I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the cinnamon mixture with a little flour before adding it to the batter. This helps distribute the swirl more evenly throughout the bread and prevents it from sinking.

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon swirl donut bread delivers classic bakery flavors in a simple breakfast treat. Warm spices and sweet glaze create delightful comfort you can enjoy with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) canola oil
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick or 57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp molasses
• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring smooth bread removal.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, setting aside for later incorporation.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream canola oil, butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs individually to the creamed mixture, fully blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix gently to prevent dense texture, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
6. Separate 3/4 cup batter and combine with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and molasses, creating a rich swirl mixture.
7. Transfer half the plain batter into the prepared pan, then dot with half the cinnamon mixture. Use a knife to create intricate marbled patterns throughout the layer.
8. Layer remaining plain batter over the first swirled section, topping with remaining cinnamon mixture. Swirl again to create complex, decorative patterns.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted near the center reveals minimal crumbs.
10. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt additional butter and prepare a cinnamon-sugar coating mixture.
11. Remove bread from pan, carefully dipping each side in melted butter, then generously coating with cinnamon-sugar blend. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

• Check buttermilk temperature to ensure room temperature ingredients blend smoothly and create a tender crumb.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough bread texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Use fresh ground cinnamon for more vibrant and robust flavor profile in the swirl mixture.
• Rotate pan halfway through baking to guarantee even browning and consistent cooking throughout the loaf.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg