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Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

4.8 from 68 reviews

This Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a moist, tender loaf combining the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and molasses swirled into a sweet bread batter, finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect as a cozy breakfast, snack, or dessert, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic donut flavors baked into easy-to-slice bread.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread

  • ½ cup Canola Oil (can substitute with vegetable or coconut oil)
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened (margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 cup Sugar (or coconut sugar for a 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)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (reduce for low-sodium diets if needed)
  • ½ cup Buttermilk (or mix ½ teaspoon vinegar with ½ cup milk as substitute)
  • ¼ cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)

For the Topping

  • ¼ cup Melted Unsalted Butter (for coating the bread)
  • ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar (dark brown sugar can enhance flavor)
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar (can use a sugar alternative)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a loaf pan generously with non-stick spray to ensure the bread does not stick during baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is creamy and well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently after each addition until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Prepare Cinnamon Molasses Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine a portion of the batter with cinnamon and molasses. Stir well to create the flavorful cinnamon swirl component.
  6. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the plain bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the cinnamon-molasses batter on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining batters.
  7. Swirl the Batter: Using a knife, gently swirl through the layers to create a marbled pattern, ensuring the cinnamon mixture is swirled throughout but not fully mixed in.
  8. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan 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 or with just 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 before applying the topping.
  10. Apply Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Dip the cooled loaf into the melted butter, then roll it in a mixture of light brown sugar and granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon. This coating gives the bread its signature donut-like finish.

Notes

  • Serve the donut bread warm with coffee or tea for an especially cozy treat.
  • Ensure the bread is completely cooled before slicing to maintain structure and prevent crumbling.
  • You can substitute ingredients such as margarine or coconut sugar to accommodate dietary preferences.
  • This bread stores well and can be reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread, Soft Cinnamon Bread, Cinnamon Swirl Bread, Molasses Bread, Sweet Breakfast Bread, Donut Inspired Bread