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Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe

4.8 from 114 reviews

This Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic donut flavors baked into a moist, tender loaf. Swirled with molasses and cinnamon, then coated with melted butter and cinnamon sugar, this sweet bread offers a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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; flax eggs can be used for a 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, oil, and sugar. Mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  5. Prepare Cinnamon Molasses Mixture: Take a portion of the batter into a separate bowl. Add cinnamon and molasses to this portion and mix well to incorporate the flavors.
  6. Layer Batter in Pan: Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then add half of the cinnamon-molasses batter on top. Repeat layering with the remaining plain batter followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
  7. Create Marble Effect: Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled pattern throughout the loaf.
  8. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  9. Cool the Bread: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Once cooled, dip the loaf in melted butter, then roll it in a mixture of light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to mimic a cinnamon sugar donut coating.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute margarine for butter and use a plant-based milk with vinegar as the buttermilk substitute.
  • To make vegan, use flax eggs instead of eggs and ensure vegan alternatives for butter and milk.
  • Using coconut sugar instead of regular sugar lowers the glycemic index.
  • Fresh baking powder is essential for proper rise.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for a festive seasonal variation.
  • Do not overmix batter to keep the bread tender and soft.
  • Ensure the bread is completely cooled before coating with butter and cinnamon sugar to avoid melting the topping excessively.

Keywords: cinnamon sugar donut bread, soft donut bread, cinnamon swirl bread, baked donut bread, sweet bread, cinnamon molasses loaf