Cinnamon Swirl Doughnut Bread

What are your thoughts on old-fashioned, cinnamon sugar-coated doughnuts? We’re lovers of all doughnuts, but that classic is sometimes just too hard to beat. It’s simple perfection and we can’t get enough! While we love the traditional treat, we knew we wanted to bake something inspired by it, but with a twist. Instead of making a batch of doughnuts – which, fried or baked is still a fair amount of effort – we went with a loaf bread version of our favorite doughnut. And that’s not the only exciting part; there’s a cinnamon swirl running through the middle of the loaf and we take things one step further once it’s out of the oven to ensure absolute delectability….

What that extra step, you ask? Well, it might seem a little decadent and ridiculous, but it seriously makes all the difference. The bread itself is so yummy on its own, but we think a little dip in some melted butter and then a roll-around in a cinnamon sugar mixture really bumps up the flavor and look of this recipe, plus, it’s what makes it doughnut bread! Your loaf would be great even if you decided to skip this last step, but trust us, you don’t want to do that.

Another step you don’t want to skip comes in the middle of the recipe. While we use the main batter as the base of the recipe, we take a small amount of it to form a second, cinnamon-spiced batter that then gets dolloped into the main mixture and marbled into your beautiful loaf. While it would save a bit of time to just keep everything as one batter, this step ensures a marbled dessert that impresses everyone. Marbled bread: check. Cinnamon sugar coating: check. Amazing dessert or brunch recipe to always have on hand in a pinch: check-check!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Swirl Doughnut Bread combines the delightful taste of a classic doughnut with the convenience of a loaf bread. The marbled cinnamon swirl adds a touch of elegance, and the final cinnamon sugar coating provides an irresistible crunch. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat anytime.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Medium and large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Knife or toothpick
• Wire rack
• Shallow dishes for butter and cinnamon sugar coating

Ingredients

Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses

Topping:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
3. In a large bowl or mixer, beat together oil, 1/4 cup butter, and white sugar for 3-4 minutes, or until fluffy and lightened in color.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Starting and ending with the dry ingredients, alternate between adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Remove 3/4 cup batter to a separate bowl, then mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses until incorporated.
7. Pour 1/2 of the regular (non-cinnamon) batter into your greased loaf pan, then take spoonfuls of cinnamon batter and drop them over the regular batter, continuing until half of the cinnamon batter is used.
8. Take a knife or toothpick and gently swirl batters together to create a marbled look.
9. Top with remaining 1/2 standard batter, then spoon remaining cinnamon batter on top. Repeat marbling process, being careful not to overmix.
10. Place baking dish in oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
11. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
12. Melt 1/2 cup butter and place in a large, shallow dish.
13. In a separate, shallow dish, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
14. Take the loaf and dip all sides in melted butter (melting more butter, if necessary), then press all sides of the loaf into the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to make sure it adheres.
15. Let cool, then slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a fluffy batter.
• Be gentle when swirling the batters to maintain a beautiful marbled effect.
• For the best flavor, do not skip the butter and cinnamon sugar coating step.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding a handful of chopped nuts for added texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter loaf, increase the cinnamon sugar topping mixture slightly.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 220mg | Sugar: 22g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

How should I store the bread?

Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Swirl Doughnut Bread is the perfect blend of a classic doughnut flavor with the ease of a loaf bread. We hope you give it a try and enjoy every delicious, cinnamony bite. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!