Fluffy Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe: Bakery Magic at Home

Sweet aromas of warm cinnamon swirl donut bread float through the kitchen, promising pure comfort and indulgence.

Soft, tender layers of delicate dough marry perfectly with swirls of rich cinnamon.

Each slice offers a delightful blend of bakery-style sweetness and homemade charm.

Bakeries might charge premium prices for such a delectable treat, but you can craft this masterpiece right in your own kitchen.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward techniques anyone can master.

Warm, fragrant slices await, ready to transform an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible bread.

Storing Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread the Right Way

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap bread securely in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze whole loaf or slice first for easier portioning. Keeps well for 2-3 months.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, toast in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore slight crispness.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes to refresh texture and bring back original softness.

FAQs

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

To prevent sinking, gently fold the cinnamon mixture into the batter and use a swirling technique with a knife or skewer. Coating the cinnamon mixture with a light dusting of flour before adding can also help distribute it evenly throughout the bread.

• Why did my bread turn out dense or heavy?

Dense bread often results from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

• Can I make this bread without buttermilk?

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

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread: Sweet Details

• Perfect for beginner bakers who want a delicious treat without complicated techniques. The step-by-step process guides you smoothly through creating a bakery-worthy bread at home.
• Delivers rich cinnamon flavor that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend breakfast. Kids and adults will love the sweet, warm swirls running through each slice.
• Transforms from breakfast star to afternoon snack or dessert companion. Pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or enjoyed standalone as a satisfying treat that feels like a special indulgence.
• Requires basic pantry ingredients and simple mixing techniques. Minimal equipment needed means you can whip up this delectable bread without extensive cooking skills or complicated tools.

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread: Ingredient Guide

• Flour: A key structural component that provides the foundation for the bread's texture.
• Canola Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the bread.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to the bread's soft texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bread.

• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.

• Vanilla, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Molasses: Create a warm, sweet, and aromatic swirl throughout the bread.

• Buttermilk, Vanilla: Add moisture and enhance the overall flavor of the bread.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Provide a sweet and spicy exterior coating for the finished bread.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Butter (for coating): Helps the sugar mixture adhere to the bread's surface.

Tools Needed for Donut Bread Magic

• Loaf Pan: 9×5-inch standard baking pan for shaping and baking the bread.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for creaming butter, sugar, and blending batter smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowls: At least two for separating batter and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk or Spatula: For mixing and swirling cinnamon mixture into batter.
• Toothpick: To test bread doneness by checking for clean or mostly clean insertion.
• Shallow Dishes: Two for butter dipping and sugar coating at final stage.
• Sifter: To evenly blend dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Cooling Rack: Optional, but helpful for cooling bread after baking.

Baking Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 2: Whip Up Base Batter

In a large mixing bowl, blend canola oil, softened butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.

This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.

Start and end with the dry mixture, creating a smooth, creamy batter.

Step 3: Craft Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Scoop out 3/4 cup of the base batter into a separate bowl.

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Molasses

Stir until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Magical Layers

Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture across the batter.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirls and marbled patterns.

Repeat with the remaining batters, creating delightful layers of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

Step 6: Add Delicious Finishing Touch

Melt butter in a shallow dish.

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Once the bread has cooled slightly, brush with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Allow to cool completely before slicing into delectable pieces.

Tips for Tender Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• Use room temperature buttermilk for smoother batter and more even rise, ensuring a tender, moist bread texture.
• Use a knife or skewer to create beautiful, intricate cinnamon swirls without overmixing the batter.
• Dust cinnamon mixture with a little flour to help it distribute evenly and prevent settling at the bottom.
• Insert toothpick at an angle near center to ensure bread is fully baked without drying out.
• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap to maintain softness and prevent drying for up to 3 days.

Fun Donut Bread Flavors to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly bread that maintains soft texture and rich flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and swap buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added moisture and protein.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Variation: Mix cocoa powder into the swirl mixture, sprinkle dark chocolate chips throughout batter for an indulgent chocolate-cinnamon combination.

Ways to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

• Sweet Morning Companion: Pair this cinnamon swirl bread with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Dessert Upgrade: Transform this bread into a decadent dessert by topping with vanilla ice cream or drizzling with warm caramel sauce.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Slice and serve as part of a weekend brunch spread, complementing eggs, fresh fruit, and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing meal.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and baking skills.

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon swirl donut bread brings classic bakery comfort to kitchen counters. Sweet cinnamon layers weave through buttery dough, creating a delightful treat you will savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Bread Base:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters / 12.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) canola oil
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses

Topping:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients using a sifter to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes of consistent beating.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the creamed mixture, then add vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter. Begin and end with dry ingredients for optimal texture.
6. Separate 3/4 cup of the base batter into a different bowl, then introduce brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
7. Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then strategically drop dollops of the cinnamon mixture on top, using a knife to create a marbled swirl effect.
8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining plain and cinnamon batters, continuing the swirling technique for a beautiful, intricate pattern.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with minimal, moist crumbs.
10. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps it settle and makes removal easier.
11. Melt butter in a shallow dish and prepare a separate dish with combined sugars and cinnamon for coating.
12. Once slightly cooled, carefully dip the bread’s exterior in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delectable, crisp exterior.
13. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure clean, even cuts and optimal flavor development.

Notes

• Select high-quality buttermilk for richer, tangier flavor that enhances the bread’s moisture and texture.
• Ensure ingredients are room temperature to create smoother, more uniform batter with better rising potential.
• Use gentle swirling technique with a knife or skewer to create beautiful marbled cinnamon pattern without overmixing.
• Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and adding xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg