Cinnamon Donut Bread

This Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delicious, cinnamon-flavored loaf that brings the flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut right into a tender, homemade bread. A true fan favorite, this recipe has been rated highly by many for its rich taste and incredible texture.

Rating: 4.14 from 684 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Bread Recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 381 kcal per slice

Equipment

• Loaf Pan
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Bread Batter:

• ¼ cup Canola Oil
• ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 cup White Sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ cup Buttermilk
• ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Molasses

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
• ¼ cup White Sugar
• ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar
• ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or a light coat of butter, and set it aside.
2. Make the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola oil, softened butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
   Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until you have a smooth, thick batter.
4. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
   In a separate small bowl, pour ½ cup of the batter and add the ground cinnamon and molasses. Stir well to combine.
5. Assemble the Loaf
   Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop half of the cinnamon-molasses batter over the plain batter. Add the remaining plain batter on top, followed by dollops of the remaining cinnamon batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled effect.
6. Bake
   Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Topping
   While the bread is cooling slightly, pour the melted butter into a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix the white sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
8. Coat the Bread
   Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully remove it. While the loaf is still warm, dip each side of the loaf into the melted butter, spooning the remaining butter over the edges if needed to ensure the entire loaf is coated. Roll the loaf in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until every side is covered.
9. Serve
   Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this bread with its crispy, cinnamon-sugar exterior and soft, cinnamon-donut-like interior. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack anytime!