Description
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, boasting a rich swirled cinnamon batter and a luscious cinnamon-sugar coating. Soft and moist with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this quick bread makes an irresistible breakfast treat or snack, best served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Main Batter
- 1/4 cup canola oil (or avocado oil)
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar)
Cinnamon Batter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon molasses
- 1/2 cup prepared batter (reserved from main batter)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to ensure the bread doesn't stick during baking.
- Create the Main Batter: In a large bowl, use an electric stand mixer to blend the canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt along with the buttermilk, mixing gently until a uniform batter forms. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure even mixing.
- Make Cinnamon Batter: Remove 1/2 cup of the prepared batter and transfer it to a smaller bowl. Stir in the ground cinnamon and molasses until evenly combined, creating the cinnamon-flavored swirl batter.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spoon dollops of half the cinnamon batter evenly over the plain batter. Pour the remaining plain batter on top, then dot the top with the remaining cinnamon batter dollops for a flavorful swirl effect.
- Swirl Batters: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled cinnamon pattern throughout the bread. Take care not to overmix to maintain distinct swirls.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Prepare Coating Mixtures: While the bread bakes, pour the melted butter into a large shallow dish. In a separate large shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture for coating.
- Cool and Remove Loaf: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully loosen the edges and remove the loaf from the pan. The bread will be warm but cool enough to handle with your hands.
- Coat with Butter: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter, making sure it is fully coated. Spoon any remaining melted butter over the loaves' edges, especially the crispier parts.
- Apply Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Transfer the buttered loaf to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and press gently into the sides and top to fully coat the bread, giving it a sweet, crunchy crust reminiscent of a cinnamon sugar donut.
- Serve: Slice the loaf into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature for a comforting, delicious treat.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency and improved texture.
- If you don't have buttermilk, substitute with 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Greasing a light-colored loaf pan helps bake the bread evenly and prevent over-browning.
- The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful crunchy crust that enhances the donut-like flavor.
- Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week; reheat slices for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American