Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Featured in Fresh-Baked Comfort.

This Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Bread combines the softness of quick bread with the flavor of a classic cinnamon sugar donut. It’s made with a lush buttermilk batter layered with a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon for beautiful swirls in every bite. After baking, the loaf is brushed with melted butter and coated in cinnamon sugar, creating a crunchy, donut-style finish. Expect a moist, sweet loaf that captures the magic of donuts with a simple, homemade twist.
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Updated on Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:01:49 GMT
A mouthwatering plated cinnamon bread loaf. Pin it
A mouthwatering plated cinnamon bread loaf. | quickierecipe.com

Transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery with this irresistible cinnamon donut bread. Each tender slice captures the nostalgic flavors of classic cinnamon sugar donuts in a convenient loaf form. Perfected through extensive testing, this recipe delivers a remarkably soft crumb and stunning swirls of cinnamon that provide delightful flavor in every bite.

The magic ingredient - buttermilk - creates an exceptionally tender crumb that perfectly mimics the texture of freshly fried donuts. When served warm, the aroma and taste transport you straight to your favorite donut shop.

Key Ingredients

  • Buttermilk: Provides tenderness and subtle tang to balance sweetness
  • Molasses: Enriches the cinnamon swirl with deep caramel notes
  • Oil and Butter Blend: Creates ideal moisture while adding rich flavor
  • Premium Cinnamon: Vietnamese cinnamon recommended for bold flavor
A delicious pastry with a spiral swirl on top, ready to be enjoyed. Pin it
A delicious pastry with a spiral swirl on top, ready to be enjoyed. | quickierecipe.com

Preparation Method

Base Batter:
Sift dry ingredients thoroughly. Beat fats and sugar until fluffy. Incorporate eggs individually. Alternate flour and buttermilk additions, mixing minimally.
Cinnamon Mixture:
Set aside portion of batter. Blend in brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses until just combined.
Assembly:
Layer half the plain batter, add cinnamon mixture in dollops, create swirls. Repeat layering process.

This recipe emerged from a winter afternoon craving for fresh donuts, inspiring a home-baked alternative.

Optimal Baking

Maintain oven temperature at 350°F for consistent baking and proper browning throughout.

Creating Perfect Swirls

Exercise restraint when swirling - minimal mixing preserves the distinctive marbled pattern.

Advance Preparation

Mix cinnamon-sugar coating ahead, but apply just before serving for optimal texture.

Serving Ideas

Enjoy fresh, or transform leftovers into decadent French toast.

Professional Tips

  • Allow ingredients to reach room temperature
  • Fresh buttermilk is essential for authentic flavor
  • Cool precisely 10 minutes before pan removal

The heavenly aroma of cinnamon and sugar transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions. This bread brings warmth and comfort to weekend breakfasts, especially when shared with loved ones.

A delicious pastry with a spiral pattern is displayed on a wooden tray. Pin it
A delicious pastry with a spiral pattern is displayed on a wooden tray. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why alternate wet and dry ingredients?
Switching between the two avoids overworking the batter and gives the bread a light and tender texture.
→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can mix regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for five minutes.
→ How do I check if the bread is ready?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with just a few crumbs, the bread is good to go.
→ Can this bread go in the freezer?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Wait to coat in sugar until defrosted.
→ Why cool the bread before adding the coating?
Giving it at least 10 minutes to cool keeps the bread together while dipping it in butter and sugar.

Swirled Cinnamon Bread

Soft and fluffy homemade bread with layers of cinnamon and sugar swirled throughout, finished with a buttery, sugary crust that feels just like a donut.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread Base

01 1/4 cup canola oil
02 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
03 1/2 cup buttermilk
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 2 large eggs
09 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Cinnamon Swirl

10 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 1/2 teaspoon molasses
12 2 tablespoons brown sugar

→ Topping

13 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
15 1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Turn on your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter up a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium-size bowl.

Step 02

Whip the canola oil, butter, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk in turns, starting and finishing with the dry mix.

Step 03

Scoop out about 3/4 cup of the batter and put it into a different bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses until it’s all combined.

Step 04

Drop half of the plain batter into the loaf pan. Add dollops of the cinnamon batter and swirl it around. Do the same with the rest of the batters.

Step 05

Put the loaf in the oven and bake it for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes to cool.

Step 06

Melt butter in a shallow dish. In another dish, combine the sugars and cinnamon. Roll the cooled bread in the butter, then in the sugar mix. Let it cool completely before you cut into it.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Shallow dishes for topping

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, buttermilk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~