Print

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is a soft, fluffy quick bread bursting with warm cinnamon and sugar swirls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make bread combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of loaf baking, resulting in tender slices that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Cinnamon Swirl Filling

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices for consistent flavor and rise.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with room temperature milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined to add moisture and richness.
  3. Combine batter: Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light rather than dense and chewy.
  4. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well blended to create the signature sweet, spiced filling.
  5. Layer the batter and swirl: Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan, spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top, then gently pour the remaining batter over the swirl. Use a butter knife to carefully swirl the mixture for a marbled effect.
  6. Bake to perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to preserve its tender crumb.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for smooth batter blending and even rising.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough bread.
  • Swirl gently using a butter knife or skewer for defined cinnamon ribbons.
  • Check bread doneness starting at 40 minutes as ovens vary.
  • Use unsalted butter for balanced sweetness and flavor control.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon bread, quick bread, breakfast bread, sweet bread, cinnamon swirl, donut bread