Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Irresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and molasses in a tender, moist loaf. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it offers a delightful twist on classic donut flavors baked into bread form.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Canola Oil (can substitute with vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened) (margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup Sugar (or coconut sugar for lower glycemic option)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (almond extract can be used for a twist)
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature) (can use flax eggs for vegan version)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (a gluten-free flour blend can be used)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (ensure it’s fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (reduce in low-sodium diets if needed)
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk (or mix ½ tsp of vinegar with ½ cup milk as substitute)
- 1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)
- 1/4 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (for coating the bread)
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (dark brown sugar can enhance flavor)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can use a sugar alternative)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix softened butter, oil, and sugar until well combined and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine a portion of the batter with cinnamon and molasses.
- Step 6: Layer half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the molasses-cinnamon mixture. Repeat with the remaining batters.
- Step 7: Use a knife to gently swirl the batters to create a marbled pattern.
- Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 10: Dip the cooled loaf in melted butter, then roll it in a cinnamon-sugar mixture made from the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter.
- Try using pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for a seasonal flavor twist.
- Swirling the batters gently ensures a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing.
- Using brown sugar instead of molasses adds a milder sweetness but preserves the rich flavor.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the oven or microwave for a freshly baked feel.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure to use one that contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding ½ teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
PrintIrresistibly Soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread Recipe
This irresistibly soft Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of classic cinnamon sugar donuts with the comforting texture of moist bread. Swirled with cinnamon and molasses, then coated in butter and a generous cinnamon-sugar mixture, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Canola Oil (can substitute with vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened) (margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup Sugar (or coconut sugar for lower glycemic option)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (almond extract can be used for a twist)
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature) (can use flax eggs for vegan version)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (a gluten-free flour blend can be used)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (ensure it’s fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (reduce in low-sodium diets if needed)
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk (or mix ½ tsp of vinegar with ½ cup milk as substitute)
- 1/4 cup Molasses (brown sugar can be used as alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice can be used for a seasonal flavor)
For Coating
- 1/4 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (for coating the bread)
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (dark brown sugar can enhance flavor)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can use a sugar alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar together until the mixture is creamy and well combined, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry and Liquid Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Cinnamon Molasses Mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix a portion of the batter with cinnamon and molasses to create the cinnamon swirl portion.
- Layer the Batter: Spoon half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the cinnamon molasses batter on top. Repeat layers with remaining plain and cinnamon molasses batter.
- Swirl the Batter: Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together creating a marbled effect in the loaf.
- Bake: Bake the loaf at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat the Bread: Once cooled, dip the loaf in melted unsalted butter and then roll it in a mixture of light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for that classic donut sugar coating.
Notes
- You can substitute oils (vegetable or coconut) and sugars (coconut sugar or brown sugar) to adjust flavor and dietary needs.
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs and margarine instead of butter.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh for optimal rising.
- The swirling technique is key for an attractive marbled look.
- If you have a low sodium diet, reduce or omit the added salt.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before coating for best sugar adherence.
Keywords: cinnamon sugar bread, donut bread, cinnamon swirl bread, breakfast bread, sweet bread, molasses bread

