Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread Recipe

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Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: the soft, moist texture of a quick bread and the warm, spiced flavors of a cinnamon donut. This easy-to-make loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Swirled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, this bread will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Overview of the Recipe

This recipe features a tender buttermilk bread batter layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and finished with a simple glaze. The result is a visually stunning loaf with a donut-like flavor and texture. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or with a cup of coffee, this bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
  2. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

  1. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  2. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter

  1. Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  2. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
  3. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  4. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

  1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
  2. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze

  1. Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.

Step 10: Serve

  1. Slice the bread into 10 pieces and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is versatile and can be served:

  • For breakfast with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea.
  • As a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • As a snack paired with a glass of milk or a warm latte.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

  • Hot beverages: Pair with coffee, chai, or hot cocoa.
  • Spiced drinks: Try it with a pumpkin spice latte or cinnamon-infused tea for complementary flavors.
  • Fruit preserves: Spread a little apple butter or orange marmalade for an extra layer of sweetness.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Nutty Cinnamon Bread

Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.

2. Chocolate Swirl Bread

Replace the cinnamon-sugar swirl with a chocolate swirl made from 2 tablespoons cocoa powder mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar.

3. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bread

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

4. Lemon Glazed Cinnamon Bread

Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist.

Health Benefits Notes

  1. Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
  2. Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderness to the bread while providing calcium.
  3. Customization: Use low-fat milk and reduce the sugar for a lighter version of this treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

2. Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute 1 cup of regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for buttermilk.

4. Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can result in a dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.

5. How can I adjust the sweetness?

Reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup or use a lighter glaze to make the bread less sweet.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is the perfect treat for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. With its soft texture, swirled design, and sweet glaze, this loaf is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast bread, a dessert, or a snack, it’s sure to become a favorite. Try this recipe today and indulge in a homemade slice of cozy goodness!

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