Description
Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is a moist, cake-like quick bread with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl. This easy, no-yeast recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for optional glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Set aside to layer in the bread batter later.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In another bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Then, whisk in eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and sour cream or yogurt.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: (Optional) Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of milk or heavy cream until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Nutty Addition – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer for added crunch.
- Chocolate Twist – Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun flavor variation.
- Pumpkin Spice Version – Swap out some of the cinnamon for pumpkin spice and add a bit of canned pumpkin for a fall-inspired treat.
- Maple Glaze – Substitute milk in the glaze with maple syrup for an extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: breakfast, Dessert, snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon swirl bread, donut bread, quick bread, cinnamon sugar loaf, easy baking recipe