
Turn your home into a sweet-smelling haven with this mouthwatering cinnamon donut bread. Every soft bite brings back memories of traditional cinnamon sugar donuts but in an easy-to-slice loaf. After many kitchen trials, we've nailed a super soft texture with beautiful cinnamon swirls that make each mouthful taste amazing.
The secret weapon - buttermilk - gives you that incredibly soft inside that feels just like biting into a fresh donut. Eat it while it's warm and you'll swear you're at your neighborhood donut shop.
Essential Ingredients
- Buttermilk: Makes everything tender with a slight tang that cuts the sweetness
- Molasses: Adds deeper caramel hints to the cinnamon swirl
- Oil and Butter Mix: Keeps everything moist while adding rich taste
- Top-quality Cinnamon: Try Vietnamese type for the boldest flavor kick

Cooking Steps
- Main Mixture:
- Sift the dry stuff well. Whip fats with sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in flour and buttermilk bits by bits, don't overmix.
- Spice Mix:
- Keep some batter separate. Mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses just until they come together.
- Putting It Together:
- Put in half the plain mix, drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mix on top, make swirls. Do this again with remaining batters.
This creation came from a cold winter day when I wanted donuts but didn't want to leave the house.
Perfect Oven Technique
Keep your oven steady at 350°F so everything cooks evenly and gets that nice golden color all around.
Making Beautiful Patterns
Don't go crazy with the swirling - less mixing actually gives you those pretty marble designs.
Getting Ready Early
You can mix the cinnamon-sugar coating beforehand, but wait to put it on until right before you serve it.
Ways To Enjoy
It's great warm from the oven, or use leftover slices to make amazing French toast.
Expert Advice
- Take your ingredients out early so they're not cold
- Real buttermilk makes all the difference in taste
- Let it sit exactly 10 minutes before taking it out of the pan
When cinnamon and sugar smells fill your kitchen, ordinary days feel special. This bread brings a cozy feeling to weekend breakfasts, and it's even better when you've got family around to share it.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why mix dry and wet in turns?
- Alternating them keeps the batter airy so the bread stays soft and tender.
- → What’s a good substitute for buttermilk?
- Just add 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to milk and let it sit for a few minutes.
- → How do I test if it’s baked?
- Poke the center with a toothpick—if it’s almost clean with just a crumb or two, you’re done.
- → Can I freeze this bread?
- Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the sugar coating after thawing.
- → Why wait to coat the bread?
- Cooling it for at least 10 minutes ensures it holds together while adding the buttery sugar layer.