Buttery Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

This buttery loaf blends fluffy bread with sugary cinnamon swirls for a donut-like treat. Buttermilk creates a rich batter, layered with cinnamon and brown sugar for gorgeous patterns. Post-baking, it’s brushed with melted butter and coated in sugar for a crispy finish. A moist slice of sweetness that’s easy to make at home!
Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:34:39 GMT
A delicious loaf of cinnamon sugar bread on a plate. Pin it
A delicious loaf of cinnamon sugar bread on a plate. | tastyhush.com

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
A tasty baked good featuring a swirly pattern on top, looking ready to eat. Pin it
A tasty baked good featuring a swirly pattern on top, looking ready to eat. | tastyhush.com

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.

A yummy baked treat with spiral designs sits on a wooden serving board. Pin it
A yummy baked treat with spiral designs sits on a wooden serving board. | tastyhush.com

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.

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Fluffy bread with sweet cinnamon sugar layers, topped with a buttery crust, giving it a hint of donut goodness.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread Base

01 1/2 cup buttermilk
02 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
03 2 large eggs
04 1/4 cup canola oil
05 1 teaspoon baking powder
06 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
07 3/4 cup white sugar
08 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Cinnamon Swirl

10 2 tablespoons brown sugar
11 1/2 teaspoon molasses
12 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Topping

13 1/4 cup brown sugar
14 1/4 cup white sugar
15 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
16 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan well. Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 02

Beat the butter, sugar, and oil together until creamy and smooth (3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Gradually alternate adding the dry mix and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix.

Step 03

Take out about 3/4 cup of the plain batter and move it to a separate bowl. Add the cinnamon, molasses, and brown sugar, then stir until smooth.

Step 04

Pour half of the plain batter into the loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon batter on top and give it a gentle swirl. Repeat with the rest of both batters.

Step 05

Place the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check, insert a toothpick; it should come out with just a few crumbs. Leave the bread in the pan for 10 minutes to cool.

Step 06

Melt butter in a shallow bowl. In another dish, mix the cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar. Dip the cooled bread in the melted butter, then roll it in the sugar coating. Let it finish cooling before slicing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Loaf pan (9x5-inch)
  • Mixer (electric)
  • Cooling rack
  • Bowls for coating

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (buttermilk, butter)
  • Made with eggs
  • Has gluten (flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~