
Make your home smell like a local bakery with this mouthwatering cinnamon donut bread. Each soft slice brings back memories of traditional cinnamon sugar donuts but in an easy-to-slice loaf. We've tried this dozens of times to get it just right, giving you an incredibly soft texture with beautiful cinnamon swirls that pack flavor in every mouthful.
The secret weapon - buttermilk - makes the inside wonderfully soft, just like fresh-fried donuts. When it's still warm, you'll swear you're standing in your favorite donut place.
Essential Ingredients
- Buttermilk: Makes everything soft and adds slight tanginess against the sweet
- Molasses: Gives the cinnamon swirl deeper, caramel-like flavors
- Oil and Butter Mix: Keeps everything moist while adding rich taste
- Quality Cinnamon: Try Vietnamese cinnamon if you can find it for stronger flavor

Cooking Instructions
- Main Mixture:
- Run dry stuff through a sifter. 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:
- Put some batter aside. Mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, and molasses just until mixed.
- Putting It Together:
- Pour in half the plain stuff, drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mix, make swirls. Do the same thing again with what's left.
This idea came from a cold winter day when I wanted donuts but didn't want to leave the house.
Smart Baking
Keep your oven at 350°F the whole time so it cooks evenly and browns nicely all over.
Beautiful Marbling
Don't go crazy with the swirling - less mixing means you'll see those pretty marble patterns better.
Get Ready Early
You can mix the cinnamon-sugar coating beforehand, but wait to put it on until you're ready to eat.
Ways To Enjoy
It's great warm, or use day-old slices to make amazing French toast.
Expert Tricks
- Take ingredients out of the fridge early
- Don't use old buttermilk if you want the best taste
- Let it sit exactly 10 minutes before taking it out of the pan
The wonderful smell of cinnamon and sugar makes regular mornings feel special. This bread brings a cozy feel to weekend breakfasts, especially when you've got family around.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why alternate wet and dry ingredients?
- Switching between them keeps the batter smooth and prevents it from getting dense.
- → What’s a substitute for buttermilk?
- Combine regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before using.
- → How can I tell if it’s baked through?
- Stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out mostly clean, it’s done.
- → Is this bread freezable?
- Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Add the coating after thawing.
- → Why wait to coat the bread?
- Let it cool for at least 10 minutes so it stays together when buttered and coated.