Description
A moist, tender loaf cake with swirls of cinnamon sugar throughout and a sweet, buttery cinnamon topping. This irresistible bread delivers all the flavors of your favorite cinnamon donuts in sliceable form.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation step ensures your bread won’t stick to the pan after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. This even distribution ensures consistent leavening and flavor throughout the bread.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The buttermilk will provide tenderness while the butter adds richness to the final product.
- Form the Batter: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and result in a tough bread rather than a soft, tender crumb.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This sweet, aromatic mixture will create delicious swirls throughout the bread that mimic the flavor profile of a cinnamon donut.
- Create Layers: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect throughout the loaf.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. The bread should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This initial cooling time helps the structure set so the bread doesn’t fall apart when removed from the pan.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then generously sprinkle this mixture over the buttered surface, creating a sweet, crunchy crust reminiscent of a donut’s exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the topping has set, slice the bread into thick pieces and serve. This versatile treat works beautifully for breakfast, as a snack with coffee or tea, or as a comforting dessert.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- For a nutty variation, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg