Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread: Just imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked donuts, but without all the fuss of frying! This isn’t just any bread; it’s a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, combining the comforting warmth of cinnamon bread with the sweet, glazed goodness of a classic donut.

The concept of sweet breads, enriched with spices and sugar, has been around for centuries, evolving across cultures and culinary traditions. Think of the German “Streuselkuchen” or the Swedish “Kanelbullar” – each a testament to our universal love for sweet, spiced dough. Our Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread draws inspiration from these traditions, offering a modern twist that’s both familiar and exciting.

What makes this bread so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, tender crumb is swirled with a generous ribbon of cinnamon sugar, creating pockets of intense sweetness in every bite. And then there’s the glaze – a simple yet decadent topping that adds that signature donut shine and flavor. But beyond the taste, it’s the convenience that truly shines. Forget the deep fryer and sticky mess; this recipe is baked in a loaf pan, making it a surprisingly easy treat to whip up for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread, it will become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk, plus more as needed
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread – the dough! This is where the magic begins, and trust me, the aroma alone is worth the effort.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make sure everything is nicely combined. This ensures the yeast is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a good rise.
2. Warm the Milk: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, warm the milk to between 110-115°F. This temperature is perfect for activating the yeast. If it’s too hot, you’ll kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, it won’t activate properly. I usually use a thermometer to be precise, but you can also test it by dripping a little on your wrist – it should feel warm but not hot.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the warmed milk. Whisk them together until they’re well combined. The melted butter adds richness and flavor, while the eggs contribute to the dough’s structure and tenderness.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough at this point; we’ll smooth it out in the next step.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness.
6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the yeast does its work, creating air pockets that make the bread light and fluffy. A warm spot helps speed up the process. I often put mine in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s get the cinnamon swirl filling ready. This is what gives our bread that irresistible cinnamon-y goodness!

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it much easier to spread. You can leave it out on the counter for an hour or two, or if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds at a time) until it’s soft but not melted.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and forms a smooth paste. The brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Assembling and Baking the Bread

Now for the fun part – putting it all together and baking our Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread!

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. This helps prevent large air pockets from forming in the bread.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the thickness even so that the bread bakes evenly.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon swirl filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges. This ensures that every bite is packed with cinnamon flavor.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. This creates the beautiful swirls that we’re after.
5. Cut into Slices: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss works surprisingly well for this – just slide it under the log, cross the ends over each other, and pull to slice. This prevents the slices from getting squished.
6. Arrange in Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in the pan, cut-side up. You can arrange them in rows or in a more random pattern – it’s up to you!
7. Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they’re puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise is important for creating a light and airy bread.
8. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
10. Cool: Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting too much.

Preparing the Glaze

No Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is complete without a luscious glaze! This simple glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and makes the bread even more irresistible.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the milk gradually, starting with ¼ cup, and then adding more as needed until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too thin.
2. Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm rolls. You can use a spoon or a whisk to drizzle it. Don’t be shy – the more glaze, the better!
3. Serve: Serve the Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to make your Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread even better:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer frosting, substitute half of the milk in the glaze with cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples to the cinnamon filling for an apple cinnamon twist.
• Overnight Rise: For a more intense flavor, you can let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Individual Rolls: Instead of baking the rolls in a pan, you can bake them individually on a baking sheet for a more donut-like presentation.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in loaf form, a delightful explosion of cinnamon-sugar goodness that will have everyone begging for seconds. Seriously, if you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a bake that fills your kitchen with the most intoxicating aroma, and a treat that’s surprisingly simple to make, then you absolutely must try this recipe. I promise, you won’t regret it!

Think about it: the soft, tender crumb, the ribbons of sweet cinnamon swirling through every slice, the slightly crisp, buttery crust… it’s like a donut and a loaf of bread had a beautiful, delicious baby. And the best part? It’s so much easier than making actual donuts! No frying, no yeast proofing anxieties, just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions that even a novice baker can master.

But the real magic lies in its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine served warm with a simple pat of butter, the possibilities are truly endless. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use it to make French toast! Imagine the cinnamon-infused, custardy goodness – pure breakfast bliss!

And speaking of breakfast, this Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is also fantastic toasted and served with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note, or to impress guests at a weekend brunch. For a slightly different twist, you could add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch. Or, if you’re a chocolate lover, try swirling in a bit of Nutella along with the cinnamon sugar – trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Serving Suggestions:

* Warm with butter
* Toasted with whipped cream and berries
* As French toast
* With vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
* With a cream cheese glaze (mix powdered sugar with cream cheese and a splash of milk)

Variations:

* Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) to the batter.
* Swirl in Nutella along with the cinnamon sugar.
* Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
* Top with a streusel topping before baking.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking and enjoying this incredible bread. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create something truly special.

Once you’ve tried it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating and sharing recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread! Let me know what you think!

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