Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts but want something you can slice and enjoy for breakfast (or any time of day), this Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is your new go-to treat. This quick and easy loaf is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sugar, and the soft, slightly tangy Greek yogurt gives it a tender crumb. Whether served warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this cinnamon-swirled bread is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with Greek yogurt and milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—be careful not to over-mix.
5. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
6. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter.
7. Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and sprinkle the top with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the batter gently to create a marbled effect.
8. Bake the Bread: 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.
9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for an extra sweet touch.
• Spice Variations: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a different twist on the classic cinnamon flavor.
• Vegan Version: To make this bread vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use dairy-free yogurt and milk alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week if you want it to stay fresh longer.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, simply toast it in a toaster or reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this bread without Greek yogurt?
   Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk, or even regular plain yogurt for a similar effect.
2. What can I use instead of brown sugar?
   You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, though you will lose some of the rich flavor that brown sugar provides. For a closer alternative, you could add a teaspoon of molasses to white sugar.
3. Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
   Yes, any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk will work well in this recipe.
4. Can I double this recipe to make two loaves?
   Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake the loaves for a slightly longer time, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
5. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
   The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
6. Can I make this bread in a different size pan?
   Yes, if you use a smaller pan, reduce the baking time slightly. A 8×4-inch loaf pan might require about 10 minutes less baking time, while a larger pan may need a bit more time.
7. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
   You can bake the batter in a round cake pan or a muffin tin. If using a muffin tin, check for doneness after about 20-25 minutes.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.
9. Is it okay to add other spices like nutmeg or cloves?
   Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spices. Nutmeg pairs beautifully with cinnamon, or try a pinch of cloves for an extra depth of flavor.
10. Can I freeze slices of the bread?
    Yes, slice the bread before freezing for easier serving later. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread is an easy-to-make, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. The light and fluffy texture, combined with the cinnamon-sugar swirl, makes this bread irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking to indulge, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy a warm slice with a cup of coffee, and savor the cozy flavors of homemade goodness.

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