Ingredients

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup softened butter

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon molasses

For the coating:

1/2 cup melted butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a light-colored loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until well mixed. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then stir in the buttermilk until a uniform batter forms. Scrape the sides of the bowl to remove any lumps.

Step 4: Transfer 1/2 cup of the batter to a smaller bowl. Add cinnamon and molasses to this smaller portion and stir until combined.

Step 5: Pour half of the plain batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon batter in dollops over the plain batter. Pour the remaining plain batter on top, then drop the remaining cinnamon batter over it.

Step 6: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: While the loaf bakes, prepare the coating by pouring melted butter into a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 9: Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes before loosening its edges and removing it from the pan. The loaf should be warm but not too hot to handle.

Step 10: Dip each side of the loaf into the melted butter to coat fully, then press the loaf into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated all over.

Step 11: Slice the loaf and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon swirl donut bread!

Tips & Variations

Substitute vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for canola oil if preferred.

If you don’t have buttermilk, create a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice, then let it sit until curdled.

Replace molasses with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.

Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes until slightly curdled, then use it as a buttermilk substitute.

What can I use if I don’t have molasses?

You can substitute molasses with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey to achieve a similar sweetness and moisture.