Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 1/4 cup oil (canola preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 tsp molasses
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, oil, and sugar. Mix well until the mixture is creamy and completely blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and cohesive.
- Mix Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk: Alternately add the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beating after each addition. Scrape down the bowl to incorporate all ingredients, ensuring a lump-free, smooth batter.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl: Transfer 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the bread batter into a small bowl. Stir in the molasses and cinnamon until fully blended.
- Layer the Batter: Spoon half of the plain bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add half the molasses-cinnamon batter in dollops over this layer. Repeat with the remaining bread batter over the top, then finish with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Swirl the Batter: Using a knife, gently swirl the batters together in the pan to create a marbled effect—don’t over-mix for the best swirl appearance.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool for about 10 minutes. Loosen the edges gently, then carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a shallow dish, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
- Finish the Bread: Dip each side of the warm loaf into the melted butter mixture, or spoon the mixture generously over all sides of the bread. Follow by sprinkling the entire loaf, especially the top, with the cinnamon-sugar mix, ensuring an even, decadent coating.
Notes
- This bread is a quick bread, so baking powder provides the rise instead of yeast. Expect a texture similar to cake donuts.
- Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best batter consistency.
- The cinnamon-sugar topping can be doubled for extra crunch and sweetness if desired.
- Store leftovers well-wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 loaf)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 82mg