1. Prepare the Ingredients and Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Bread Batter:
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
3. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it evenly.
Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar:
- Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
4. 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.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
Prepare the Topping:
- While the bread is cooling, melt the butter in a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
Apply the Topping:
- Brush the top of the warm bread with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top, pressing it down slightly to adhere.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cinnamon sugar donut sweet bread and serve it warm or at room temperature.
- This bread is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra treat.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This helps in creating a smooth batter.
- Swirl Gently: When creating the cinnamon swirl, be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can disrupt the marbled effect.
- Storing the Bread: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Sweet Bread is a comforting and nostalgic treat that brings the flavors of a classic cinnamon sugar donut into a convenient loaf form. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea, or share it with friends and family for a delicious homemade delight!