Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable version)
A tender cinnamon-swirled loaf with brown sugar layers and buttery topping, capturing classic donut flavor in sliceable form.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - ½ tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - ½ cup whole milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Filling
10 - ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Cinnamon Sugar Topping
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
13 - ¼ cup granulated sugar
14 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense.
05 - In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. Set aside.
06 - Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling in an even layer across the surface. Pour the remaining batter on top and gently smooth with a spatula.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent loosely with aluminum foil if the top begins to brown too quickly during the last 10 minutes.
08 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the top generously with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar topping mixture.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing into 8 even portions. Serve at room temperature.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- All the cozy cinnamon donut flavor you crave without ever heating a pot of oil.
- That irresistible cinnamon sugar crust on top will make you hover over the cooling rack waiting for a slice.
- It comes together with one bowl and a whisk, which means almost no cleanup.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter will give you a dense, rubbery loaf instead of the tender cake you are aiming for.
- Brushing the butter on while the loaf is still warm is critical because once it cools the sugar will not adhere properly.
03 -
- Check your baking powder by dropping a pinch into warm water first because if it does not fizz immediately your loaf will not rise.
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs so you avoid accidentally scrambling them.