Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable Version)
Tender cinnamon-swirled loaf with brown sugar layers and buttery topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
# What You 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 milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Layer
10 - ⅓ cup brown sugar
11 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
→ 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 with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the 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 unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense texture.
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 mixture in an even layer across the surface. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
08 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing into even portions. Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That crispy cinnamon sugar crust on top crackles just like the outside of a fresh cake donut, no deep frying required.
- The layered cinnamon sugar swirl through the center means every single bite has that warm spiced hit you crave.
- It uses basic pantry staples and comes together in fifteen minutes, which makes it dangerously easy to whip up on a weeknight.
02 -
- Resist the urge to overmix the batter once wet meets dry, because those few extra stirs are the difference between a silky crumb and a rubbery one.
- Letting the loaf cool completely before slicing is genuinely worth the wait, as warm slices fall apart into crumbly mountains that are hard to serve.
03 -
- Tap the loaf pan gently on the counter after adding the first layer of batter to release any air bubbles before adding the cinnamon sugar filling.
- For the most even cinnamon sugar swirl, avoid spreading the top layer of batter all the way to the edges, leaving a small gap lets the filling peek through beautifully.