Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)
Tender cinnamon-swirled loaf with classic donut flavor, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - ½ tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (75g)
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Layer
10 - ⅓ cup brown sugar (70g)
11 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Topping
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
13 - ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
14 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
05 - In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until uniformly blended. Set aside.
06 - Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the surface. Pour the remaining batter over the top and smooth with a spatula.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
08 - Let the loaf rest 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 the cinnamon sugar topping.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing into 8 even portions. Serve at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It gives you all the joy of a fresh cinnamon donut without heating up a pot of oil and making your kitchen smell like a diner.
- The cinnamon sugar layer hidden inside the loaf creates a beautiful swirl that surprises everyone on the first slice.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the fastest way to end up with a dense rubbery loaf so stop folding as soon as the flour disappears.
- The swirl layer might look uneven when you pour the second half of batter on top but it bakes into a gorgeous hidden ribbon every time.
03 -
- The cinnamon sugar topping adheres best when the loaf is still warm so do not wait too long after pulling it from the pan.
- Checking your baking powder freshness by dropping a pinch into hot water can save you from a flat loaf that never rises.