Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable Version)
Cinnamon-swirled loaf with classic donut flavor, topped with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
# 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 whole 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:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan and line it 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 mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the loaf dense.
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 and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface in an even layer. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the top with a spatula.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf 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 generously with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing into 8 even pieces. Serve at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- All the nostalgic comfort of a cinnamon donut but without the mess and fuss of frying.
- The hidden cinnamon sugar layer creates a swirl that surprises everyone on the first slice.
- It comes together with one bowl and a whisk, making it nearly impossible to mess up.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the quickest way to end up with a dense, chewy loaf instead of a tender one, so stop folding as soon as the flour disappears.
- The toothpick test matters here because the cinnamon sugar layer can trick you into thinking the center is underdone when it is actually just melted sugar clinging to the pick.
03 -
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping on while the loaf is still warm but not hot, because the butter needs to soak in slightly without running off the sides.
- Swapping cinnamon for pumpkin spice in autumn creates a loaf that tastes like the best part of the season wrapped in a slice.