Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)
A moist cinnamon-swirled loaf with brown sugar layers and buttery cinnamon topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
# 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 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 butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will yield a denser loaf.
05 - In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly 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. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top begins browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil 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 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 even portions. Serve at room temperature or gently warmed.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It captures everything you love about cinnamon donuts in a sliceable, snackable cake that feels special but comes together in under an hour
- The warm cinnamon ribbon running through the middle creates those tender, sugary pockets that make each bite feel like finding the best part
02 -
- Dont skip the step of brushing the loaf with melted butter while it's still warm, that's what makes the cinnamon sugar topping actually stick and create that authentic donut-shop experience
- Wait the full 10 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan, otherwise it might break apart because it needs time to set slightly
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and help prevent overmixing which keeps the texture tender
- If you want extra cinnamon flavor throughout the loaf, add another half teaspoon to the dry ingredients