Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)
A tender cinnamon-swirled loaf with brown sugar layers and buttery cinnamon sugar topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (75g)
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Layer
10 - ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (70g)
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Topping
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
13 - ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
14 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
# Steps:
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 blended.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir 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 it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture uniformly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface 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. Tent 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 it to a wire rack. While the loaf is 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 or slightly warmed.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It delivers every bit of that cinnamon sugar donut craving without the hassle of frying oil and a splattered stovetop.
- The swirled middle layer creates a surprise pocket of gooey cinnamon sugar that makes each slice feel like a little gift.
02 -
- Underbaking even slightly leaves the cinnamon swirl layer gummy in the center, so always test with a toothpick in the thickest part of the loaf.
- Brushing the butter on while the loaf is still warm is critical because once it cools the sugar will not adhere properly and you lose that donut crust.
03 -
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing it into the wet ingredients so it does not accidentally cook the eggs.
- Use a light hand when spreading the top layer of batter over the cinnamon sugar swirl because pressing too hard blends the layers together instead of keeping them distinct.