Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)
Tender cinnamon-swirled loaf with brown sugar layers and a buttery cinnamon sugar topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
02 - ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - ½ tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - ½ cup (120ml) milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Layer
10 - ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
11 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Topping
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
13 - ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
14 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 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 and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture in an even layer across the surface. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the top with a spatula.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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 8 even pieces to ensure clean cuts and proper texture.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It gives you everything you love about a cinnamon donut without the mess and danger of hot oil.
- The swirled cinnamon sugar layer running through the middle makes every slice feel like a surprise.
02 -
- Opening the oven door before the 35 minute mark can cause the center to sink and stay raw.
- Tossing the brown sugar filling with a half teaspoon of flour before layering prevents it from sinking to the bottom in a wet puddle.
03 -
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the eggs so you do not accidentally scramble them into the batter.
- Tapping the loaf pan gently on the counter before baking releases trapped air bubbles and prevents odd tunnels in the crumb.