Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable Version)
A buttery cinnamon-sugar loaf with a crunchy donut-inspired crust, ideal for breakfast or snacking.
# Ingredient List:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Topping
11 - 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
12 - 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, melted cooled butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
05 - Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
06 - Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
07 - Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack.
08 - While the loaf is still warm, brush the top and all sides generously with the melted butter for the topping using a pastry brush.
09 - In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the mixture over the buttered surfaces and gently pat it in to ensure even, full coverage.
10 - Allow the loaf to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing into 8 even pieces.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That cinnamon sugar crust forms a delicate shell that shatters when you slice it, revealing a soft, buttery interior.
- It uses pantry staples and comes together in one bowl plus one whisk, no mixer required.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the fastest way to turn this tender loaf into something rubbery, stop folding the second the flour disappears.
- Brushing the topping on while the loaf is still warm is critical because the butter soaks in slightly and the sugar adheres like a proper donut crust.
03 -
- Check the loaf at the 40 minute mark because ovens vary wildly and five extra minutes can push it from moist to dry.
- Pat the cinnamon sugar on with your hands rather than just sprinkling for a thicker, more even crust that truly mimics a donut shop finish.