Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)
A buttery cinnamon-sugar loaf with a golden donut-inspired crust, perfect for breakfast or sweet snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Loaf
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 3/4 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
12 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-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 flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, melted 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. Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
05 - Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
06 - Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
07 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment overhang 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.
09 - In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the mixture over the buttered loaf and gently pat it to adhere, ensuring full even coverage.
10 - Allow the loaf to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing into 8 even portions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cinnamon sugar crust forms a delicate shell that shatters just like a fresh donut from a bakery.
- It uses simple pantry staples and comes together in one bowl with zero fuss.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the fastest way to end up with a rubbery loaf, so stop folding the moment the flour disappears.
- The cinnamon sugar topping only sticks properly while the loaf is still warm, so do not wait too long after pulling it from the pan.
03 -
- Check the loaf at the 40 minute mark because ovens vary wildly and a few extra minutes can take it from perfect to dry.
- Press the cinnamon sugar on with your hands instead of just sprinkling it, because firm pressure creates a thicker, more even crust.