Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)
Moist cinnamon-sugar loaf with buttery crumb and golden crust, inspired by classic donuts.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ¾ cup whole milk
09 - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Topping
11 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
12 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving 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 butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully 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 - Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure an even rise.
06 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out onto a wire cooling 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 granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the buttered loaf and gently pat it to adhere evenly across all surfaces.
10 - Allow the loaf to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing into 8 even portions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cinnamon sugar crust forms a delicate shell that crackles when you cut into it, and it tastes honestly like a donut shop in loaf form.
- It uses one bowl mixing logic and zero fancy equipment, which means you can have it in the oven before your coffee finishes brewing.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the number one reason this loaf turns out dense, so stop folding the moment the last streak of flour disappears.
- Brushing the butter on while the loaf is still warm is critical because the sugar melts slightly and adheres better, creating that authentic donut crackle.
03 -
- Check the loaf at 40 minutes even if your oven runs hot, because the cinnamon sugar topping can mask overbrowning on top until it is too late.
- Tapping the cinnamon sugar mixture on with your hands instead of just sprinkling gives a thicker, more even donut like coating that actually sticks when you slice.