Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable version)
A moist loaf cake inspired by cinnamon donuts with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, ideal for breakfast or snacking.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 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 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 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 comes out clean. Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
07 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out onto a wire rack.
08 - While the loaf is still warm, brush the top and sides generously with melted butter to help the cinnamon sugar adhere.
09 - Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered loaf. Gently pat it onto the sides for full coverage.
10 - Allow the loaf to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing into 8 even portions.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- That cinnamon sugar crust crackles just like the outside of a fresh donut from a bakery.
- It comes together in one bowl with zero fuss, no yeast, and no frying oil to deal with.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the fastest way to end up with a rubbery loaf, so stop stirring the moment the flour disappears.
- Brushing the butter on while the loaf is still warm is critical because cold bread will not absorb it and the sugar will not adhere properly.
03 -
- Check your baking powder by dropping a pinch into hot water, and if it does not bubble immediately, buy a fresh can before baking.
- Pat the cinnamon sugar onto the loaf with your hands instead of just sprinkling, because pressing it in creates a thicker, more even crust.