Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)
Tender cinnamon-swirled loaf with brown sugar layers and buttery cinnamon sugar topping. A cozy breakfast treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - ½ tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - ½ cup milk (120ml)
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (75g)
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Filling
10 - ⅓ cup brown sugar (70g)
11 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Cinnamon Sugar Topping
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
13 - ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
14 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. 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 butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
05 - In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until uniformly blended.
06 - Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling across the surface in an even layer. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface with a spatula.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes.
08 - Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar topping mixture.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing into 8 even portions. Serve at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cinnamon sugar layer hidden inside creates a swirl that tastes exactly like the center of a fresh donut.
- It comes together in one bowl with no special equipment, making it perfect for lazy weekend baking.
- That melted butter and cinnamon sugar crust on top will have you sneaking slices before anyone else gets home.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the fastest way to end up with a rubbery loaf, so stop folding the second the last streak of flour disappears.
- The cinnamon sugar layer can sink if your batter is too thin, so aim for a thick, spoonable consistency.
03 -
- Use the parchment paper overhang as handles to lift the loaf out of the pan cleanly every single time without flipping and risking a break.
- Brush the butter on while the loaf is still warm but not hot, because the sugar will melt into a crust rather than dissolving completely.