Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Printable)

A moist buttery loaf with cinnamon-sugar crust, inspired by classic donuts. Perfect for breakfast or snacking.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-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 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 blended.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain to keep the crumb tender.
05 - Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for an even top.
06 - Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
07 - Let the loaf rest 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 melted butter evenly over the top and all sides using a pastry brush.
09 - Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the buttered surfaces, then gently pat it in to ensure full, even adhesion.
10 - Allow the loaf to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing into 8 even portions.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The cinnamon sugar crust crackles under your fingers just like a fresh donut from a bakery case.
  • It comes together in one bowl and one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your coffee.
  • The crumb stays moist for days, so it is perfect for making ahead when guests are coming.
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter is the fastest way to turn a fluffy loaf into a rubbery brick, so stop folding the second everything looks combined.
  • The cinnamon sugar topping should go on while the loaf is still warm, because cooled bread will not absorb the butter and the sugar will slide right off.
03 -
  • Let the melted butter cool to room temperature before mixing it into the wet ingredients, because hot butter will cook the eggs on contact and create stringy lumps.
  • Pat the cinnamon sugar firmly onto the loaf rather than just sprinkling, because pressure helps it adhere and creates a thicker, more satisfying crust.

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