Cinnamon Donut Loaf (Print View)
A moist loaf with cinnamon-sugar crust, inspired by classic donuts, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
# What You Need:
→ Loaf Batter
01 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
02 - ¾ cup (150 g) 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 (180 ml) whole milk
09 - ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Topping
11 - ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
12 - ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
# How-To Steps:
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 cooled butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and stir until just combined — stop as soon as no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
05 - Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
06 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf 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 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 granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle and gently pat the mixture over the buttered surfaces, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10 - Allow the loaf to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing into 8 even portions. This ensures the cinnamon sugar crust sets properly.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The cinnamon sugar crust forms that irresistible donut shop crunch without any frying or fuss.
- It uses pantry staples you probably already have, which means spontaneous baking at eleven at night is totally valid.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter will make the loaf tough and dense, so stop stirring the moment the flour disappears even if it looks a little lumpy.
- Applying the butter and cinnamon sugar while the loaf is still warm is crucial, because that warmth helps the sugar adhere and form a proper crust as it cools.
03 -
- Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife, because scooping directly compacts the flour and leads to a dry loaf every single time.
- Pat the cinnamon sugar onto the sides of the loaf with your hands rather than just sprinkling, because direct contact gives you that authentic donut shop coating.