When it comes to making a cinnamon donut loaf, it combines the warm and comforting flavors of a classic donut with the soft, tender crumb of sweet bread. This recipe brings those nostalgic bites into a loaf you can enjoy any time.
This recipe addresses dryness, lack of flavor, and ineffective mixing techniques common in baking, enhancing the overall experience for home bakers.
I remember trying to whip up something special for a weekend brunch when unexpected guests showed up. The idea of juggling multiple recipes felt daunting, but this clever cinnamon bread made it easy to impress everyone without losing my cool. Plus, the delightful scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen was hard to resist!
This recipe is a real winner because it provides that light, fluffy texture, with a hint of sweetness and the unmistakable taste of cinnamon. You can pop it in the oven in just about an hour and find yourself enjoying warm slices before you know it.
If you love a sweet twist on traditional bread, you’ll want to try my Cinnamon Roll Focaccia next!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour in the ingredients.
- The recipe contains buttermilk and butter, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- The recipe suits dairy-free diets only when using 1/3 cup coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk.
- This recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets due to granulated sugar and brown sugar included in the ingredients.
- The recipe is nut-free as it contains no nuts or nut-based products in its ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Aroma This cinnamon donut loaf fills your kitchen with a warm, nostalgic scent that transports you back to the local bakery. The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates an irresistible fragrance that’s hard to beat.
- Inviting Texture The loaf features a tender, cake-like crumb that’s perfectly moist, making each slice a joy to enjoy. The contrast between the soft bread and the crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping adds a satisfying bite that everyone will love.
- Easy Prep With just 15 minutes of prep, this cinnamon donut loaf is a quick and approachable bake for any skill level. The straightforward mixing and layering process simplifies baking, letting you enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
- Long-lasting Freshness The loaf stays fresh for several days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Whether you savor it during the week or serve it to guests, the flavor remains delightful and enjoyable over time.
How to Make Cinnamon Donut Loaf
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cinnamon donut loaf recipe produces a tender, moist sweet bread with a cinnamon-swirled interior and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Canola oil
- ¼ cup (57 g) Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (4 g) Baking powder
- ½ tsp (3 g) Salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) Buttermilk
- ½ tsp (2.6 g) Molasses
- ½ tsp (1 g) Ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (55 g) Light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) Granulated sugar
- ½ tsp (1 g) Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat. Ensuring the oven is hot before baking helps the loaf rise properly and cook evenly.
- Step 2: Spray the loaf pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bread does not stick and releases easily after baking.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¼ cup canola oil, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is creamy, incorporating some air to give the loaf a light, fluffy texture.
- Step 4: Add the 2 large room temperature eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and fully combined to help emulsify the batter.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk to the wet mixture, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat after each addition to incorporate fully. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mix. Break up any lumps by whisking or stirring thoroughly.
- Step 6: Spoon ½ to ¾ cup of the batter into a small separate bowl. Add ½ tsp molasses and ½ tsp ground cinnamon to this portion. Stir until the molasses and cinnamon are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 7: Spoon half of the main batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Next, spread half of the cinnamon molasses mixture over the batter. Cover this with the remaining main batter, then spoon the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top.
- Step 8: Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the main batter to create a marbled effect. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct swirls.
- Step 9: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the loaf begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil about 30 minutes into baking.
- Step 10: Remove the loaf from the oven and set it aside to cool for 10 minutes. After cooling, gently loosen the sides of the loaf with a knife or spatula, then carefully remove the loaf from the pan.
- Step 11: In a shallow dish, mix ¼ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon.
- Step 12: Dip each side of the cooled loaf carefully into ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ensuring it is well coated. Spoon extra melted butter over the edges to guarantee even coverage.
- Step 13: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on all sides of the loaf, including the top, to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain texture and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Keep the loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to extend freshness without drying out.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Measuring flour accurately at 1 ½ cups is critical; too much flour can cause the loaf to sink in the middle.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can develop gluten and lead to a dense loaf.
- If the cinnamon sugar topping does not stick well, generously brush the loaf with melted butter before applying the sugar mixture to help it adhere.
- Use ½ cup buttermilk as specified for moisture; omitting or reducing it may yield a dry loaf.
- Tent the loaf with foil after 30 minutes if browning too quickly, allowing the inside to bake without burning the exterior.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Data not specified in source
- Sugar: Data not specified in source
- Sodium: Data not specified in source
- Fat: Data not specified in source
- Saturated Fat: Data not specified in source
- Unsaturated Fat: Data not specified in source
- Trans Fat: Data not specified in source
- Carbohydrates: Data not specified in source
- Fiber: Data not specified in source
- Protein: Data not specified in source
- Cholesterol: Data not specified in source
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: Go for a good quality all-purpose flour for the best texture. It helps create that fluffy, tender loaf that’s key here.
- Granulated sugar: Use granulated sugar to balance the spices. It adds sweetness and contributes to that lovely brown crust you want in a donut loaf.
- Ground cinnamon: You’ll need quality ground cinnamon for that rich flavor. It’s the star of the show, giving the loaf its signature taste.
- Baking powder: Use fresh baking powder for proper leavening. This ingredient ensures the loaf rises beautifully, giving it a light and airy texture.
- Baking soda: Keep some baking soda on hand. It works with the buttermilk to enhance rising, helping achieve a soft crumb.
- Buttermilk: Opt for real buttermilk for that tender texture and moistness. If you’re in a pinch, sour cream or a homemade vinegar-milk combo works too!
- Egg: A large egg adds richness and moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier incorporation into the batter.
- Unsalted butter: Use good quality unsalted butter for richness and flavor. Remember to melt it gently to avoid separating the fat when mixing.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds caramel notes and moisture. It also helps create that lovely, crispy exterior.
- Vanilla extract: Go for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor boost. It complements the cinnamon beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour: Go for a good quality all-purpose flour for the best texture. It helps create that fluffy, tender loaf that’s key here.
- Granulated sugar: Use granulated sugar to balance the spices. It adds sweetness and contributes to that lovely brown crust you want in a donut loaf.
- Ground cinnamon: You’ll need quality ground cinnamon for that rich flavor. It’s the star of the show, giving the loaf its signature taste.
- Baking powder: Use fresh baking powder for proper leavening. This ingredient ensures the loaf rises beautifully, giving it a light and airy texture.
- Baking soda: Keep some baking soda on hand. It works with the buttermilk to enhance rising, helping achieve a soft crumb.
- Buttermilk: Opt for real buttermilk for that tender texture and moistness. If you’re in a pinch, sour cream or a homemade vinegar-milk combo works too!
- Egg: A large egg adds richness and moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier incorporation into the batter.
- Unsalted butter: Use good quality unsalted butter for richness and flavor. Remember to melt it gently to avoid separating the fat when mixing.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds caramel notes and moisture. It also helps create that lovely, crispy exterior.
- Vanilla extract: Go for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor boost. It complements the cinnamon beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Recipe Tips
- If the loaf sinks in the middle, check if you measured flour correctly using 1 ½ cups, as too much flour can lead to collapse.
- When the bread is overly dense, ensure you mixed the dry and wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing causes gluten development, leading to heaviness.
- If the topping doesn’t stick well, generously brush the loaf with melted butter before applying the sugar mixture. This step helps the toppings adhere properly.
- For a dry loaf, make sure to include ½ cup of buttermilk, as it adds moisture and tenderness that keeps the bread from drying out.
- If the loaf browns too quickly, tent it with foil about 30 minutes into baking. This prevents burning while allowing the inside to cook fully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of almond milk. Add fresh fruit or yogurt on the side for balance.
Use to make French toast or a breakfast bread pudding. Add to a fruit salad or as a layer in a dessert trifle.
Top with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added enjoyment.
Recipe variations
- You can use chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon donut loaf for added crunch and texture. Add ½ cup nuts into the batter before baking.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or a pinch of cloves alongside the cinnamon in the recipe to introduce warm spices without overpowering the original flavor.
- Either buttermilk or full-fat yogurt can be used to maintain moisture and tanginess in the loaf. Both options work well in the ½ cup quantity specified.
- If baking for more servings, double the recipe and bake in a 9×5-inch loaf pan for 50 to 60 minutes. This is similar to scaling my Classic Pumpkin Loaf.
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How to Store?
To keep your cinnamon donut loaf fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain the bread’s texture and flavor.
Refrigeration: Place the loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to extend freshness without drying out.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze in a freezer container up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
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If you enjoyed this Cinnamon Donut Loaf or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
