Easy Cinnamon Donut Loaf Recipe Perfect for Brunch

Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, the golden crust of a freshly baked loaf catching the light, and a sprinkle of sugar that crunches under your teeth with every bite. Sounds dreamy, right? This Easy Cinnamon Donut Loaf Recipe is everything you love about cinnamon donuts, but in a super simple loaf form. It’s the perfect sweet treat for brunch, dessert, or even a sneaky mid-afternoon snack (no judgment here!).

What makes this recipe so special is its balance of soft, moist texture and a sugary, spiced crust that’s so satisfying, you’ll find yourself reaching for a second slice before you know it. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving something sweet, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next baking adventure. Let’s get baking!

The Story Behind This Cinnamon Donut Loaf

I’ve always loved cinnamon donuts. There’s something so nostalgic about biting into one—like being transported back to childhood trips to the local bakery. But making donuts at home can be, well, a bit of a project. That’s where this Cinnamon Donut Loaf comes in. It’s got all the cozy flavors of a classic donut, without the need for frying or fancy equipment.

This recipe is inspired by the simplicity of quick breads and the indulgent flavor profile of cinnamon sugar donuts. It’s a little bit of both worlds—easy to make and absolutely irresistible. It’s also an excellent option for when you want to whip up something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Oh, and if you’re wondering when’s the best time to serve this loaf, let me tell you—it’s perfect all year round. In the fall and winter, it pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. In spring and summer, it’s a delightful addition to a sunny brunch table. It’s one of those recipes that just fits, no matter the occasion.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

One of the best parts of this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably already have most of these items in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfect every time.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the loaf. Make sure to measure it correctly (spoon and level it into your measuring cup) to avoid a dense loaf. For a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the loaf and is also used for that signature cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the best flavor. If you’re a fan of spiced flavors, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
• Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise and gives it that soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter. You can use dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. For a vegan version, you can substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
• Butter: Melted butter gives the loaf a rich, buttery flavor. Coconut oil works as a substitute if you prefer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

For the cinnamon-sugar topping, you’ll need a bit of melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. This topping is what gives the loaf its donut-like finish, so don’t skimp on it!

Equipment You’ll Need

Good news—you don’t need any fancy tools to make this Cinnamon Donut Loaf. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly. If you don’t have one, you can use a smaller pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk: For combining the ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: To fold the batter and ensure you get every last bit into the loaf pan.
• Pastry Brush: This is optional but handy for spreading the melted butter evenly over the loaf before adding the cinnamon-sugar topping.

If you’re just starting out with baking, this recipe is a great one to try because it doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

How to Make Cinnamon Donut Loaf

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this deliciously easy Cinnamon Donut Loaf step by step:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) milk, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup (75g) melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and top: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with a mixture of 1/4 cup (50g) sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

That’s it! Your Cinnamon Donut Loaf is ready to slice and serve.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly:

• Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the loaf dense instead of light and fluffy.
• If the top of your loaf is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor. Spices can lose their potency over time.
• Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the loaf with a simple vanilla glaze.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Make it vegan: Use a flax egg and plant-based milk and butter.
• Try different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice to the batter.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Mini loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Cinnamon Donut Loaf is best served slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Here are a few tips for serving and storing:

• Serving: Slice the loaf into thick pieces and serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• Flavor development: The flavors of the loaf deepen over time, so it’s even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Cinnamon Donut Loaf isn’t exactly health food, but it’s a delightful indulgence! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per slice (based on 10 slices):

• Calories: 220
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 18g

The cinnamon in this recipe is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, baking at home means you can control the ingredients and skip the preservatives found in store-bought treats.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert or brunch item that’s easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, this Easy Cinnamon Donut Loaf Recipe is the one. It’s a sweet treat that brings the comforting flavors of cinnamon donuts right into your kitchen, no frying required!

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to get creative with the variations. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your loaf. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Yes! The loaf stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can, but the texture will be denser. I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results.

What’s the best way to reheat this loaf?

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar topping?

You can, but the topping is what gives the loaf its “donut” vibe. If you prefer, you can drizzle it with a simple glaze instead.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use two loaf pans and bake them side by side. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on your oven.

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