This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Loaf brings the cozy flavor of classic cinnamon sugar donuts into a comforting loaf cake. With a tender crumb, a rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet aromas, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the swirl of cinnamon sugar transforms a simple loaf into something indulgent and aromatic. It’s soft, moist, and satisfying, with pockets of sweetness in every slice. Yet it’s incredibly easy to make—no fancy techniques, just an effortless delicious treat that makes any day feel special.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet & Base Ingredients:
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup packed brown sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well with butter or non-stick spray. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. -
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. -
Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. -
Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Blend in the buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice) and vanilla extract until well combined. -
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay—overmixing can make the loaf dense. -
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. -
Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Pour the remaining batter on top, and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. -
Create the Swirl
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect. -
Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. -
Cool
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Optional Glaze
For extra sweetness, whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled loaf.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8–10
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the top before baking for added texture.
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Fruit Twist: Fold in fresh blueberries or diced apples to the batter for bursts of juiciness.
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Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warm spice depth.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm individual slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free butter and use plant-based milk with lemon juice in place of buttermilk.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The loaf is ready when the edges pull away slightly from the pan, and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely—it makes about 12 muffins. Reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes and adjust accordingly.
Why use both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both gives the loaf a perfect rise and tender crumb—while baking powder provides lift, baking soda balances acidity.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes—just use half the ingredients and bake in a smaller pan, reducing the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Loaf is an effortless way to elevate everyday baking with warm, comforting flavor. It’s soft, sweet, and perfectly accented with a cinnamon swirl—ideal for breakfast spreads, snack time, or a delicious dessert. Every slice is guaranteed to bring happiness to the table.
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Donut Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously Easy Cinnamon Donut Loaf is a cozy, bakery-style treat that brings the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts into a soft, moist loaf. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe is easy to make and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. With a tender crumb and sweet cinnamon swirl, this loaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add buttermilk and vanilla. Stir until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Make Cinnamon Swirl: Mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.
Layer the Batter: Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over it. Repeat with remaining batter and sugar.
Swirl: Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional Glaze: Drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try using browned butter in the batter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
