Soft, tender, and loaded with cinnamon sugar flavor—like a cozy donut in loaf form.
Prep Time: 10 min
Bake Time: 45–50 min
Yield: 1 standard 9×5″ loaf
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice, rested 5 min)
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⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings/Add-ins:
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Cinnamon sugar topping: 2 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon
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½ cup chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried fruit
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease or line a 9×5″ loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together:
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Eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures
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Pour wet mixture into dry.
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Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
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Fold in any mix-ins (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts) now.
5. Pour and Sprinkle
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Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
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Smooth the top and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar topping.
⏲️ 6. Bake
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Bake for 45–50 minutes.
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Toothpick should come out clean.
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If the top browns too fast, tent with foil for last 10–15 mins.
❄️ 7. Cool
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Cool in pan for 10 mins, then transfer to wire rack.
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Slice only once fully cooled for best texture.
Tips for the Best Loaf
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Use room temp eggs for better mixing and rise.
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Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar topping—it’s the “donut” crust!
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Let cool completely: this improves sliceability and flavor.
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Store airtight at room temp 3 days, refrigerate 1 week, or freeze slices.
️ Serving Ideas
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Toast with butter for crispy edges and a warm center
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French toast style: Dip thick slices in egg custard and pan-fry
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Dessert: Serve with whipped cream and caramel drizzle
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With coffee or tea for the coziest brunch moment
Creative Twists
Twist | How to Add It |
---|---|
Brown Sugar Swirl | Layer ½ batter, sprinkle 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon, add remaining batter, swirl |
Apple Cinnamon | Fold ½ cup finely chopped apples into batter |
Maple Glaze | Drizzle post-bake: ½ cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp milk |
Pecan Crunch | Mix ½ cup pecans into batter, top with a few more |
Mini Loaves/Muffins | Use muffin tin or mini pans. Bake 20–25 mins |
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use non-dairy milk and coconut oil or vegan butter.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes—sub half the flour with whole wheat to keep texture light.
Q: Can I make muffins?
A: Absolutely! 18–22 min in a muffin pan. Cinnamon sugar on top recommended.
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