Description
At its core, a Brown Butter Maple Glazed Donut Loaf is a hybrid dessert that bridges the gap between a dense pound cake and a light, airy yeast donut. While it does not require the messy frying process or the temperamental nature of yeast, it mimics the flavor profile of a premium cake donut. The “donut” element comes from the specific crumb structure—tight yet tender—and the generous coating of a sugary glaze that seeps slightly into the top layer of the cake, creating that iconic tacky texture we all love.
Ingredients
Donut Loaf
115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter
150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
180 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
120 ml (½ cup) milk
Maple Glaze
120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1–2 tsp milk (as needed)
Pinch salt
Instructions
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden and smells nutty (about 3–5 minutes).
Cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 175 °C (350 °F).
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Whisk browned butter and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Add dry ingredients to wet alternately with milk. Mix just until combined.
Pour into pan and smooth top.
Bake 40–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and salt until pourable.
Drizzle over cooled loaf.
Notes
This brown butter maple glazed donut loaf has a rich, cozy flavor with a tender crumb and a smooth maple finish. Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty aroma that makes it taste just like a bakery treat. For the best texture, let the loaf cool completely before glazing, and store covered to keep it moist for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
Keywords: Maple Glazed Donut Bread, Brown Butter Maple Cake, Old Fashioned Donut Loaf, Maple Syrup Breakfast Cake