Name: Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup spiced apple cider (~1/2 cup simmered & reduced); 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened for a sweeter bread); 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt; 1 tsp nutmeg; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp baking powder; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch; 1/4 tsp salt; 3 tbsp white sugar; 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

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I am so excited to share my favorite Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe with you! This bread is pure comfort wrapped up in warm cinnamon and sweet apple cider flavors, creating a delicious treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. The soft, tender crumb paired with the cinnamon-sugar topping instantly reminds me of fresh donuts from the fair but with the ease of baking it right at home. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want to impress guests or just treat myself. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your go-to sweet bread too!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

I adore this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe because it perfectly balances sweet and spice in such a comforting way. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg play beautifully with the reduced spiced apple cider, adding a subtle depth of flavor that is fragrant but not overwhelming. The applesauce and vanilla Greek yogurt keep the bread incredibly moist and tender, making every slice feel indulgent yet light enough to enjoy anytime.

What really wins me over is how straightforward the preparation is. I love spending time in the kitchen, but this recipe is fun and easy without complicated steps or rare ingredients. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a sweet afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. What makes it stand out is that delightful cinnamon-sugar crust you sprinkle on after baking—so simple, yet it adds that signature donut flair everyone raves about!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large grey metal mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a thick, uneven dough. The dough is light brown and looks soft and sticky, with some parts sticking slightly to the sides of the bowl. There are smears of dough around the inside edges of the bowl, showing it was recently mixed. The bowl has two handles on each side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe are simple, wholesome, and each plays a key role in delivering amazing flavor and texture. From the spiced apple cider that brings fruity warmth to the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg that spices things up just right, these essentials transform basic pantry staples into something so special.

Spiced apple cider: I simmer it down to concentrate the flavor, adding a wonderful warmth and a hint of natural sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures easy creaming with sugar for a fluffy texture.
Light brown sugar: It gives a rich molasses flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
Eggs: They provide structure and help bind all the flavors together.
Vanilla extract: I think it adds a lovely aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
Applesauce (sweetened): This keeps the bread moist and adds a subtle fruity note.
Vanilla Greek yogurt: Another moisture booster that adds a slight tang and tender crumb.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch to balance the cinnamon and add warmth.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this bread its unmistakable flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise perfectly without becoming dense.
All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, provides structure.
Cornstarch: I love adding this for a softer, cake-like texture.
Salt: Just a small amount to enhance all the sweet and spice flavors.
White sugar: For the cinnamon-sugar topping, adding that perfect crunch and sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (for topping): Mixed with sugar for that classic cinnamon-sugar crust.

Directions

Step 1: Start by heating a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the spiced apple cider and stir constantly as it simmers down to about half a cup. This reduction takes about 8 to 10 minutes and concentrates the flavors beautifully. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with baking spray for easy removal later.

Step 3: In a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then pour in the vanilla extract. Mixing everything well now ensures a smooth batter base.

Step 5: Next, stir in the sweetened applesauce and vanilla Greek yogurt. Beat until all the wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 7: Pour in the cooled reduced apple cider and gently mix until the batter is consistent throughout. The batter will be thick but spreadable.

Step 8: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 38 to 45 minutes or until the bread has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: While the bread is baking, prepare the topping by mixing the white sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Step 10: Once the bread is out of the oven and still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top to create that iconic, crispy coating. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy every bite!

Servings and Timing

This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe makes about 8 generous servings—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, mainly spent reducing the apple cider and mixing your batter. Baking takes between 38 to 45 minutes, with an additional 5 to 10 minutes for cooling before serving. Altogether, plan for just under an hour from start to finish, which is so worthwhile for the delicious end result.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe

The image shows seven slices of cinnamon sugar bread stacked neatly on a piece of white parchment paper. The bread has a light golden brown crust dusted generously with cinnamon sugar crystals, giving it a slightly rough texture on top. Inside, the bread looks soft and moist with a slightly dense crumb and specks of cinnamon scattered throughout. The slices are arranged on a white marbled surface with a soft natural light coming from the top right corner. The scene feels warm and inviting, with no additional props visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this bread, I like to slice it into thick, hearty pieces that showcase the tender crumb and cinnamon-speckled crust. It tastes fantastic warm, fresh out of the oven, but it’s also delightful at room temperature with a pat of butter slowly melting on top. For a fun twist, try lightly toasting a slice and drizzling a little honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

This bread goes wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of apple cider to bring out those fruity undertones. If I’m serving it at a brunch or holiday gathering, I place it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears and a bowl of whipped cream or cream cheese for spreading.

It’s such a cozy treat that feels right at home during chilly mornings, casual get-togethers, or as a sweet ending to a family meal. No matter the occasion, I love how inviting and homely this bread feels on the plate, offering a slice of simple joy with every bite.

Variations

I love customizing the Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe to fit different moods and dietary needs. For instance, if you want to make it gluten-free, swapping the all-purpose flour for a measure-for-measure gluten-free blend works beautifully without compromising texture. I’ve also tried vegan versions by replacing the butter with coconut oil, using flax eggs instead of real eggs, and choosing plant-based yogurt, which keeps the bread tender and moist.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for a bit of crunch, or swirl in a ribbon of cream cheese before baking for a luscious surprise center. Another favorite variation of mine is mixing in dried cranberries or raisins to add a fruity pop that complements the cinnamon so nicely.

As for cooking methods, while I usually bake this in a loaf pan, I’ve experimented with muffin tins to make individual portions perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox treats. Just watch the baking time closely, reducing it to about 20-25 minutes. This flexibility makes the recipe adaptable and fun to play with!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying some fresh slices, I store leftover Cinnamon Donut Bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for up to 3 days without drying out. If you want to extend freshness, storing it in the fridge is an option, but be aware it may lose a little of its softness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully, which is perfect if you want to prep ahead or save some for later. I slice the bread first and place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. It stays good for about 2 months frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or reheat slices directly from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer to toast slices lightly in a toaster oven or warm them in a conventional oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps to revive the cinnamon-sugar crust and warm the center without drying it out. Microwaving is okay in a pinch but can make the texture a bit chewy, so I avoid it if possible. Adding a little butter or cream cheese just before serving makes reheated bread taste extra special.

FAQs

Can I use regular apple cider instead of spiced apple cider?

Absolutely! You can use regular apple cider, but to get that warm, spiced flavor, I recommend adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the cider as it simmers down. This way, you keep the essence of the original flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, it’s easy to adapt this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for a dairy-free diet by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter spread, and using a dairy-free yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. These changes still keep the bread moist and flavorful.

Can I make this bread without applesauce?

If you don’t have applesauce on hand, I’ve found that using mashed banana or even plain yogurt works well as a substitute. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and sweetness, but it will still result in a moist and delicious bread.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread — if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging, your bread is done. The bread should also have risen nicely and feel springy to the touch on top.

Can I double this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe?

Definitely! If you’re baking for a crowd or want extra to freeze, doubling the recipe works well. Just be sure to use two loaf pans or a larger pan, and adjust the baking time accordingly—usually a few extra minutes are needed, but keep a close eye on the bread as it bakes.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe soon because it truly brings so much warmth and joy with every slice. It’s one of my favorite ways to create a little moment of happiness and share a comforting treat with the people I love. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll fall in love with this delicious, cinnamon-spiced bread just as much as I have!