Top 1 Cinnamon Donut Bread : Irresistible & Sweet

If you love the taste of cinnamon-sugar donuts but crave something a little easier to make at home, this Cinnamon Donut Bread is your new go-to recipe. With its tender crumb, warm spice, and sugary crust, it’s everything you love about a bakery-style donut in a quick loaf format. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this loaf is bursting with cozy flavor and delightful texture.

Whether you’re looking for cinnamon dessert recipes, something sweet to pair with your coffee, or new homemade applesauce recipes to try in baking, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple. Bake it once, and it’ll become a regular in your kitchen lineup.

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What Is Cinnamon Donut Bread?

Cinnamon Donut Bread is a moist quick bread that tastes just like an old-fashioned cinnamon donut. Unlike yeasted donuts that require kneading and frying, this easy loaf is mixed in minutes and baked until golden and fragrant. Once cooled, it’s brushed with melted butter and dusted generously with cinnamon sugar to give it that donut-shop vibe.

Think of it as the perfect mashup between a snacking cake, donut, and coffee cake—perfectly sweet, full of cinnamon, and no mixer required.

Why You’ll Love This Donut Bread Recipe for Everyday Snacking

There’s a lot to love about this donut bread recipe, especially if you enjoy classic flavors and effortless bakes:

No yeast, rising, or frying involved—just mix and bake
Uses common pantry ingredients
Great way to use up leftover or homemade applesauce
Tastes amazing warm or cold
Perfect for brunch tables, bake sales, and gift baskets
Easy to slice and store for snacking throughout the week

This recipe is proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. It’s also a fun way to introduce kids to baking and enjoy a nostalgic treat at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cinnamon Dessert Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this warm and spiced bread cinnamon recipe:

For the bread:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For the topping:
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

These ingredients work together to create a moist, flavorful bread that captures the essence of a fresh cinnamon donut with a healthier twist thanks to applesauce.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Baking Bread in the Oven

You don’t need fancy tools to make this loaf. Just gather:

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
9×5-inch loaf pan
Nonstick spray or parchment paper
Pastry brush (for topping)
Cooling rack

With these basic tools, you’ll be enjoying warm slices of donut bread in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Donut Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour into pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Add the topping: While the bread is still slightly warm, brush the top with melted butter. Mix the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle generously over the top of the loaf.
8. Cool completely or enjoy warm. Slice and serve.

This straightforward process yields a moist, tender loaf with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust—the ideal cinnamon dessert recipe for cozy days.

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How Applesauce Makes This One of the Best Applesauce Recipes for Baking

Using applesauce in baking adds natural sweetness, moisture, and softness to baked goods. In this case, applesauce replaces some of the fat and enhances the flavor of the cinnamon, making the loaf taste more like a real homemade donut.

Bonus: applesauce makes this recipe slightly lighter and a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.

Tips for the Perfect Texture and Flavor in Homemade Donut Bread

Use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing
Don’t overmix the batter—it leads to a tough loaf
Let the bread cool slightly before adding the topping so the butter soaks in
Use a toothpick test to check doneness—every oven is different
Store in a sealed container to keep it moist and flavorful for days

These simple tips make your donut bread as good as anything you’d buy in a bakery.

Topping Ideas and Glaze Options for Cinnamon Dessert Recipes

Want to level up your topping? Here are a few variations:

Classic glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk and drizzle over cooled bread.
Maple glaze: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the classic glaze.
Cream cheese frosting: Spread on a thick layer if you’re turning it into a dessert centerpiece.
Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for crunch.
Cinnamon crumble: Mix butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for a streusel topping before baking.

These ideas make your cinnamon dessert recipe extra special for holidays or gifting.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Homemade Donut Bread

To store:
Wrap the loaf tightly or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat slices in the microwave for 30 seconds.

To reheat:
Warm slices in the toaster oven or microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

This makes it perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying bread in the oven flavor any time.

Serving Suggestions: Breakfast, Snack, or Sweet Treat?

This loaf is versatile enough to serve any time of day:

For breakfast: Pair with yogurt, fruit, or a warm drink.
As a snack: Enjoy it with tea, coffee, or as a mid-afternoon treat.
As dessert: Add glaze or ice cream for a quick, crowd-pleasing finish to dinner.

Whether warm or cold, this snacking cake never fails to satisfy.

Healthy Swaps and Gluten-Free Tips for Bread Cinnamon Bakes

Make it a bit healthier with these ideas:

Use whole wheat pastry flour or a 50/50 blend
Swap sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute
Use non-dairy milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version
Add flaxseeds or chia seeds for fiber
Use certified gluten-free flour blends for celiac-safe baking

With these changes, your bread cinnamon treat fits more dietary lifestyles while keeping the flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Snacking Cake and Quick Bread Recipes

Overmixing the batter—this leads to dense, rubbery texture
Using cold ingredients—they don’t combine well
Skipping the greasing—makes it harder to remove the loaf
Opening the oven too early—can cause the bread to sink
Overbaking—it dries out the crumb and toughens the crust

Avoiding these common errors ensures your cinnamon donut bread turns out fluffy and flavorful every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipes

Can I use homemade applesauce?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s unsweetened and smooth.

Can I make this as muffins?
Yes—divide into 12 muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but the bread will be denser. Try half all-purpose and half whole wheat.

Does this bread need refrigeration?
No, it stores well at room temperature. Just keep it tightly sealed.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in two loaf pans or use a 9×13 pan and adjust the baking time.

🥣 Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Based on 10 Slices)

Calories: 240 kcal
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Sugar: 18 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 160 mg
Calcium: 80 mg
Iron: 1.2 mg
Potassium: 110 mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Final Thoughts: Save, Share, and Savor This Homemade Donuts Recipe Made Simple

This Cinnamon Donut Bread brings the best parts of donuts, cinnamon rolls, and quick breads together in one delicious loaf. It’s simple to bake, filled with flavor, and endlessly versatile—ideal for cinnamon dessert recipes, brunch buffets, or just something sweet to keep on the counter.

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