Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Bread is the absolute best way to bring that cozy, orchard-fresh feeling straight into your kitchen, no apple-picking trip required. This incredibly tender loaf is bursting with vibrant apple cider flavor and fragrant apple pie spices, just like your favorite cider donuts at the farmer’s market. With a delightfully crisp, cinnamon-sugar coating and a hint of vanilla, it’s impossible to stop at just one slice! Whether you’re enjoying it warm for breakfast or sneaking a piece with afternoon coffee, this recipe instantly turns any moment into an autumn celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this Apple Cider Donut Bread plays a simple but absolutely essential role—trust me, you don’t want to skip a thing. From the apple cider that infuses the loaf with unmistakable fall flavor, to the sparkling sugar crust, each ingredient contributes to the magical taste, moist texture, and golden color that makes this bread so memorable.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect sturdy, tender crumb—don’t substitute with bread or cake flour for best results.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and gives you a classic donut-like taste in both the loaf and the topping.
• Baking powder: Ensures your bread rises high and stays fluffy, with no dense or soggy spots.
• Apple pie spice: Delivers that delicious, cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and spice in every bite.
• Kosher salt: A pinch makes all the flavors pop—don’t skip it!
• Apple cider (or apple juice): Packs each slice with a real orchard-fresh taste; cider is best for maximum apple flavor.
• Large egg: Binds the mix perfectly and adds richness for a soft, tender loaf.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses a little extra decadence and keeps the texture incredibly soft.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, giving your bread that irresistible bakery aroma.
• For the topping – Apple cider: This extra splash keeps the topping sticky enough for the sugar coating to cling.
• For the topping – More granulated sugar: Coats the loaf in dazzling, crunchy sweetness, just like your favorite donuts.
• For the topping – More apple pie spice: Doubles down on those irresistible autumn flavors right to the crust.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan. Spray generously with nonstick spray so your Apple Cider Donut Bread releases easily once baked—a crucial first step for that perfect beautiful loaf. Set aside while you measure out your ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. By thoroughly combining all the dry ingredients first, you ensure that every bite of bread is evenly flavored and perfectly tender. It also means your loaf will bake up light, not streaky.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything looks completely combined and smooth. You want that luscious cider flavor and the velvety richness of butter and vanilla infused through every inch of the bread.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this batter will be a little runny and lumpy, which is just right for tender Apple Cider Donut Bread. Over-stirring can create a dense loaf, so a light hand is key.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 65–75 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Your kitchen will smell like an autumn wonderland!

Step 6: The Flavor-Soaked Finish

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then, while still warm, carefully drizzle 1/4 cup apple cider over the top. This soak ensures your Apple Cider Donut Bread is extra moist and brimming with fresh apple taste that simply melts in your mouth.

Step 7: Sweet Sugar & Spice Coating

Combine granulated sugar and apple pie spice in a small bowl. Remove the loaf from the pan and set it on a large piece of parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture all over, rotating the loaf so every side gets a donut-style crunchy coat. The warmth helps the sugar mixture stick for that signature Apple Cider Donut Bread finish!

Step 8: Cool & Slice

Allow your loaf to cool completely for the cleanest, most satisfying slices. Once cooled, cut thick or thin slices as you please—the outside is sweet and crisp, the inside soft and delightfully spiced. Enjoy your Apple Cider Donut Bread warm, room temperature, or even lightly toasted.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Bread

Garnishes

A classic, simple garnish is an extra light shower of cinnamon-sugar over each slice, or a small pat of butter that melts into the warm bread. For a bakery-style look, add a drizzle of homemade apple cider glaze or a little whipped cream if you want to really dress it up for a special breakfast or dessert.

Side Dishes

This cozy bread is a treat all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a steamy cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a mug of hot cider. For a more decadent brunch, serve slices of Apple Cider Donut Bread alongside Greek yogurt and crisp apple slices, or with fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cubing leftover bread for bread pudding, dicing it for a fall-inspired parfait with yogurt and caramel, or slicing thick portions to make over-the-top French toast. Arrange on a rustic wooden serving board with apples and cinnamon sticks for a festive centerpiece at brunch or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Apple Cider Donut Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve its freshness and keep the crumb moist, while the sugar coating stays delightfully crunchy.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf (wrapped tightly in plastic, then foil) for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or give individual pieces a quick microwave zap for that just-baked warmth.

Reheating

To quickly revive that fresh-from-the-oven feel, toast slices in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes, or pop them in the toaster. Microwaving for 10–15 seconds works too, especially if you want your Apple Cider Donut Bread to taste soft and extra cozy.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Absolutely! While apple cider delivers a deeper, more robust apple flavor, apple juice will still produce a sweet, fruity, and delicious loaf. Just know the flavor might be a little lighter than classic Apple Cider Donut Bread.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Check for a golden-brown top and insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with just a few crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is done. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite one-to-one gluten-free baking blend. Keep an eye on the consistency as some blends absorb liquid a bit differently, but Apple Cider Donut Bread will still turn out moist and flavorful.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No problem—make your own using 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon allspice, and a dash of cloves. This easy mix will capture all the cozy warmth you want in your Apple Cider Donut Bread.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Definitely! Just bake in two loaf pans and check for doneness around the 65-minute mark. This bread is wildly popular, so making a double batch is never a bad idea (it disappears fast).

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that wraps up the warmth and joy of fall in every bite, this Apple Cider Donut Bread is it. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how simple and spectacular homemade can be—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new seasonal favorite in your home, too!

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