Name: Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice*; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ¼ cups apple cider, or apple juice; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup apple cider; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

I am so excited to share this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe with you because it perfectly captures all the cozy, sweet flavors of fall in one tender, spiced loaf. Every bite is infused with apple cider and a warm apple pie spice blend that I just can’t get enough of. This bread is incredibly soft with a subtle crust coated in cinnamon sugar that tastes just like your favorite cider donuts. Whether you’re baking for a lazy weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack, this recipe is a reliable winner in my kitchen and quickly became one of my favorite ways to enjoy apple cider beyond just sipping it from a mug.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

What really makes this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe stand out for me is the way it balances comforting sweetness with that unmistakable spiced cider flavor. Unlike other quick breads that can sometimes feel dense or dry, this one stays beautifully moist and tender thanks to the apple cider in the batter and the gentle drizzle of cider poured over the loaf right after baking. I love how the apple pie spice adds cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves without overpowering the natural fruitiness.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe is how straightforward it is to make. With simple pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients like apple cider and butter, you can whip up something truly special without days of prep or complicated steps. It’s a perfect weekend project or a wonderful treat to bring to brunch or a casual get-together. Honestly, if you love apple cider donuts, this bread is going to delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the most inviting autumn aroma!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular loaf cake with a golden brown crust covered lightly with granulated sugar sits on a sheet of parchment paper. The top surface of the cake is cracked unevenly, showing a rough texture with light and dark brown shades. Surrounding the cake are four apples in red and green colors placed on a white marbled surface, giving a fresh backdrop. On the left side, there is a small wooden bowl filled with sugar, and on the right, part of a knife with a wooden handle is visible. In the background, there is a glass containing a yellowish liquid, slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a big role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of the ingredient list really shows how easy it is to elevate humble staples into something extraordinary.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for this bread’s tender crumb and structure.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust caramelize beautifully.
Baking powder: Gives the bread its light, airy lift so it doesn’t feel dense.
Apple pie spice: A warm, fragrant combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings classic fall flavors to life.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Apple cider (or apple juice): The star ingredient that infuses the bread with juicy apple flavor and moisture.
Large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds buttery flavor and keeps the texture soft.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the sweetness and rounds out the spice notes wonderfully.
For the topping – apple cider: Poured over the hot loaf to soak in extra flavor and moisture.
Granulated sugar and apple pie spice topping: Creates that signature sweet, spiced crust reminiscent of donut sugar coating.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to make sure the bread releases easily when it’s done baking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt until evenly combined. This will ensure every bite is perfectly spiced and balanced.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well blended, creating a smooth base.

Step 4: Pour the apple cider mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—you want the batter to be slightly runny with some lumps, which will help keep your bread tender.

Step 5: Transfer the batter into your greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure an even rise and bake.

Step 6: Bake the bread for 65 to 75 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. The crust should turn a lovely golden brown.

Step 7: Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, pour the ¼ cup of apple cider over the loaf slowly to soak in that extra moisture and flavor.

Step 8: Mix together the sugar and apple pie spice for the topping in a small bowl. Carefully remove the bread from the pan onto a large piece of parchment paper and sprinkle this mixture generously over all sides of the warm bread, rotating gently to coat evenly.

Step 9: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to let the flavors finish setting and the crust firm up with that irresistible sugary spice crust.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 slices of delicious bread, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Prep time is quick—about 10 minutes—to mix up the batter, but you will need to plan for a longer cook time of around 1 hour and 5 minutes. Add in a 10-minute rest after baking plus cooling time, and the total process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s definitely worth the wait for such a cozy treat!

How to Serve This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

A brown loaf cake with a rough top layer sprinkled with white sugar sits on parchment paper. Two thick slices are cut from the front, showing a soft and crumbly light brown inside texture. Some cake crumbs scatter around the loaf on a white marbled surface. A glass of light yellow liquid and a red apple are blurred in the background on the left, with a green apple partly visible on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this bread warm or at room temperature, which lets the comforting spices and apple cider notes really shine. It’s fantastic on its own with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning, but it also pairs beautifully with soft cream cheese or a pat of cinnamon butter for extra indulgence. When hosting friends, I like to slice it thick and lay it out on a pretty platter with fresh apple slices and maybe some nuts for texture.

If you want to dress it up for a party or special occasion, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the sugar-spiced crust right before serving—the contrast of sweet and salty is divine. For beverages, I’m a big fan of pairing it with sparkling apple cider or even a warm mulled wine to match the autumn vibe. It also works wonderfully alongside creamy hot chocolate or a simple vanilla latte if you prefer non-alcoholic options.

Whether you are enjoying it as a weekend brunch centerpiece, a holiday breakfast, or a comforting snack on a crisp fall evening, this bread always feels like a little celebration on a plate. Slicing it into generous thick pieces makes for a substantial treat that nobody can resist coming back for seconds on.

Variations

One of my favorite aspects of this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. If you want to make it gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with great results. I’ve also experimented with using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a deeper sweetness and a slight molasses undertone that pairs wonderfully with the apple flavors.

If you’re vegan or dairy-free, simply replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set until gelled) and swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The texture and flavor remain surprisingly close to the original.

For a new flavor twist, try adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for some crunch, or swirl in a homemade cinnamon swirl before baking for a dramatic marbled effect. You could even bake the same batter in muffin tins for portable, individual-sized treats perfect for lunchboxes or parties.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover apple cider donut bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing moisture. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigeration is an option but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap whole or sliced portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to consume frozen bread within 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave or oven.

Reheating

For the best texture, I like reheating slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, which revives the crust and warms the bread through nicely. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make the bread a bit gummy, so wrap slices in a paper towel and heat briefly. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Absolutely! Apple juice is a fine substitute if you don’t have apple cider on hand. While apple cider tends to be a bit more robust and tangy, apple juice will still give you plenty of that sweet apple flavor and keep the bread moist and delicious.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No worries, I often make this bread without pre-made apple pie spice. Just combine ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon allspice as a substitute, and you’ll still get those warm autumn flavors that make this bread so special.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, you can. Use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative in place of unsalted butter, and swap the egg for a flax or chia egg to keep it completely plant-based while maintaining great texture and taste.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

I recommend using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, it’s done. Also, the top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when pressed.

Can I add nuts or fruit to this bread?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and I’ve also enjoyed folding in dried cranberries or chopped fresh apples for extra texture and bursts of flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and delightful treat that brings the magic of fall right to your kitchen, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want something cozy but fuss-free to share with family and friends, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as I do. Happy baking and even happier tasting!