Apple Cider Donut Bread combines the best of apple cider donuts and warm, comforting bread. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with the sweet, tart apple cider, creating a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen with a cozy vibe. This isn’t just a bread; it’s an experience that reminds you of fall afternoons spent at orchards, apple-picking, and cozying up with a slice while watching the leaves turn.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Apple Cider Donut Bread

The beauty of this Apple Cider Donut Bread lies in its simplicity and delectable flavor. It’s perfectly moist, with a tender crumb that beckons you for another slice. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread also makes a delightful addition to any gathering, transforming any occasion into a special treat. I fondly recall the first time I whipped this up for a friend’s brunch. The moment she took a bite, her eyes lit up with joy. Now, it’s a frequent request at our gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You only need about 15 minutes of hands-on time to prepare this beautiful loaf.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a flavor explosion that’s both unique and comforting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With a beautiful cinnamon sugar coating, this bread looks as great as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any time of day—enjoy a slice for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Diet-Friendly Options: Use dairy-free butter and yogurt for a vegan twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup Apple Cider: The star of the show! Reducing the cider concentrates its sweet-tart flavor, ensuring every bite is bursting with apple goodness. Look for fresh, unfiltered cider for the best taste.
1/2 cup Butter, Softened: This adds richness and moisture to the bread. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
1 cup Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar deepens the flavor. You can substitute with granulated sugar, but expect a lighter taste.
1 tsp Vanilla: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweet notes. Use pure vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
2 Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients while adding moisture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best texture.
1/4 cup Applesauce: It adds moisture without extra fat, plus a hint of apple flavor. Unsweetened applesauce is preferred.
3 tbsp Greek Yogurt: This keeps the bread moist and adds tanginess. You can substitute with sour cream or non-dairy yogurt.
2 cups Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure. Whole wheat can be used but may alter texture.
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder: Ensures the bread rises beautifully.
1/4 tsp Baking Soda: This gives the bread extra lift and lightness.
1/2 tsp Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness.
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon: This warm spice adds that classic cozy flavor associated with fall.
1/2 tsp Nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg adds depth and warmth. Freshly grated is best if you have it.
1/4 cup Sugar: For the topping, this pairs with cinnamon for a sweet finish.
1/2 tbsp Cinnamon: Extra cinnamon for that irresistible coating.
2 tbsp Butter, Melted: To help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the loaf while adding extra richness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal.
Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apple cider. Stir occasionally until it reduces by half, leaving you with 1/4 cup of liquid. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Vanilla and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs, blending until just combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and the cooled apple cider.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Combine All Ingredients: Gradually add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until almost combined. Pour in half of the apple cider mixture and stir gently until combined. Repeat the process with the remaining dry and wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix.
Pour Batter into Pan: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-baking.
Cool on a Rack: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it out and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
Brush with Butter: Once the bread is cool enough, use a pastry brush to coat the entire loaf with melted butter. This not only adds flavor but helps the cinnamon sugar stick well.
Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the bread, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.

Storing & Reheating

Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but wrap tightly to prevent drying out. For freezing, slice the bread and wrap each piece individually, then store in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it toasted. Be aware that freezing may slightly change the texture, so to refresh it, a quick toast can work wonders.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Room temperature ingredients blend better, so pull your eggs and butter out ahead of time.
Avoid overmixing the batter; this keeps your bread tender.
If you notice a browning crust while baking, tent the loaf with foil to prevent burning.
For extra apple flavor, consider adding chopped apples or apple chunks into the batter.
This bread is fantastic the day after baking—flavors intensify as they meld.

Apple Cider Donut Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a testament to the beauty of fall flavors wrapped in a loaf. Each bite captures the essence of the season, inviting you to savor every moment. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or shared with loved ones, this bread is sure to bring smiles around the table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices and flavors—try adding walnuts or a glaze on top for a little extra flair. Enjoy this delightful recipe, and embrace the warmth it brings!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just fine. Look for a brand that is fresh and unfiltered for the best flavor.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will still yield delicious results!

How do I know when my bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. If it looks wet or gooey, it needs a bit more time.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?

Certainly! Chopped nuts or diced apples make great additions—just be sure to keep the overall volume balanced to maintain the bread’s texture. Enjoy experimenting!

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Apple Cider Donut Bread

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Apple Cider Donut Bread features irresistible flavors with apple cider, warm spices, and a moist texture. It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup apple cider
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/4 cup applesauce
3 tbsp Greek yogurt
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat and reduce it by half to 1/4 cup. Cool it slightly after removing from heat.
In a large bowl, combine softened butter and brown sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla and eggs to the mixture and beat until just combined.
In a small bowl, mix together applesauce, Greek yogurt, and the cooled apple cider.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing to combine. Then add half of the apple cider mixture and repeat until everything is blended, being cautious not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly.
Bake for 40-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Allow the loaf to cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then transfer it to the cooling rack.
For the cinnamon sugar topping, mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
Use a pastry brush to coat the loaf with melted butter on all sides.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the loaf, gently pressing it into the bread.

Notes

Ensure apple cider is reduced as directed for the best flavor.
The loaf can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For extra richness, serve it warm with additional butter.