If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of autumn, then this Cider Donut Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the soft, tender crumb of bread infused with spiced apple cider flavors and finished with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar crust that tastes just like a classic cider donut. This bread transforms a beloved seasonal favorite into an easy-to-make loaf, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Whether you’re baking to impress friends or just indulge yourself, this recipe delivers all the comfort and delight of fall in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this Cider Donut Bread Recipe is one of its best qualities. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the flour that gives it structure to the apple cider that adds moisture and fruity depth. The spices bring that signature warmth, and the sugar topping adds a sparkling finish that really elevates the whole loaf.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 250 g): This forms the sturdy but tender base of the bread.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups / 300 g): Sweetens the bread naturally and balances the apple cider’s tartness.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures a light, fluffy texture by helping the bread rise.
- Apple pie spice (2 teaspoons): The star spice blend that brings cozy autumn vibes.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop.
- Apple cider (1 ¼ cups for batter + ¼ cup for brushing): Adds moisture and a true cider flavor that sets this bread apart.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Provides tender crumb and subtle buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup) + apple pie spice (2 teaspoons) for topping: Creates the irresistible spiced sugar coating that mimics the classic cider donut crust.
How to Make Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your tools and oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your bread will release easily from the pan after baking without any crumbling or sticking.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt. Whisking evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices for a uniform flavor throughout your bread. This is the foundation of your batter.
Step 3: Whisk the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This provides moisture and richness, giving your bread that signature tender crumb and cider flavor.
Step 4: Mix the wet and dry ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir using a spatula or spoon just until everything is combined. It’s important not to overmix here — a slightly runny, lumpy batter will yield the best texture.
Step 5: Pour batter into the pan and bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 75 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and the top is a gorgeous, golden brown. This slow bake develops deep flavors and a perfect crust.
Step 6: Cool and infuse with cider
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up. While still warm, pour the reserved ¼ cup of apple cider over the top to soak in extra moisture and amplify the authentic apple flavor. Trust me, this step makes all the difference.
Step 7: Prepare and apply the sugar-spice topping
Mix together ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons apple pie spice in a small bowl. Once the bread is cool enough to handle, carefully remove it from the pan onto parchment paper. Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the entire loaf, turning it gently to create a crunchy, fragrant crust just like your favorite cider donut.
Step 8: Let it cool completely before slicing
Allow the bread to cool fully so the sugar topping can set properly and the flavors meld together beautifully. Then slice, serve, and get ready for a deliciously cozy bite.
How to Serve Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by adding a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider or cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgence. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped pecans also provide a lovely textural contrast and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair this cider donut bread with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for the ultimate fall breakfast. It also works beautifully alongside creamy soups or a cheese platter, balancing sweet and savory perfectly for a cozy meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread into thick pieces and toast them lightly, then spread with cinnamon butter or honey butter. You can also cube the bread to use as crunchy croutons in a fall-inspired salad or dessert parfait layered with yogurt and caramelized apples.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cider donut bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it soft and fresh while allowing those wonderful flavors to continue melding.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread for up to two months by wrapping it in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and you’ll still have that freshly baked taste at your fingertips.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until soft and fragrant. If you want to revive the sugar crust, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Absolutely! Apple juice works well in this Cider Donut Bread Recipe if you don’t have cider on hand. Just remember that cider often has a bit more tartness and depth, so the flavor might be slightly sweeter with juice.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you would need to experiment with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but results may vary in texture.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, and the top is a golden brown color. Home ovens can vary, so start checking at 65 minutes.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries would be fantastic additions. Fold about ½ cup into the batter before baking for extra texture and bursts of flavor.
Is this bread sweet or more savory?
This is a sweet bread with a nicely balanced spiced apple flavor. The sugar-spice topping adds a sweet crunch that reminds you of a cider donut, making it perfect for dessert or breakfast treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking from scratch, and this Cider Donut Bread Recipe brings all the warmth and joy of fall right into your home kitchen. Whether you’re savoring it with morning coffee or enjoying it as a cozy snack, it’s hard not to smile with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this deliciously spicy, perfectly sweet bread — it might just become your new seasonal favorite!
Print
Cider Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65-75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cider Donut Bread recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider and apple pie spice into a moist, tender loaf. With a crackly sugar-spice topping reminiscent of classic cider donuts, this bread offers a delightful fall-inspired treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Sugar-Spice Topping
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt to ensure the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the apple cider, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should remain slightly runny and lumpy.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to promote uniform baking.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and the top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly in pan: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to handle.
- Brush with apple cider: While the bread is still warm, pour the ¼ cup of apple cider evenly over the top of the loaf while it is still in the pan. This step adds moisture and extra cider flavor.
- Prepare sugar-spice topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons apple pie spice until well combined.
- Remove bread from pan: Carefully invert or lift the bread out of the loaf pan onto a large piece of parchment paper, taking care not to break the loaf.
- Coat with sugar-spice mixture: Sprinkle the sugar and apple pie spice blend evenly over the entire surface of the bread. Turn the loaf as needed to cover all sides with this flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Cool completely before serving: Let the bread cool fully on the parchment paper. Cooling allows the sugar-spice topping to set properly and the flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
- Room temperature egg helps create a smooth batter and even baking.
- If you don’t have apple pie spice, substitute with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- For a stronger apple flavor, use fresh apple cider rather than apple juice.
- This loaf is best enjoyed within 2 days but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
