Cozy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe for Fall’s Sweet Cravings

Cozy autumn afternoons call for a delightful apple cider donut bread that brings warmth to your kitchen.

Crisp orchard memories inspire this delectable treat with its rich, nostalgic flavors.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising pure comfort in every slice.

Bakers appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something magical and memorable.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance together, creating a symphony of fall-inspired deliciousness.

Seasonal baking becomes an adventure when you start with fresh ingredients and genuine passion.

One bite transports you to an apple-picking expedition, connecting memories and tastes in a single, delightful moment.

Come explore this recipe and let your kitchen become a celebration of autumn’s most beloved flavors.

Reasons to Love Apple Cider Donut Bread

• Savor Autumn Flavors: Indulge in the perfect blend of apple cider and warm spices that capture the essence of fall in every delicious slice.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Craft a bakery-worthy treat with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps that even novice bakers can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a versatile bread that works wonderfully for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or as a delightful dessert that brings everyone together.
• Quick Family Favorite: Prepare a crowd-pleasing recipe that takes minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for busy households craving something special.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Cider Donut Bread

• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the bread.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender texture for the bread.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bread.
• Apple Cider: Gives a distinctive apple flavor and moisture to the bread.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and create a light, fluffy texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Provide warm, classic apple cider donut spice flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the other flavors in the bread.

• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps keep the bread moist and tender.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Provides a sweet, spiced coating for extra flavor.

How to Bake Apple Cider Donut Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and coat it with grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Blend these ingredients until they’re evenly combined.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Using an electric mixer, whip softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Liquid Elements

• Fresh apple cider
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Slowly incorporate this liquid mixture into the butter-sugar blend, alternating with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined – avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Bake Golden Loaf

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Finish with Cinnamon Sparkle

While the bread is still warm, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the top. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Pro Tips for Apple Cider Donut Bread

• Select Fresh Apple Cider: Choose unfiltered, high-quality apple cider for the most robust and authentic apple flavor in your bread.
• Prevent Overmixing Batter: Gently fold ingredients together just until combined to ensure a tender, soft bread texture without developing tough gluten.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test to confirm bread is fully baked, inserting it into the center and ensuring it comes out clean with no wet batter.
• Enhance Spice Profile: Toast ground cinnamon and nutmeg briefly before adding to the dry ingredients to intensify their warm, aromatic qualities.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, butter, and sour cream to sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and more consistent bread texture.

Variation Ideas for Apple Cider Donut Bread

• Gluten-Free Apple Cider Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender texture and rich apple flavor.
• Vegan Apple Spice Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap sour cream for coconut yogurt to create a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cider Bread: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining delicious taste.
• Whole Wheat Healthier Option: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, adding extra nutrition and a slightly nutty undertone to the classic recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Apple Cider Donut Bread

• Pair with Warming Beverages: Complement the bread's sweet and spicy notes with hot apple cider, which echoes the recipe's core flavor and provides a cozy drinking experience.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a vanilla latte to balance the bread's rich, dense texture and cut through its warm spice profile.
• Enhance with Complementary Spreads: Top slices with salted butter or maple-pecan cream cheese to amplify the bread's autumnal warmth and add an extra layer of indulgent flavor.
• Match with Seasonal Cheese: Accompany the bread with a mild, creamy brie or a sharp aged cheddar to create a delightful sweet-and-savory combination that highlights the bread's complexity.

Storage Recommendations for Apple Cider Donut Bread

• Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate apple cider flavor.
• Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in the freezer flat to maintain its shape and prevent crumbling.
• Remove from the freezer and let the bread thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the texture.
• Warm individual slices in a toaster oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs for Apple Cider Donut Bread

• Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

No, apple cider has a more concentrated flavor and natural tartness that gives the bread its signature taste. Apple juice is too sweet and lacks the depth of apple cider.

• Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• How do I know if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet aromas of Apple Cider Donut Bread fill kitchens with comforting autumn memories. Warm spices and caramelized apple notes create a delightful quick bread perfect for weekend mornings when you crave something special.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) apple cider
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) cinnamon sugar (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by generously coating with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
4. Create a liquid mixture by whisking apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this liquid into the butter mixture, alternating with dry ingredients and mixing until ingredients are just combined.
5. Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution. Bake for 55-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any raw batter.
6. While bread is still warm, generously dust the top with cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

• Swap apple cider for fresh apple juice or apple sauce to adjust the moisture and sweetness of the bread.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter texture, perfect for health-conscious bakers.
• Toast the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg briefly before mixing to enhance their aromatic depth and release more intense flavors.
• Add chopped nuts or dried apple pieces to the batter for extra crunch and rustic texture, creating more complexity in each slice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 239 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 164 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg