Apple Cider Donut Bread

This Apple Cider Donut Bread delivers everything you love about a classic apple cider donut—warm spices, rich apple flavor, and a cinnamon sugar coating—baked into a soft, sliceable loaf. With its golden crust and tender crumb, it looks exactly like a bakery-style quick bread and fills your kitchen with the coziest fall aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like an apple cider donut
• Moist, tender texture that slices beautifully
• Finished with a classic cinnamon sugar topping
• Perfect for fall breakfasts, snacks, or dessert
• Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff

Ingredients

Apple Cider Donut Bread

• 1 cup apple cider*
• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until reduced to ½ cup, concentrating the apple flavor. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and the cooled reduced apple cider until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 6: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick and smooth.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack.

Step 9: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the loaf is still warm, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the top lightly with melted butter if needed, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the loaf, pressing gently so it adheres.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Reducing the cider is key for strong apple flavor
• Don’t overmix to keep the crumb soft
• Add extra cinnamon sugar on the sides for full coverage
• Serve slightly warm for true donut-style flavor

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cider
• Toast lightly and add a pat of butter
• Perfect for fall brunches or holiday mornings

Storage & Reheating

• Store covered at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Warm slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of cider?
Apple cider is best for depth of flavor, but apple juice can work if reduced.

Can this be frozen?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months without topping.

Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing or not measuring flour correctly can cause density.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Donut Bread captures everything comforting about fall baking in one beautiful loaf. With its warm spices, concentrated apple flavor, and classic cinnamon sugar finish, it’s a must-bake recipe that looks stunning, slices cleanly, and tastes just like your favorite donut—only better.

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