Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

There is nothing quite like the warm, cozy magic of Apple Cider Donut Bread, a delightful treat that brings the comforting flavors of fall right into your kitchen. This recipe transforms sweet, spiced apple cider into a moist, tender bread with a sugary cinnamon crust that tastes like your favorite autumn donut in loaf form. Each bite offers a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making it an irresistible centerpiece for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional quick breads that captures the essence of apple cider donuts, this Apple Cider Donut Bread is your new best friend in baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Cider Donut Bread lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element brings its own magic—whether it’s the rich brown sugar adding caramel notes or the apple pie spice that infuses cozy warmth throughout the loaf. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make this bread truly special.

• 2 cups apple cider: Reduced to intensify sweetness and all the wonderful cider flavor.
• ½ cup butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for a soft crumb.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness tying all flavors together.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the bread and give it structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth.
• 2 cups flour: The base for the bread’s tender texture.
• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice: A fragrant mix that brings all the spice notes—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the bread for a nice rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create the perfect crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the bread’s flavor.
• ¼ cup melted butter: For brushing, adds a buttery glaze that helps cinnamon sugar stick.
• ½ cup sugar: Combines with cinnamon in the topping for classic donut sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: A key spice in that iconic cinnamon sugar coating.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. The goal is to reduce the cider by half, concentrating its natural sugars and flavors. This step takes about 20 to 30 minutes but it’s worth every second for that rich, intense apple essence that forms the heart of this bread.

Step 2: Prep Your Oven and Pan

While your cider cools, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease or butter a 9×5 loaf pan well to ensure the bread releases easily after baking. Setting up your workspace now makes the rest of the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This creaming step incorporates air into the mixture, which helps give your bread a wonderful light texture despite its richness.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add flavor and help hold the bread together, creating a moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cider

Mix the flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the cooled reduced apple cider. Stir gently by hand until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the bread tough, so take it easy here!

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watching the bread turn golden in the oven is almost as satisfying as the taste itself!

Step 7: Cool and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack placed over a sheet pan. Brush the entire loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle liberally with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. This final coating is what transforms the bread into Apple Cider Donut Bread territory, providing a sweet, spicy crust that is utterly addictive.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Bread

Garnishes

For that extra touch of fall charm, try garnishing slices with a light drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. Chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and add delightful texture.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a heartier brunch, serve it alongside creamy scrambled eggs or a fruit compote to complement the spicy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the Apple Cider Donut Bread thickly and toasting it gently. Spread with cream cheese frosting or apple butter for an irresistible treat. You can even cut it into cubes and use it as a base for a decadent bread pudding that showcases those beloved cider donut flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cider Donut Bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This lets the flavors mellow and the cinnamon sugar coating remain delightfully crisp.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it and wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen Apple Cider Donut Bread stays fresh for up to two months, ready for a quick snack whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up.

Reheating

To revive the bread’s fresh-baked charm, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for just a few moments. A quick butter spread after reheating brings back that irresistible glaze and melt-in-your-mouth softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apple cider for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen apple cider as long as it’s fully thawed before reducing. Just treat it as you would fresh cider for the reduction step—nothing changes but the convenience of having it on hand!

What if I don’t have apple pie spice? Can I make a substitute?

Absolutely! You can easily mix your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This blend will mimic the comforting spice notes that make the Apple Cider Donut Bread so special.

Is this bread gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free, but you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.

Can I make this bread vegan?

With some swaps like using a plant-based butter, a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and ensuring your sugar is vegan-friendly, you can create a vegan version that still captures that cozy donut flavor.

How thick should I slice the bread for serving?

About ¾-inch thick slices work perfectly for serving, helping the cinnamon sugar crust stay intact while offering a tender, moist interior with every bite.

Final Thoughts

There is something so heartwarming about pulling a loaf of Apple Cider Donut Bread from the oven, its spicy aroma filling the kitchen like a warm hug. This recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves cozy flavors with a twist. Whether you enjoy it fresh for breakfast, as a snack with tea, or even transformed into a dessert, it promises to become a beloved favorite. Give it a go and bring a little autumn magic into your home anytime you crave that nostalgic cider donut experience!

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