Name: Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ¼ cups apple cider or apple juice; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup apple cider; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 30 reviews

If you love the cozy magic of fall and the irresistible flavor of fresh cider donuts, you’re in for a treat with this Apple Cider Donut Bread. Imagine everything you adore about a classic cider donut—the warmth of cinnamon, the blissful sweetness, the tender crumb—all baked into a loaf that’s so easy, you’ll come back to it again and again. This one-bowl wonder is topped off with a shimmering spiced sugar that glistens and crunches with every slice, making it the ultimate comfort bake to share (or keep all to yourself).

Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted at how simple this ingredient list is—just pantry staples and a few seasonal must-haves. Each one brings its own little bit of magic, working together to create that unmistakable Apple Cider Donut Bread taste and texture. Let’s talk about what makes each component special!

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bread its delicate structure and the classic soft crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven and in the topping.
Baking Powder: Ensures a perfect lift and lightness in every bite—no dense loaves here!
Apple Pie Spice: Provides that warm, spicy flavor reminiscent of fall festivities and homemade pie.
Kosher Salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and boost all of the other flavors.
Apple Cider or Apple Juice: The real game-changer—brings fruity depth and moistness that sets this loaf apart.
Egg (room temperature): Binds everything together for that luscious, cohesive bite.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and keeps the bread melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses a beautiful aroma and enhances all those fall spices.
More Apple Cider (for the topping): Helps the sugary topping cling to every bite and adds extra apple punch.
More Sugar and Spice (for the topping): Creates that signature sparkly, crunchy crust on top of your loaf.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Heat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Apple Cider Donut Bread slips out effortlessly and keeps its gorgeous shape.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt. This blend is the foundation of both texture and that classic spiced donut flavor—give it a thorough whisk to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and stir together your apple cider (or juice), room temperature egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients first ensures your batter comes together smoothly without overworking the flour.

Step 4: Bring It All Together—Gently!

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Now, this part is key: stir gently, just until no pockets of dry flour remain. Overmixing will make your bread tough, so keep it tender by stopping as soon as everything is blended.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Transfer your beautiful batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

While your kitchen fills with the dreamy scent of spice, mix the topping ingredients: apple cider, granulated sugar, and apple pie spice. This cinnamon-sugar mix will become the irresistible finish on your Apple Cider Donut Bread.

Step 7: Top the Warm Loaf

As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the warm loaf generously with the cider mixture, then sprinkle with the sugar and spice topping. This locks in moisture and gives you that crackly, sweet coating that makes this loaf so special.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Let your bread rest in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the crumb set and makes slicing a breeze—plus, it fills your kitchen with even more cozy aromas!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Bread

Garnishes

For a little extra flourish, you can dust your slices with a touch of powdered sugar or scatter thin apple slices alongside. A drizzle of vanilla glaze or dollop of whipped cream wouldn’t be out of place, especially if you’re looking to turn your Apple Cider Donut Bread into a dessert moment.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this loaf hardly needs anything to go with it, but if you want to serve it alongside a brunch spread, think mugs of hot coffee, chai tea, or even warm spiced cider. Pair with fresh fruit or a platter of sharp cheddar and dried cranberries to play up those autumn flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing and toasting your Apple Cider Donut Bread, then slathering with apple butter or caramel sauce for a cozy snack. Cut into cubes and use as the base for a fall trifle, or serve thick slices as French toast with maple syrup for weekend brunch magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Cider Donut Bread stays wonderfully fresh for days! Simply wrap it well in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay moist and tender for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, the fridge is your friend—just be sure to bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

This bread is an absolute champ in the freezer. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil, or use a freezer-safe airtight bag. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter or microwave gently before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked taste, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven until heated through. Lightly toasting the bread is another scrumptious option, especially if you love a crispy edge with your tender crumb.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Absolutely! While apple cider gives the richest, most robust apple flavor, apple juice works in a pinch and will still result in delicious bread with a tender crumb and sweet fruitiness.

Is it possible to make Apple Cider Donut Bread gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but all those spiced apple flavors will shine through.

Can I double the recipe or make it into muffins?

Of course. Double the ingredients for two loaves—great for freezing or sharing. For muffins, fill a lined muffin tin about 3/4 full and bake for 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?

Be generous with your sugar and spice topping, and brush the bread with cider while it’s still warm from the oven so the sugar sticks and forms that irresistible crust as it cools.

How do I keep my bread from getting dry?

Don’t overbake, and make sure to store the bread in an airtight container. Brushing the loaf with cider right after baking helps keep it moist, and a gentle reheat will restore that fresh-baked softness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of fresh-baked Apple Cider Donut Bread, especially when the air is crisp and leaves are turning. I can’t wait for you to fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples—and even more, to savor each delicious, sugary bite. Give this recipe a try and make some sweet autumn memories of your own!