Name: Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup apple cider; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 3 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 24 reviews

If you’ve ever strolled past a cozy farm stand or bakery in autumn and caught a whiff of fresh apple cider donuts, you already know the kind of joy this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe brings to the kitchen! This quick bread captures all those classic, nostalgic flavors—soft, moist, warmly spiced, and crowned with a cinnamon-sugar crust. It’s the perfect marriage of apple cider donuts and easy-to-make loaf cake, making it irresistible for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you crave a taste of fall. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to have on repeat all season long.

Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, staple items you probably already have on hand—but don’t let their simplicity fool you. Each one plays a key role in building that rich flavor, tender crumb, and invite-you-back-for-seconds aroma that make this bread such a delight.

Apple cider: Reducing this down concentrates its flavor for a moist and tangy punch of apple in every bite.
Unsalted butter: Gives the bread a rich, tender crumb and pairs beautifully with apple and spice.
Light brown sugar: Adds warmth and a hint of caramel that makes every slice taste cozy.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the bakery-style aroma and rounds out the spice notes.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a perfect lift and moist texture.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds extra apple flavor while keeping the loaf oh-so-moist.
Plain Greek yogurt: Offers subtle tang and tenderness; you can use vanilla yogurt for extra flavor.
All-purpose flour: The trusty backbone for a sturdy but soft loaf.
Baking powder & baking soda: Leaveners that ensure a gentle rise and lightness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: The essential duo for classic donut spice; swap in apple pie or pumpkin pie spice if you want to mix things up.
Granulated sugar (for topping): Gives you that classic donut sparkle and a sweet exterior crunch.
More cinnamon (for topping): Lends an extra layer of warming spice to the finish.
Melted unsalted butter (for topping): Helps the cinnamon-sugar coating cling to every side for maximum flavor.

How to Make Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Reduce the Cider

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges so you can lift your loaf out easily later. Next, pour your apple cider into a small saucepan, bring it to medium heat, and simmer gently until it’s reduced by half—down to ¼ cup of liquid. This magical step intensifies the apple flavor. Set the reduced cider aside to cool a bit before adding it to your batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, or in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter with the brown sugar. Give it a solid three minutes at medium speed until it’s light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud—this is key for a tender loaf!

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Scrape down the bowl and mix in the vanilla extract and both eggs. Beat until just combined—the batter will look creamy and may not be totally smooth, which is completely fine.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a small separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and your cooled reduced apple cider. In another medium bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A quick whisk is all you need to evenly distribute the leaveners and spices.

Step 5: Bring the Batter Together

Add half of the flour mixture to your butter-sugar-eggs bowl and beat gently, then add half of the apple cider mixture. Repeat with the remaining flour and cider mixtures until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as it’s all together for the best crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan. This brief wait makes it easier to coat without breaking.

Step 7: Add the Signature Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Mix the sugar and extra cinnamon together in a small bowl. Brush the warm loaf with melted butter over the top, bottom, and sides. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over, gently pressing with your hands to help it stick. For the ultimate effect, roll the loaf on a large piece of parchment paper so you catch every bit of sugary goodness.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread is flavorful on its own, but a light dusting of extra cinnamon-sugar or a spoonful of vanilla glaze takes it over the top. For a more rustic look, add thin apple slices or a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans on each serving plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe with a mug of hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider for peak autumn vibes. For brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fall fruit salad for a full, nourishing spread that guests will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf thick and griddling each piece in a bit of butter, like a quick French toast. You can also cube and toast pieces for a bread pudding or trifle, or wrap mini slices in parchment as sweet edible gifts. It’s a show-stopper sliced on a rustic wooden board for gatherings and potlucks, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your bread tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow and blend beautifully. Keep the loaf in an airtight container, or wrap in foil to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe freezes like a dream! Freeze the loaf whole or in slices, wrapped well in plastic wrap and then in foil. For best results, wait to add the cinnamon-sugar coating until after thawing—it sticks best to just-warmed bread.

Reheating

To reheat, simply let a slice come to room temperature, or pop it in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to bring back a just-baked texture. If you’re reheating from frozen, allow the bread to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While you could use apple juice in a pinch, apple cider has a deeper, tangier flavor that makes the Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe really sing. Try to use unfiltered apple cider for the best autumn taste!

Can I bake this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Divide the batter among lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 18-22 minutes. The cinnamon-sugar topping is perfect on muffins, too—brush with butter and sprinkle generously.

Do I have to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider intensifies its flavors, but if you’re short on time, you can use ¼ cup straight from the bottle. That said, the extra step is worth it for an even richer apple flavor in your Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or an equivalent binder for the best texture and structure.

What mix-ins work with this bread?

Feel free to get creative! Diced apples, toasted walnuts, chopped pecans, or even dried cranberries add delicious bursts of flavor and texture to the Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe batter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy fall flavors or want to bring a smile to the breakfast table, this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe is just the ticket. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, ridiculously simple to make, and tastes just like your favorite seasonal donuts in sliceable form. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first slice!