Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Introduction

Donut Bread is a delightful twist on classic quick bread, infused with warm apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar for that irresistible donut flavor. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this moist loaf combines cozy spices with a tender crumb you’ll love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider
• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the apple cider to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 20-30 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool while the oven preheats.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
5. Step 5: Add the flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixture along with the cooled reduced apple cider. Stir by hand until just combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the bread onto a cooling rack set over a sheet pan.
9. Step 9: Brush the top and sides of the bread with the melted butter.
10. Step 10: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar liberally over the top and sides of the bread, allowing any excess to fall onto the pan below.
12. Step 12: Let the bread cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger apple flavor, use fresh apple cider instead of store-bought concentrate.
• Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• If you prefer a glaze, drizzle a simple vanilla icing over the cooled bread instead of the cinnamon sugar coating.

Storage

Store the Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore that fresh-baked warmth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple cider has a richer, spiced flavor that enhances this recipe. If you only have apple juice, it will still work, but the bread may be a bit less flavorful.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If batter sticks to the tester, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 99 reviews

This delicious Donut Bread recipe combines a moist, flavorful loaf infused with reduced apple cider and warm apple pie spices, finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating for that classic donut taste in a convenient bread form. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, this bread offers the comforting flavors of fall in every bite.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider
• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Topping

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the cider is reduced by half, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool while you prepare the oven and batter.
2. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates your batter and helps with a tender crumb.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture along with the cooled reduced apple cider. Stir gently by hand until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
6. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
7. Cool Slightly: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
8. Transfer to Cooling Rack: Carefully take the bread out of the pan and place it on a cooling rack set over a sheet pan to catch any excess sugar coating that falls off.
9. Brush with Melted Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top and sides of the bread with the melted butter. This will help the cinnamon sugar topping stick and add richness.
10. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly.
11. Apply Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over the buttered surface of the bread, ensuring all sides are coated. Allow any excess to fall onto the sheet pan below for easy cleanup.
12. Final Cooling and Serving: Let the bread cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing. This resting time ensures the flavors develop fully and the texture sets perfectly. Serve and enjoy your fruity, spiced Donut Bread!

Notes

• Reducing the apple cider intensifies the flavor and caramelizes the sugars for a richer taste.
• Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a tough bread.
• The cinnamon sugar topping gives this bread its signature donut-like finish—don’t skip it!
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheat slices slightly for a fresh-baked feel before serving.

Keywords: donut bread, apple cider bread, apple pie spice bread, sweet loaf, cinnamon sugar bread, fall baking, easy bread recipe