Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe – A Cozy Fall Dessert
Every fall, the smell of apple cider fills the air and brings back warm childhood memories. I still remember visiting the apple orchard with my family, sipping hot cider, and enjoying freshly baked donuts sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. That nostalgic flavor inspired me to create this Apple Cider Donut Bread a cozy twist on the classic donut that’s easy to bake at home. It’s moist, spiced with cinnamon, and topped with glaze or nuts for the perfect fall treat.
Whether you’re planning a family brunch, looking for a Thanksgiving dessert, or simply craving something sweet with your morning coffee, this bread is the ultimate autumn comfort food.
📝 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious bread:
- Apple Cider – 1 cup (reduced for stronger flavor)
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
- Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup
- Brown Sugar – ¼ cup (adds richness)
- Baking Powder – 1 tsp
- Baking Soda – ½ tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Cinnamon – 2 tsp
- Nutmeg – ½ tsp
- Eggs – 2 large
- Unsalted Butter – ½ cup (melted)
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
👩🍳 Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider
- Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer on medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Let it cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, yogurt, vanilla, and the reduced apple cider.
- Make the Batter
- Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Bake
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze
- Let the bread cool completely. Drizzle with glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Top with nuts if desired.
🌟 Optional Toppings & Variations
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar – Brush the bread with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Glaze – Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp apple cider for a simple glaze.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins – Divide the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans for individual servings.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
- Slice and pack in lunchboxes for a sweet fall surprise.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Apple Cider Donut Bread
- Always reduce the cider for a bold apple flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter this keeps the bread soft and tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
❓ FAQ
Q1: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based butter.
Q2: What if I don’t have apple cider?
You can substitute with apple juice, but reduce it for a stronger taste.
Q3: Can I bake this in advance?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, and wrap tightly it tastes even better the next day.
Q4: How do I prevent the bread from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and keep it wrapped once cooled.
Q5: Can I add apples to the batter?
Yes, fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples for extra texture.
Q6: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet glaze and warm cinnamon flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
This Apple Cider Donut Bread combines everything we love about fall: cozy spices, apple orchard memories, and the sweet comfort of homemade baking. It’s simple, versatile, and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite in your home. Bake it for breakfast, serve it at gatherings, or enjoy it with a warm drink on a crisp autumn day.