Apple Cider Donut Bread

Apple cider donut bread became an obsession for me one crisp October morning after visiting a local orchard. I brought home a jug of fresh cider and a bag of apple cider donuts and thought why not merge the best parts of both into one cozy treat? I played around with the batter, adding warm spices and reducing the cider for a more intense flavor and what came out of the oven was even better than I hoped.

The bread is moist and fluffy with little pockets of cinnamon-sugar throughout and a crunchy topping that reminds me of the sugar-crusted donuts I can never resist. Whether it’s breakfast or dessert or just a midday pick-me-up this loaf has a way of making everything feel a little more fall-perfect and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Apple cider – Reduced down to concentrate the flavor and infuse the bread with autumn warmth
• All-purpose flour – Gives the bread structure and softness
• Baking powder & baking soda – Help the loaf rise beautifully and keep it fluffy
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Ground cinnamon & nutmeg – Bring that classic donut-spice vibe
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and creates that crispy crust
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth
• Unsalted butter – Keeps the loaf rich and tender
• Eggs – Bind everything together and add richness
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with warm sweetness
• Buttermilk or milk + vinegar – Makes the crumb extra soft and moist

Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan – To reduce the apple cider and concentrate the flavor
• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients and one for wet
• Whisk and spatula – To mix everything together smoothly
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision matters with baking
• Loaf pan – A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works great
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray – Prevents sticking
• Toothpick – For checking doneness

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by pouring the apple cider into a saucepan and simmering it over medium heat until it reduces by half. This step deepens the flavor and makes the bread taste more like the real donut.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, I beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy. Then I add in the eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.

Step 4:

I pour in the reduced cider and buttermilk and stir until it’s all combined. The mixture may look a little curdled, but that’s totally normal!

Step 5:

Next, I add the dry ingredients to the wet in batches, stirring gently just until no flour remains.

Step 6:

I pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7:

Before baking, I mix a little extra cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle it evenly on top for that signature donut crust.

Step 8:

I bake the loaf at 350°F for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9:

Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan before removing it. If I want a little extra sweetness, I brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top.

Tips

To make this even more donut-like, I sometimes slice the loaf and pan-fry the pieces in butter so good!

Reducing the apple cider is key don’t skip this step or the flavor won’t be strong enough.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

For a twist, fold in chopped apples or walnuts to the batter before baking.

Ways to Serve

Slice and serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup

Perfect with a mug of coffee or spiced tea on a chilly morning

Use leftovers to make French toast yes, it’s amazing

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick fall dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in apple cider donut bread?

Apple juice will work in a pinch, but it’s not as rich or tangy as cider. If possible, go for fresh cider for best flavor.

How do I store apple cider donut bread?

Wrap it tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well!

Can I make apple cider donut bread gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and be sure to check that your cider and spices are gluten-free too.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this apple cider donut bread a try! It’s one of those feel-good recipes that makes the whole house smell like a bakery and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Let me know how it turns out or share your own twist I’d love to hear it!

Happy Cooking!

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