We’ve always loved the cozy vibes of fall, and our Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe captures that magic in every slice. It’s a fresh twist on classic apple cider donuts, blending warm spices and tart apples into a moist, irresistible loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
This easy bake brings the orchard-fresh flavors we crave straight to your kitchen, without the fuss of frying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, we’ll show you how to whip up this crowd-pleaser that combines the best of donuts and quick breads.
Ingredients
In our Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that capture the warm, spiced essence of fall. Let’s break down what you’ll need, listed in the order we use them for easy preparation.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup by simmering for extra tanginess to enhance the Apple Cider Donut Bread‘s orchard-fresh flavor)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled, for a moist crumb that mimics classic donuts)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature, to bind the batter smoothly)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for added creaminess and subtle tang)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted, as the base for our light, fluffy Apple Cider Donut Bread loaf)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (to balance the tart apple notes with just the right sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for a perfect rise without density)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (to react with acidic elements and ensure a tender texture)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly ground for that signature spicy warmth)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (to evoke cozy, autumnal vibes in every bite)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to enhance overall flavor without overpowering)
Add-Ins and Toppings
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith, peeled and diced, for bursts of tartness that complement the cider infusion)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (mixed for a crunchy topping that gives our Apple Cider Donut Bread its irresistible donut-like finish)
Equipment Needed
To prepare our delicious Apple Cider Donut Bread, we gather the right tools to ensure smooth baking and perfect results every time.
Essential Tools
For crafting this moist and flavorful loaf, we rely on these must-have items to mix, bake, and finish our bread effectively:
- Mixing bowls: We need at least two medium-sized bowls—one for combining dry ingredients like flour and spices, and another for wet ingredients such as reduced apple cider and eggs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so we use a set of dry measuring cups for flour and sugar plus liquid measuring cups for cider and other liquids.
- Whisk or wooden spoon: A whisk helps us blend the batter smoothly for that light, airy texture, while a wooden spoon works well for stirring in diced apples.
- Loaf pan: We recommend a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan greased or lined with parchment paper to achieve the perfect shape and even baking.
- Oven: Our preheated oven at 350°F is essential for baking the bread to golden perfection.
- Cooling rack: After baking, we use this to let our Apple Cider Donut Bread cool evenly and prevent sogginess.
Optional Tools
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: If available, we use this for effortlessly beating the wet ingredients to a creamy consistency, saving time over manual mixing.
- Food scale: For precise measurements, we might opt for a digital scale especially when weighing flour or apples to ensure consistent results.
- Apple corer and peeler: We find this handy for quickly preparing the Granny Smith apples, making prep faster and less messy though a knife works fine too.
- Pastry brush: To apply any additional cinnamon sugar topping evenly, we use this for a professional finish but can substitute with our fingers.
Instructions
With our ingredients measured and equipment ready, we embark on baking our irresistible Apple Cider Donut Bread that combines tart apples with warm spices for a cozy fall treat.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we mix, let’s prepare our components to ensure everything blends seamlessly. Start by reducing the apple cider: In a saucepan over medium heat, we simmer 2 cups of apple cider until it reduces to 1 cup—about 10-15 minutes—creating a concentrated, tangy base that infuses the bread with orchard-fresh flavor. Next, we dice 2 medium Granny Smith apples into ½-inch pieces for that signature tart crunch then toss them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their zesty appeal.
For the dry ingredients, we sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt into a large mixing bowl to avoid lumps and promote an even, fluffy texture. In another bowl, we melt ½ cup of unsalted butter and let it cool slightly while whisking 2 large eggs and combining them with 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of Greek yogurt, and the reduced apple cider for a moist, creamy mixture that promises a tender crumb.
Make the Batter
Now we bring it all together to craft the batter. In the bowl with the wet ingredients, we vigorously whisk the melted butter, eggs, Greek yogurt, and reduced apple cider until smooth and emulsified, yielding a rich base that carries the essence of spiced apples. Gradually, we add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or whisk just until combined—overmixing can toughen the bread so we stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
Finally, we fold in the diced apples using a spatula to distribute them evenly, creating pockets of tartness that will burst with flavor in every bite. The batter should have a thick, velvety consistency with an aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg that hints at the Apple Cider Donut Bread‘s comforting appeal.
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy release. We pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even rise, then sprinkle a cinnamon sugar topping—made by mixing 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon—over the surface for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
Bake the bread on the middle rack for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, allowing the loaf to develop a golden crust while the interior stays moist and infused with spiced apple notes. To monitor baking progress accurately, we recommend checking at the 45-minute mark and rotating the pan if needed for uniform heat distribution.
Cool and Glaze
Once baked, we remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set its structure before transferring it to a wire rack. This brief rest helps the flavors meld and prevents the loaf from collapsing. For the glaze, we whisk together ½ cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved reduced apple cider until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled bread to add a glossy sheen and subtle sweetness that complements the Apple Cider Donut Bread‘s spiced profile.
Slice and serve once fully cooled to room temperature—about 1 hour total—for the best texture and taste.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to enjoy fresh-baked flavors even on busy mornings. We can prepare components in advance to save time while preserving the bread’s moist texture and warm spice notes.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
To streamline our baking process, we recommend prepping certain elements up to 24 hours in advance:
- Reduce the apple cider: Simmer and reduce the cider as outlined in the recipe, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This ensures the tangy, concentrated flavor remains vibrant.
- Dice the apples: Chop fresh Granny Smith apples and toss them in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Cover and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Seal it in a zip-top bag or container at room temperature to keep it ready for quick assembly.
Baking the Bread Ahead
We can bake the entire loaf in advance and store it for later enjoyment. Follow the full recipe up to the baking and glazing steps, then:
- Allow the baked bread to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- For shorter-term storage, apply the glaze right before serving to maintain its glossy finish and prevent sogginess.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to retaining the bread’s fluffy crumb and cinnamon-sugar crunch. We’ve outlined recommended storage times and methods below for optimal results.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Keep in an airtight container; ideal for short-term use to preserve the fresh, orchard-like aroma. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Wrap securely to avoid drying out; the cool environment helps maintain the tart apple tang without altering spices. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Double-wrap in plastic and foil for best protection; this freezes the cozy fall flavors in place for effortless thawing. |
When we’re ready to serve, reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the warm, donut-like appeal without compromising the texture. Always let the bread come to room temperature if it was refrigerated, ensuring each bite delivers that perfect balance of spices and moisture.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe with you, capturing fall’s warm vibes in every slice. It’s a simple way to bring orchard flavors to your table without the fuss.
Give it a try and make it your own—it’s perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with friends. We’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your baking routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apple Cider Donut Bread?
Apple Cider Donut Bread is a cozy fall-inspired loaf that combines the flavors of apple cider donuts into a moist, baked bread. It features warm spices, tart apples, and a cinnamon sugar topping for a donut-like taste without frying. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s an easy recipe that captures orchard-fresh vibes in a simple loaf form.
What ingredients are needed for Apple Cider Donut Bread?
You’ll need wet ingredients like reduced apple cider, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and Greek yogurt for moisture and tang. Dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Don’t forget diced Granny Smith apples for tartness and a cinnamon sugar topping. This mix creates a light, fluffy bread with fall flavors.
How do I make Apple Cider Donut Bread?
Start by reducing apple cider and prepping ingredients. Mix wet components (like butter, eggs, and yogurt) with sifted dry ones (flour, spices, etc.), then fold in diced apples. Pour into a greased loaf pan, add cinnamon sugar topping, and bake at the preheated oven temperature specified in the recipe. Cool, glaze with powdered sugar and cider mixture, then slice and serve.
What equipment is required to bake Apple Cider Donut Bread?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or wooden spoon, a loaf pan, a preheated oven, and a cooling rack. These basics help prepare the batter, bake evenly, and cool the bread properly for the best texture and glaze application.
Can I prepare Apple Cider Donut Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make parts like reducing apple cider, dicing apples, and mixing dry ingredients up to 24 hours in advance. Bake the full bread ahead and store it, or freeze for up to 3 months. This allows for fresh flavors on busy days while maintaining moisture and taste.
How should I store Apple Cider Donut Bread?
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bread in the fridge overnight. Proper storage keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
How do I reheat Apple Cider Donut Bread for the best results?
Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore warmth and texture without drying it out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread tough. This method revives the fresh-baked, donut-like appeal for a delightful serving.