If you are craving a cozy, autumn-inspired treat that bursts with warm spices and the sweet tang of apples, this Cider Donut Bread Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. Imagine biting into soft, moist bread that delivers the comforting flavors of cider donuts in every slice. With a fragrant apple pie spice blend, a hint of vanilla, and a delightful sugary topping, this recipe transforms classic flavors into a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a simple dessert. Once you try this Cider Donut Bread Recipe, it just might become your seasonal favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cider Donut Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the tender all-purpose flour to the lively apple cider, every element plays a role in delivering that irresistible warmth and sweetness.
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb for the bread.
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a tender texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to give the bread a light rise.
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice: Infuses the bread with a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ¼ cups apple cider (or apple juice): Adds moisture and authentic cider flavor.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Contributes to moistness and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Elevates the aroma and complements the apple spices.
- ¼ cup apple cider: Used for brushing to infuse moisture and sweetness.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: For the sugar-spice topping.
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice: Blended with sugar for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
How to Make Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan lightly with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your bread releases effortlessly and bakes evenly, so you get a perfect loaf every time.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt. Whisking blends these ingredients thoroughly, which is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices so every bite has a consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smoothly combined. The warmth of the cider and richness of the butter come together here, setting the stage for that moist and flavorful crumb you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula. It’s crucial not to overmix; your batter should remain a bit lumpy and slightly runny. This helps keep your bread wonderfully tender and soft, just like a cider donut.
Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer your batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. This step sets the foundation for a perfectly risen loaf with a beautiful golden crust.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Bake your bread for about 65 to 75 minutes at 350°F. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, and the top boasts a lovely golden brown color. This slow bake helps develop that rich flavor and moist texture.
Step 7: Cool and Infuse with Apple Cider
After baking, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While still warm, pour the ¼ cup of apple cider over the top. This extra step boosts moisture and adds a fresh burst of cider flavor, truly enhancing each slice.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply Sugar-Spice Topping
Mix the sugar and apple pie spice until well combined in a small bowl. Then, carefully remove your bread from the pan onto parchment paper to avoid damage, and sprinkle the sugar-spice mix generously all over. Rotate the loaf to coat every side, creating a crunchy, sweet crust that echoes the classic cider donut finish.
Step 9: Let Cool Before Serving
Allow the loaf to cool completely on the parchment paper. This ensures the sugar-spice shell sets perfectly while the flavors meld together, making every slice a delightful treat with consistent texture and taste.
How to Serve Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of maple glaze complements the spiced sugar crust beautifully. Add a few thin apple slices on the side for a fresh, fruity touch that pairs wonderfully with the warm flavors in the bread.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thickly and toasting it lightly to add crunch, then topping with butter or cream cheese infused with honey. For a charming twist, serve slices with a side of apple butter or spiced jam to amplify the cider donut vibe even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cider Donut Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, maintaining its soft texture and spice notes.
Freezing
To enjoy later, freeze the bread by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Frozen properly, it keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it at room temperature slowly to preserve moisture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave to revive the bread’s softness. Warming just enough to take the chill off helps bring back the tantalizing scent of apple cider and spices, making each bite freshly enjoyed.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, apple juice is a suitable substitute for apple cider. It may be slightly sweeter and less tart, but it still gives plenty of that lovely apple flavor essential to this bread.
What is apple pie spice made of?
Apple pie spice is a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and sometimes allspice. It creates that quintessential autumnal flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and sugary baked goods.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still shine.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The best way is the toothpick test – insert it into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your bread is perfectly baked. The top should also have a golden brown color.
Is it necessary to brush with apple cider after baking?
While not absolutely required, brushing the warm bread with apple cider adds extra moisture and intensifies the apple flavor. It’s a lovely step that takes this Cider Donut Bread Recipe to the next level.
Final Thoughts
This Cider Donut Bread Recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of a fresh cider donut into the comfort of your home kitchen with minimal fuss. Every slice bursts with warm spices and juicy apple cider notes that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. I promise, once you try it, this bread will become a beloved staple in your seasonal baking repertoire. So go ahead, bake a loaf, share it with those you love, and enjoy all the cozy fall vibes it brings!
Print
Cider Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65-75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cider Donut Bread recipe is a delightful fall-inspired treat combining the cozy flavors of apple cider and warm spices. Soft and moist, this bread is topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust, reminiscent of classic cider donuts, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the apple cider, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should look slightly runny and lumpy.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and the top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly in pan: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to help it set.
- Brush with apple cider: While the bread is still warm, pour the ¼ cup of apple cider over the top of the loaf in the pan to infuse extra moisture and flavor.
- Prepare sugar-spice topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, mixing thoroughly.
- Remove bread from pan: Carefully invert or lift the bread out of the loaf pan onto a large piece of parchment paper to avoid breaking.
- Coat with sugar-spice: Sprinkle the sugar and apple pie spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the bread, rotating the loaf as needed to cover all sides with the flavorful crust.
- Cool completely before serving: Let the bread cool fully on the parchment paper to allow the topping to set and the flavors to meld. Slice and serve once cooled.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider or high-quality apple juice for best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- If you prefer a stronger apple flavor, soak the bread with the apple cider more than once after baking.
- This bread is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, stored wrapped at room temperature.
- To keep the crust crisp, avoid storing the bread in airtight containers until after the topping sets.
