If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that captures the essence of cozy autumn mornings, look no further than this amazing Cider Donut Bread Recipe. Imagine moist, tender bread infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, carried beautifully by the sweet tartness of apple cider and a touch of buttermilk. Topped off with a glossy, tangy glaze, this bread is a heartwarming way to bring all your favorite flavors of fall into one irresistible loaf. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it alongside your morning coffee, this bread feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that pack big flavor and create the perfect texture. Each component plays an important role, from the soft unsalted butter giving richness to the subtle spices that make every bite a little celebration of fall.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and lightness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise perfectly fluffy and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect texture and rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice note essential for cider-flavored treats.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Compliments the cinnamon with a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings moisture and a rich, buttery taste.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients for a tender crumb and adds a slight lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness with a lovely aromatic note.
- 1 cup apple cider: The star player, infusing the bread with authentic autumn flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps the bread irresistibly moist.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Mixed into the glaze, lending a bright flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.
How to Make Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well to ensure your bread doesn’t stick and comes out easy-peasy. This small prep goes a long way to making the baking process seamless.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until they’re fully combined. This step makes sure all those lovely spices get evenly distributed throughout your bread for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This process is key for giving your bread a tender crumb and that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re all craving.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Now it’s time to beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These add moisture and a richer flavor profile while helping the batter hold together beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the apple cider and buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined—you want to avoid overmixing so that your bread stays tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted right in the center comes out clean. This golden-baked loaf will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aromas.
Step 7: Make the Glaze and Cool
While your bread cools in the pan for about 15 minutes, mix the powdered sugar and apple cider vinegar together until smooth to create a tangy glaze. Remove the bread from the pan onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before drizzling the glaze over the top for that perfect final touch.
How to Serve Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze or scatter some chopped toasted walnuts for a crunchy contrast. A few thin apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar also work wonderfully to add an inviting rustic charm.
Side Dishes
This bread shines brightest when paired with simple sides like a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of creamy butter on each slice makes for a cozy breakfast or delightful afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and serve it alongside a small bowl of warm apple compote, or cut it into cubes and toast lightly to make bite-sized croutons for a fall-inspired bread pudding. For an extra festive touch, serve it with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or cinnamon-spiced honey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Cider Donut Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for enjoying throughout your busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months without losing any of its signature moistness or flavor.
Reheating
To warm up leftover or frozen bread, simply toast slices lightly or microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked softness and makes it taste like it just came from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will mimic buttermilk’s tanginess and help keep the bread tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is designed for baking, and make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor will still shine.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add lovely crunch while dried cranberries or chopped apples amplify the autumn vibe and give some extra bursts of flavor.
What is the best time of day to enjoy Cider Donut Bread Recipe?
Anytime you want a sweet, comforting pick-me-up, really! It’s fantastic for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a light dessert with tea or coffee.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
You sure can. Just be sure to use a larger loaf pan or split the batter into two pans and adjust baking time accordingly—check doneness with a toothpick as baking time may vary.
Final Thoughts
This Cider Donut Bread Recipe is the perfect little celebration of fall wrapped up in a cozy loaf. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and opens the door to endless delicious variations. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in baking and sharing it as I do. Nothing beats homemade comfort food with a touch of apple cider magic!
Print
Cider Donut Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cider Donut Bread is a moist, spiced sweet bread infused with apple cider and warm autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it features a tender crumb and a tangy cider glaze that adds a delightful finish. Easy to make and irresistibly cozy, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with apple cider and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider vinegar until smooth to create the cider glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, slice, and serve. Enjoy this cozy treat with your favorite hot beverage.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle the batter with cinnamon-sugar before baking or add chopped walnuts for added texture.
- This bread pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, enhancing its cozy autumn vibe.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
