The Cider Donut Bread Recipe is an absolute celebration of everything warm, cozy, and autumnal. Imagine a soft, tender loaf bursting with the spicy warmth of apple pie spices and the sweet tang of apple cider, finished with a delightful sugar-spice crust that gives every bite a little extra magic. This bread brilliantly captures the essence of a cider donut in a loaf form, offering a comforting and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a casual dessert. If you’re craving a homemade bread that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Cider Donut Bread Recipe is a breeze since it calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure and crumb for the bread.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups + ½ cup for topping): Sweetens the bread and creates that irresistible sugar crust on top.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures the bread rises beautifully and stays light.
- Apple pie spice (2 teaspoons + 2 teaspoons for topping): Brings the warm, cinnamony apple flavor that defines this recipe.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Apple cider (1 ¼ cups + ¼ cup for brushing): Adds moisture and that quintessential cider flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness that keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle sweetness and depth.
How to Make Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spraying an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your bread releases easily after baking and the crust stays beautifully intact.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well not only distributes the flavors evenly but also helps the leavening work consistently throughout the bread.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until they’re fully combined and look smooth and glossy. This wet mix is what brings moisture, flavor, and richness to the bread.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then gently fold them together with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—leave the batter a bit lumpy and runny. This will ensure the bread turns out tender and soft, just like you want it.
Step 5: Pour Batter and Bake
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging on, and the top is a glorious golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Brush with Apple Cider
After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently pour ¼ cup of apple cider over the warm loaf right in the pan to infuse extra moisture and cider flavor—this step makes the bread so wonderfully succulent.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply Sugar-Spice Topping
Mix the remaining ½ cup of sugar with 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice in a small bowl. Carefully remove the bread from the pan onto a piece of parchment paper and sprinkle this sugar-spice mixture all over the loaf, turning it so every side is kissed with that sweet, spicy crust. Let the bread cool completely to allow the topping to set perfectly.
How to Serve Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is stunning on its own, but a thin spread of butter or a drizzle of honey takes it to another level. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, festive flair that’s perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cider Donut Bread alongside a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or even hot apple cider for a cozy pairing. It also pairs nicely with creamy spreads like mascarpone or whipped cream cheese for a luscious treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into smaller squares for a brunch buffet or toast individual slices and top them with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. This bread also makes a unique base for French toast, soaking up the egg batter beautifully with a flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cider Donut Bread Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and the sugar crust crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave just until heated through to revive that freshly baked feeling. If you like, add a pat of butter or a quick sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute apple juice for apple cider in this recipe?
Absolutely! Apple juice works perfectly if you don’t have apple cider on hand—it will maintain the sweet apple flavor, though cider may offer a slightly deeper, spicier taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best structure.
How can I make the bread more moist?
Be sure not to overmix the batter since overworking it can make the bread dense. Also, don’t skip the apple cider brushing step—it adds extra moisture and flavor that keeps the loaf tender.
What other spices can I add to the apple pie spice?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ground ginger are typical in apple pie spice, but feel free to experiment by adding cardamom or allspice for a unique twist!
Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well. Just bake in two loaf pans separately to ensure even baking and avoid any issues with the center staying undercooked.
Final Thoughts
This Cider Donut Bread Recipe has become one of my favorite seasonal treats for good reason. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and comforting flavors that everyone will adore. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, it’s sure to bring a cozy, happy vibe to your table. Give it a try — I promise it’s more delicious than you ever imagined bread could be.
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Cider Donut Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cider Donut Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful loaf inspired by classic apple cider donuts. Featuring warm apple pie spice, a tender crumb enriched with apple cider, and a sweet spiced sugar crust, this bread is perfect for fall breakfasts or cozy snacks. The bread is baked to golden perfection and finished with a cider soak and spice-sugar coating that adds extra sweetness and crunch.
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 and Finishing
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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 well combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should remain slightly runny and lumpy.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it 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 allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set the structure.
- 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 the 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. Rotate 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, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- You can substitute apple juice for apple cider if preferred, though cider gives a richer flavor.
- Make sure to cool the bread completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65-75 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
