The moment that crisp autumn air begins to whisper through the trees, I find myself yearning for comforting flavors that bring nostalgia. Enter my Apple Cider Donut Bread—a delightful fusion of two all-time favorites: the warm, spiced goodness of freshly baked donuts and the cozy embrace of homemade bread. I first crafted this recipe during an afternoon of apple picking, and what started as an attempt to use up surplus cider transformed into a family favorite.
Picture the aroma wafting through your kitchen, as sweet notes of vanilla and apple pie spice dance together. Each slice is a celebration of fall, soft and tender with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top, turning any dull morning into a festive occasion. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even an evening treat, this bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will surely impress friends and family, bringing a touch of autumn magic to your table.
Why is Apple Cider Donut Bread irresistible?
Deliciously Moist: Each slice of this bread is filled with the rich flavors of apple cider and warm spices, making it incredibly moist and indulgent.
Fall Flavors: The delightful combination of apple pie spice and vanilla captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers will impress their loved ones.
Perfectly Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this dreamy loaf can be enjoyed anytime.
Crowd-Pleaser: With a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top, it’s sure to win over family and friends alike!
Apple Cider Donut Bread Ingredients
• Discover the essential ingredients for your homemade delight!
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – this acts as the base, giving your bread structure while ensuring it remains tender.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the bread perfectly, helping create that delightful caramelization on the crust.
- Baking powder – provides the lift, ensuring your loaf rises beautifully as it bakes.
- Apple pie spice – infuses warm, cozy flavors reminiscent of fall; feel free to substitute with cinnamon if needed.
- Kosher salt – enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and spices.
- Apple cider (or apple juice) – adds moisture and that quintessential apple flavor; choose fresh cider for the best results.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together while enriching the bread’s texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted) – contributes to the bread’s moisture and rich taste, bringing a delightful depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract – a splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the overall sweetness.
For the Topping
- Granulated sugar – dusts the finished bread for a sweet, sparkling crust.
- Apple pie spice – complements the baked loaf, adding extra flavor to each slice!
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread
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Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures a nicely baked loaf with a golden crust when you’re ready to pop it in. Spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal later.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed, as this is the foundation of your bread’s flavor.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a lovely, smooth mixture.
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Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should remain slightly runny, ensuring a moist bread.
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Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. This guarantees that your masterpiece bakes uniformly, yielding a beautiful loaf.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 65-75 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs and the top is a gorgeous golden brown.
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Cool in Pan: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step helps maintain its shape when you transfer it later.
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Soak in Cider: While the bread is still warm, pour the additional apple cider over it in the pan. This enhances the apple flavor and adds moisture to the loaf.
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Mix Sugar and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and apple pie spice. This mixture will create the perfect sugary crust on the outside of your bread.
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Remove and Coat: Carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a large piece of parchment paper. Generously sprinkle your sugar-spice mixture over the bread, rotating as necessary to coat all sides.
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Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This ensures that each slice holds together beautifully and captures the essence of a freshly baked loaf.
Optional: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Cider Donut Bread are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dry ingredient mixture (flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can whisk together the wet ingredients (apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the prepped dry and wet mixtures and follow the baking instructions. This approach saves you time during busy weeknights while ensuring your bread is just as delicious and moist as if you made it all in one go. Enjoy a delightful homemade treat with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Apple Cider Donut Bread?
Imagine the sweet scents of autumn enveloping you as you prepare a delightful spread to enjoy alongside this scrumptious treat.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing balance to the sweet, spiced bread. Think crisp apples, juicy pears, and tangy citrus to complement the flavors.
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Maple Butter: This luscious spread enhances each slice with a creamy sweetness that echoes the warm notes of the bread, creating a cozy and indulgent experience.
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Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream brings a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense bread. A dollop on top feels special, inviting moments of indulgence.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the cozy experience, with coffee’s rich flavors or tea’s soothing notes pairing perfectly with the spiced goodness of the bread.
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Cinnamon Ice Cream: This creamy, spiced delight brings a wonderful temperature contrast, melting slightly over the warm slices for a comforting dessert experience.
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Cheese Plate: A selection of creamy Brie or sharp cheddar creates an intriguing savory contrast to the sweetness of the bread, making for an exciting combination of flavors.
Apple Cider Donut Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe and personalize it to your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of a large egg and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a delightful crunch that complements the soft bread.
- Spiced Up: For an extra kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter. The heat balances beautifully with the sweetness.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped dried apples or cranberries for added texture and a fruity punch that makes each slice exciting.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Before baking, create a swirl by layering half the batter, sprinkling with cinnamon-sugar, then topping with the remaining batter.
- Apple Sauce Boost: Replace half of the apple cider with unsweetened apple sauce for added moisture and a slightly different apple flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bread for a decadent twist that elevates the classic fall flavors.
Expert Tips for Apple Cider Donut Bread
- Measure Carefully: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour. Too much can lead to dense bread instead of a moist loaf.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid tough texture. A few lumps are fine; it’s meant to be slightly runny.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test doneness—if it comes out with a few crumbs, the Apple Cider Donut Bread is ready to be enjoyed!
- Add Toppings After Cooling: Wait until the bread has cooled completely before adding the cinnamon-sugar topping to prevent it from melting.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to adjust apple pie spice or add a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist that enhances the seasonal flavors.
Storage Tips for Apple Cider Donut Bread
Room Temperature: Keep the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer to store it longer, place it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying again.
Reheating: To warm the bread, place slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your Apple Cider Donut Bread!
Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for apple cider?
Absolutely! The best apples for making apple cider include sweeter varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These apples bring out a richer flavor that enhances your Apple Cider Donut Bread. If you’re picking apples, also look for those that are crisp and firm to ensure you get the most juice.
How should I store leftover Apple Cider Donut Bread?
You can store the bread at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it fresh longer, the fridge is a good option, allowing it to stay tasty for up to a week when tightly wrapped to prevent drying.
Can I freeze Apple Cider Donut Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, first allow the bread to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, and then reheat by slicing and warming in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Why is my Apple Cider Donut Bread dense?
Very! If your bread is dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined—lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough texture. Always check the flour measurement as well; using too much flour can also lead to density.
Can this recipe be modified for dietary restrictions?
Of course! If you’re looking to make gluten-free Apple Cider Donut Bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a dairy-free version, use melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. If there are egg allergies, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). These adjustments will still yield a deliciously moist bread!
Irresistibly Moist Apple Cider Donut Bread You’ll Love!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 65-75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to cool completely.
- While warm, pour additional apple cider over the bread to enhance flavor.
- Mix granulated sugar and apple pie spice in a bowl and coat the bread once cooled.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
