This Apple Cider Doughnut Bread captures the cozy flavors of autumn with warm spices and naturally sweet apple cider.
Rich in fiber and made with wholesome ingredients like unsweetened applesauce and moderate sugar, it offers a balanced treat with good fats from butter.
Quick to prepare and easy to bake, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep.
Apple Cider Doughnut Bread
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- Handheld or stand mixer
- 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Baking spray
- Whisk or fork
- Cooling Rack
- Small dish for melted butter
- Small dish for cinnamon-sugar mixture
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Loaf Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, prepare your 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Spray it lightly with baking spray to prevent sticking, then line it with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy removal of the bread later. This step ensures your bread comes out perfectly intact without tearing.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Measure 1 cup of apple cider and pour it into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Allow the cider to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half. This should take approximately 20–25 minutes. Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor, giving the bread that rich, apple-doughnut taste. Once reduced, remove from heat and let it cool completely—about 10 minutes—so it won’t scramble your eggs when added to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Make sure the ingredients are fully incorporated and evenly mixed. This ensures that every bite of bread is evenly flavored and that the leavening agents are properly distributed for a light, tender texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, ensuring no sugar or butter remains stuck. Proper creaming is essential for a soft, airy loaf.
- Incorporate Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing gently until the batter is smooth. The applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the bread tender, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
- Alternate Flour and Cider: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled apple cider. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense and tough. The batter should be thick, slightly sticky, and evenly blended with visible flecks of spice.
- Transfer Batter to Loaf Pan: Pour the prepared batter into your lined loaf pan, using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Smooth the top gently to create an even surface, which ensures uniform baking. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any large air bubbles that might create holes in the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking around 50 minutes. The bread should rise evenly, forming a slightly domed top.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the bread to set slightly so it doesn’t break apart when removed. Carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper and let it cool for an additional 5 minutes on the rack.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: While the bread cools, prepare the classic doughnut-style topping. In a small dish, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. In another small dish, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.This mixture will give the bread its signature sweet, spiced exterior.
- Apply Topping: Once the bread has cooled slightly but is still warm, brush all sides generously with the melted butter using a pastry brush. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, pressing lightly so it sticks to the buttered surface. Don’t be shy—this is what creates the irresistible, doughnut-like flavor and texture.
- Final Cooling and Serving: Allow the bread to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. Cooling fully lets the flavors settle and prevents the loaf from crumbling when cut. Once cooled, slice into thick pieces and serve as a cozy breakfast, snack, or dessert. Enjoy the warm, spiced aroma and tender, flavorful bites reminiscent of classic apple cider doughnuts.
Notes
- Reduce Apple Cider for Flavor: Reducing the cider intensifies its natural sweetness and apple flavor, giving the bread its signature doughnut taste. Measure carefully so the final volume is about ½ cup.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using butter, eggs, and applesauce at room temperature ensures even mixing and a smooth, consistent batter. Cold ingredients can create lumps and affect texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense and chewy instead of tender and soft.
- Generous Topping: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar coating—it delivers the characteristic crunch and sweetness reminiscent of a classic apple cider doughnut.
- Cooling is Key: Letting the bread cool completely before slicing allows the flavors to settle and prevents the loaf from breaking apart.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Perfect Bread
The secret to this Apple Cider Doughnut Bread lies in balancing flavor, texture, and moisture.
Start by gently simmering the apple cider to intensify its natural sweetness and aroma.
Using room-temperature ingredients ensures the batter is smooth and aerated, giving the bread a light, tender crumb.
Alternating flour and cider when mixing prevents clumps and keeps the bread from becoming dense.
For a bakery-style finish, generously brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon-sugar while the loaf is slightly warm, which allows the topping to adhere perfectly.
Finally, resist slicing too early; patience ensures every slice holds its shape and flavor.
Serving Suggestions: How To Enjoy
This spiced bread is versatile and perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert.
Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or apple cider for an autumn-inspired experience.
It can also be sliced and lightly toasted, then spread with nut butter or cream cheese for a satisfying snack.
For a fun twist, cut into cubes and use as a topping for yogurt or a baked pudding.
Storage Tips: Keep Bread Fresh
To preserve freshness, store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and lightly warm before serving to restore the soft texture.
Avoid refrigerating the bread uncovered, as it can dry out quickly.
The cinnamon-sugar topping may lose some crunch over time, but reheating briefly in the oven or toaster will bring back the signature crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
Yes! Use about 1 cup of finely grated or pureed apple for each ½ cup of applesauce. Fresh apples will add extra texture and moisture, but may slightly increase baking time.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Replace butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water for 2 eggs).
The loaf will remain soft and flavorful with a slightly different texture.
3. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
Avoid opening the oven frequently, as this can cause uneven baking.
4. Can I reduce the sugar for a healthier version?
Yes, you can reduce granulated and brown sugar by up to ¼ cup each.
The bread will be slightly less sweet but still retain its tender texture and apple flavor.
Keep the cinnamon-sugar topping as is for that doughnut-like finish.
5. Can this bread be made ahead of time?
Definitely. Bake and cool the loaf completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Store at room temperature for a few days or freeze for longer-term use.
Slice as needed to enjoy fresh, warm servings throughout the week.
