Go Back

Apple Cider Doughnut Bread

Helen T. Patterson
A soft, spiced quick bread infused with apple cider and autumnal spices, topped with a cinnamon-sugar glaze.
Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack, this loaf delivers the flavor of classic apple cider doughnuts in an easy-to-bake bread form.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American, Fall Favorites, Quick Bread
Servings 10 (slices)

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.