Save This cozy apple cider doughnut bread captures all the magic of autumn bakeries with the scent of spiced apples filling your kitchen as it bakes. The recipe transforms pantry basics and fresh cider into a tender loaf that tastes just like your favorite doughnut, finished with a crisp cinnamon sugar topping.
My family asks for this recipe every September when apple season hits. I first brought it to a neighborhood brunch and the entire loaf was gone before the coffee finished brewing.
Ingredients
- Apple cider: reducing it concentrates the apple flavor find unfiltered cider for the fullest taste
- Unsweetened applesauce: keeps the loaf extra moist with natural tartness choose one with no added sugar for best texture
- Eggs: add richness and structure use large pasture raised eggs if possible
- Vegetable oil: makes for a soft and tender crumb pick a neutral oil such as canola or sunflower
- Vanilla extract: boosts all the warm notes go for pure vanilla if you can
- All purpose flour: provides sturdy structure sift your flour for the lightest texture
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and balances spice look for fine natural cane sugar
- Light brown sugar: offers a hint of molasses depth and extra moisture for a soft loaf
- Baking powder and baking soda: ensure a tall rise and just the right crumb check freshness for best results
- Ground cinnamon: gives the loaf and the topping its signature bakery aroma always use freshly ground if available
- Ground nutmeg and allspice: add complexity and classic doughnut warmth grate your own nutmeg if you have it
- Salt: sharpens flavors all around use fine sea salt for even flavor
- Unsalted butter for the topping: because it helps the cinnamon sugar stick choose quality butter for extra flavor
- For the cinnamon sugar topping: granulated sugar and cinnamon create that classic doughnut shop crunch go for a deep Ceylon cinnamon for an even bolder note
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease and flour a nine by five inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and keep the loaf from sticking
- Reduce the Cider:
- Pour your apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to half a cup this step takes about ten to fifteen minutes and delivers deep apple essence be patient and let it cool slightly
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk together the cooled reduced cider applesauce eggs oil and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and glossy mixture this blends all the moisture builders and base flavors
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk the flour sugars baking powder baking soda cinnamon nutmeg allspice and salt mixing evenly so every bite is perfectly spiced
- Create the Batter:
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined avoid overmixing for the most tender crumb the batter should look thick and studded with tiny bubbles
- Fill the Pan:
- Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula a level surface ensures the loaf bakes up tall and even
- Bake the Loaf:
- Place the pan in your preheated three hundred fifty degree oven and bake for forty five to fifty five minutes a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached
- Cool the Bread:
- Let the pan rest on a wire rack for ten minutes this step helps the loaf settle and develop flavor then run a knife around the edge and lift the bread out to cool completely
- Make the Topping:
- While the bread is still warm brush the top with melted butter then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon sugar mix press it in gently so the top gets a real doughnut shop finish
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Once cooled completely slice into thick pieces and serve the irresistible scent will fill your house
Save The aroma of freshly grated nutmeg in this loaf always reminds me of autumn mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen where she would let me dust cinnamon sugar on the warm bread and sneak the first slice
Storage Tips
This bread stays moist for up to four days if wrapped tightly at room temperature If you want to keep it even longer store slices in an airtight container in the fridge Warm up each piece before serving for best texture You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them in wax paper then placing in a freezer bag for up to two months
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap apple butter for applesauce if you like deeper apple notes You can use a gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum for a wheat free version Plant based butter works great for the cinnamon sugar topping and flax eggs can replace chicken eggs to make it egg free
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice warmed slightly with an extra dab of butter or a drizzle of honey For a festive fall brunch pair with fresh apples smoked cheddar and a hot cider Kids love it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a more treat like finish
Cultural and Historical Context
Apple cider doughnuts are a beloved treat that originated from old American apple orchards where fresh cider was abundant in autumn Baking the flavor into a loaf bread makes the traditional taste accessible year round with less mess and easy shareability The cinnamon sugar topping brings the nostalgia of county fairs and orchard visits right to your table
Seasonal Adaptations
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter for crunch in late fall Try stirring in dried cranberries during winter for a festive twist Fresh in season apples can be diced and folded into the batter during autumn peak
Success Stories
Readers have brought this to school bake sales and told me it disappears every single time One friend made mini loaves for holiday gifts and said it was the most requested homemade treat in her circle
Freezer Meal Conversion
Let the loaf cool completely then slice and wrap each piece tightly Store in a freezer bag Label and freeze for up to two months To serve thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a toaster oven and top with extra cinnamon sugar if you like
Save Bake and enjoy throughout the seasons for a comforting slice any time. Apple cider doughnut bread brings bakery flavors home in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use store-bought apple cider for this bread?
Yes, fresh or store-bought apple cider works well. Simmer the cider to concentrate its flavor before using.
- → How do I prevent the loaf from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and let the loaf cool before slicing. Using applesauce keeps the crumb moist and tender.
- → Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter in the topping with a plant-based alternative to keep it dairy-free.
- → Can I add nuts or extra apples?
Absolutely. Stir 1 cup of diced apples or chopped toasted nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap cooled slices in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- → How should I serve this loaf?
Slightly warmed slices with a pat of butter offer a comforting way to enjoy this apple cider doughnut bread.