Imagine biting into the warm, comforting flavors of an apple cider donut, but in the form of a tender, moist bread! This Apple Cider Donut Bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. You’ll love the way the sweet apple cider and cinnamon blend together to create a flavor reminiscent of fall, no matter what season it is. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress!

Introduction

Apple Cider Donut Bread takes inspiration from the iconic apple cider donuts sold at fall festivals and farmers’ markets. This recipe elevates those classic flavors into a loaf that can be enjoyed year-round. Apple cider is reduced to intensify its flavor, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create the comforting aroma and taste you crave.

You may have fond memories of enjoying apple cider donuts as a child, or perhaps you’ve always wanted to recreate that seasonal joy at home. Either way, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and make your kitchen smell like an autumn wonderland.

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting Apple Cider Donut Bread, you’ll need:

1 cup apple cider (reduced)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup apple cider for brushing

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Apple Cider Donut Bread:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Reduce the apple cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This intensifies the flavor. Let it cool slightly before adding to the batter.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir in the eggs and reduced apple cider until well combined.
Blend wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using).
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the bread is still warm, brush the top with the extra 1/4 cup of apple cider, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips

Reducing the apple cider is crucial for intensifying the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to ensure the bread remains soft and fluffy.
If you don’t have walnuts, you can use pecans or leave them out entirely.

Cooking Tips

If you want an even richer flavor, try using apple butter instead of chopped apples. You can also experiment by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or swapping out the nutmeg for allspice to change up the spice profile.

For equipment, a 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe, but you can also use smaller pans to make mini loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Cider Donut Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot apple cider, coffee, or tea. For an indulgent twist, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The bread also makes a wonderful gift during the holidays or any special occasion. Wrap it up in a cute package and share the love of home-baked goodness!

Nutritional Information

This bread is not only delicious but also moderately indulgent. Below is the nutritional information for a standard slice:

Calories: 270
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 120mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Vitamin A: 350IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 30mg
Iron: 1.2mg

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to revive the soft texture.

If you want to make use of any leftovers, cube the bread and turn it into a festive apple cider bread pudding by baking it with eggs, milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this bread dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and the results will still be delicious.

Can I freeze this bread? Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What if I don’t have apple cider? You can use apple juice as a substitute, but it won’t have the same intense flavor. Another option is to use spiced apple cider mix from the store.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:

These recipes share similar flavors and themes, making them perfect companions to your baking repertoire.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Donut Bread brings all the warmth and nostalgia of fall right into your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Be sure to share your creations and variations in the comments! We’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own.