Cider Donut Bread Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy fall flavors, get ready to fall head over heels for this Cider Donut Bread Recipe. Imagine biting into a moist, tender loaf that carries the warm spices of apple pie spice and the comforting essence of crisp apple cider in every single slice. It’s the perfect harmony of a classic cider donut transformed into a wonderfully simple bread that’s bursting with autumn spirit. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a chilly morning or sharing with friends over afternoon tea, this bread captures that homey, nostalgic vibe in the best possible way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is like collecting little pieces of autumn magic. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, spice blend, and moisture that make this bread so irresistibly delicious.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb typical of a comforting quick bread.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps develop a tender crust when heated.
• Baking powder: Gives the bread a lovely lift and light texture without heaviness.
• Apple pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings irresistible warmth and seasonal flavor.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors beautifully.
• Apple cider (or apple juice): Infuses the batter with fruity moisture and tang, vital for that authentic cider donut note.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients together while adding richness and tenderness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for buttery depth and moist crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds subtle aromatic sweetness, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
• Additional apple cider: For brushing, to soak the loaf and keep it wonderfully moist.
• Extra granulated sugar and apple pie spice: Combined as a crunchy topping that mimics a classic cider donut’s signature spiced sugar coating.

How to Make Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature for even baking. Lightly spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray—this little step guarantees your bread will release effortlessly when it’s done.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt. This helps spread the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every bite is bursting with consistent warmth and sweetness.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the apple cider, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. This aromatic blend adds moisture and flavor, creating the perfect base to mix with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula or spoon. Stir just until combined—you want a slightly lumpy, runny batter to keep the bread tender and moist. Remember, overmixing can lead to toughness!

Step 5: Pour Batter Into Pan

Transfer your batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top a bit for uniform baking. This ensures the loaf will rise evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Bake the loaf for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. You’re looking for that perfect balance where the bread is cooked through but still wonderfully moist.

Step 7: Cool Slightly in Pan

Once baking is complete, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This short rest time helps it set so you can handle it without fear of crumbling.

Step 8: Brush With Apple Cider

While the loaf is still warm, pour ¼ cup of apple cider over the top while it sits in the pan. This step infuses extra moisture and a burst of tangy apple flavor into the crust, ramping up the cider donut vibes.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar-Spice Topping

In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons apple pie spice. This spiced sugar topping simulates the iconic cider donut coating, adding irresistible texture and sweetness.

Step 10: Remove Bread From Pan and Coat

Carefully invert the bread onto parchment paper to avoid breaking the loaf. Then, generously sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the entire surface, rotating the loaf to coat all sides evenly. This creates an inviting crunchy exterior just like your favorite cider donut.

Step 11: Cool Completely Before Serving

Allow the bread to cool fully on the parchment paper so the topping can set and the flavors have time to meld beautifully. Now, slice up your harvest-inspired gem and prepare for many happy taste buds.

How to Serve Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cinnamon dust over individual slices to enhance the inviting spice aroma and add an elegant touch that feels just right for fall gatherings.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs superbly with a side of creamy whipped butter, a drizzle of honey, or alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or coffee. It also complements soups and stews, adding a sweet, spiced contrast to savory meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, slice the bread thick and serve it topped with apple butter or cream cheese frosting. You can also create a bread pudding using leftover slices, layering in extra apple cider and cinnamon for a dreamy dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the countertop for up to three days, maintaining that tender texture and cozy flavor perfect for quick snacks.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Cider Donut Bread Recipe later, slice it and freeze the portions individually in freezer-safe bags. This way you can thaw only what you need, preserving freshness for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive that just-baked warmth. A light brush of butter before heating will bring back the moist, buttery goodness perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Absolutely! Apple juice works well if you don’t have cider on hand. The flavor might be slightly sweeter and less tangy, but it still creates a wonderfully moist bread.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

You can easily make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. This blend mimics the warmth and complexity of apple pie spice and keeps that iconic cider donut taste.

Is this bread gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. If it’s wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?

Yes! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Muffins make a great grab-and-go treat.

Final Thoughts

This Cider Donut Bread Recipe is pure fall comfort wrapped up in a delicious loaf. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a seasonal favorite that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. So, go ahead and bake this savory-sweet delight—you deserve every cozy bite!

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