Introduction

Apple Cider Donut Bread combines the warm flavors of fall into a moist, spiced loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. This easy recipe captures the essence of apple cider donuts in a comforting bread form.

The image shows a stack of three thick slices of cinnamon sugar-covered bread on a white plate. Each slice has a golden-brown crust coated with a grainy layer of cinnamon sugar, while the inside has a soft, light beige texture with a slightly crumbly look. Two cinnamon sticks rest beside the bread on the plate. In the background, there is a green apple and a white bowl with light-colored spread or dip, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup apple cider
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Ingredients for the Topping

¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.
Step 2: Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half to about ¼ cup. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Scrape down the bowl, add vanilla extract and eggs, and beat until just combined.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and the cooled apple cider.
Step 6: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 7: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet egg mixture and beat on medium. Then add half of the cider mixture. Repeat with remaining dry and cider mixtures, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 8: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack or plate.
Step 11: For the topping, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire loaf with melted butter then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 12: Slice and enjoy your warm, apple-scented donut bread!

Tips & Variations

Reducing the apple cider enhances the flavor, but if short on time, you can skip this step—just measure ¼ cup cider to use.
Swap plain Greek yogurt for vanilla Greek yogurt to add extra flavor.
Use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
Add diced apples, walnuts, or pecans into the batter for added texture and taste.
For even coating, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on parchment paper and press the buttered bread gently into it.

Storage

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 3 months; if frozen, wait to add the cinnamon sugar topping until after thawing for best flavor and texture. Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave.

How to Serve

A stack of four thick slices of cinnamon sugar-coated bread with a golden-brown crust and soft, light beige inside is placed on a white plate, which sits on another white plate. The bread slices have a sugar crystal layer giving a slightly rough texture, especially on the crust. Next to the stack on the plate, there are two cinnamon sticks with a warm brown color and rough texture. In the back right, there is a bright green apple and a small white bowl with light brown sauce or dip. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy yogurt to make this recipe dairy-free. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavor, giving the bread a richer apple taste. However, if you skip this step, just use ¼ cup of cider—the bread will still taste great.