Nothing says fall quite like the warm, spicy aroma of apple cider and cinnamon wafting from the kitchen. This Apple Cider Donut Bread brings together the nostalgic flavors of your favorite orchard treat in an easy-to-make loaf that's perfect for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or simply enjoying with a mug of hot tea.

I first made this bread after an autumn trip to a local cider mill. I couldn’t get enough of the sugary apple cider donuts, and I wanted a way to bring that comforting flavor home. This recipe captures all that goodness in a soft, moist, and delightfully spiced loaf. Whether you're baking it for yourself or sharing with friends, this Apple Cider Donut Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Donut Bread

Full of Fall Flavor: Packed with apple pie spice and fresh cider, it tastes just like a classic cider donut.
Super Moist Texture: The apple cider keeps the bread soft and tender.
Easy to Make: No mixer needed, and simple pantry ingredients.
Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet seasonal gift.
Delicious Warm or Cold: Tastes amazing freshly baked or chilled from the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Loaf:

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
Spoon and level for accurate measuring.
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and helps form a golden crust.
2 teaspoons baking powder
Leavens the bread for a perfect rise.
2 teaspoons apple pie spice
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for that classic donut flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 ¼ cups apple cider or apple juice
Apple cider is best for a robust apple flavor.
1 large egg, room temperature
Binds the ingredients and helps with structure.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Adds moisture and richness.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

For the Topping:

¼ cup apple cider
Brushed on for flavor and moisture.
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
Creates that signature sugary donut coating.
2 teaspoons apple pie spice
Boosts the cozy aroma and taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust with flour or use parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt until well combined.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
- Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake the Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Topping
- While the bread bakes, mix together the apple cider, granulated sugar, and apple pie spice in a small bowl.
Add the Topping
- As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the top with the cider mixture.
- The heat will help it soak in and form a sweet crust.
Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Warm or Chilled: Delicious warm with butter or at room temperature with coffee.
Perfect Pairing: Try it with apple butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- Microwave slices for 10-15 seconds.
- Toast lightly in a pan or toaster oven for a crisp edge.

Helpful Notes

Use Fresh Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider gives the richest flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense, rubbery bread. Mix just until no dry flour remains.
Make Muffins: Pour batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Add Crunch: Top with crushed nuts, streusel, or a drizzle of glaze.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and confirm your cider is vegan.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, but apple cider has a stronger flavor. Juice works in a pinch but may be slightly sweeter and less bold.
What if I don't have apple pie spice?
Substitute with 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon allspice or cloves.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Definitely. It keeps well and often tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.
Is the topping necessary?
It adds that classic donut sugar crust, but you can skip it or substitute with a simple glaze.
Can I make this recipe into mini loaves or muffins?
Yes! Mini loaves take 25–30 minutes; muffins bake in 18–20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Bread is everything you love about fall in one easy recipe. It’s sweet, tender, and filled with warm spices and apple flavor. After years of tweaking and testing, I can confidently say this version nails the perfect texture and flavor every time. I make it at least a dozen times each fall, and it never lasts more than a day or two in our house!

Whether you're baking it for a brunch, a bake sale, or just because the leaves are turning and you're craving something cozy, this recipe delivers. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a fall tradition in your home too.

If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! I love seeing your creations and hearing your tweaks. Happy baking!

Apple Cider Donut Bread

Patricia Collins

This easy Apple Cider Donut Bread captures all the flavor of a fresh cider donut in loaf form. Warm spices, moist crumb, and a sugary cider glaze make it a must-bake fall treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings 8

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

Loaf:

2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons apple pie spice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ¼ cups apple cider or apple juice
1 large egg room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Topping:

¼ cup apple cider
½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
2 teaspoons apple pie spice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Add wet ingredients to dry and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While baking, mix the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
Immediately after baking, brush topping mixture over the warm loaf.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing.

Notes

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor.
Don't overmix the batter—stir just until no dry flour remains.
This recipe can be made into muffins or mini loaves; adjust bake time accordingly.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or refrigerate up to 7.
Freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.