Name: Apple Cider Doughnut Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon allspice; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread combines the best of two worlds: the warmth and spice of apple cider doughnuts with the simplicity of a homemade quick bread. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with buttery cinnamon sugar for a truly indulgent finish. Whether you’re baking for a cozy autumn gathering, enjoying it with coffee, or gifting it to friends, this recipe will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Apple Cider Doughnut Bread

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bread

1 cup apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsweetened applesauce

For the topping

½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan, line with parchment paper, and set aside.
In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced by half (about 20–25 minutes). Let it cool for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in applesauce and vanilla.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and cooled cider to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Let rest for another 5 minutes.
Brush melted butter over the bread, then coat generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Allow bread to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 slices.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add chopped apples to the batter for extra texture.
Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Use apple pie spice in place of individual spices for convenience.
Make mini loaves or muffins instead of a single loaf.
Swap the topping with a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for a sweeter finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness and enhance the aroma.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread keeps well for a few days and can also be frozen for longer storage.

Do I have to reduce the apple cider?

Yes, reducing the cider concentrates the flavor, giving the bread its signature apple taste.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple juice works, but cider has a stronger, more spiced flavor that enhances the bread.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar topping?

You can, but it’s what gives the bread its doughnut-like finish, so it’s highly recommended.

What kind of applesauce should I use?

Unsweetened applesauce works best to balance the sweetness of the sugars.

Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can lead to a dense loaf. Mix just until combined.

How should I serve this bread?

It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or warm cider.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Doughnut Bread is a cozy, spiced treat that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. With its tender crumb, rich apple cider flavor, and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, it’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a seasonal tradition.