Apple Cider Donut Bread – Cozy Fall Loaf Cake Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to fill your kitchen with the warm scent of fall? 🍎🍂

There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of apple cider desserts when the seasons begin to change. This Apple Cider Donut Bread captures everything we love about classic apple cider donuts—warm spices, tender crumb, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar finish—but transforms it into a simple, sliceable loaf cake perfect for everyday enjoyment. It’s the kind of recipe that feels familiar from the very first bite, like something you might find cooling on a windowsill in an old-fashioned kitchen.

Apple cider has long been used in traditional baking to add depth, natural sweetness, and a gentle tang. When reduced and folded into a soft batter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, it creates a loaf that’s moist, fragrant, and full of autumn character. The finishing touch—a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating—gives this bread its donut-inspired charm 🍩✨.

This loaf is ideal for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon treat, or a comforting dessert after dinner. It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require a mixer, and uses pantry staples, making it perfect for relaxed fall baking. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment for yourself, this apple cider donut bread brings warmth, nostalgia, and seasonal joy to every slice. 💛

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer apple cider until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool completely.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a separate large bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, oil, vanilla, and cooled reduced cider until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool bread 10 minutes, then remove from pan.
9. Brush warm loaf with melted butter.
10. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then generously coat the loaf on all sides.

Notes:

• Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for best flavor.
• This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
• Serve slightly warm for maximum donut-like texture.

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 50 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~290 | 🍽️ Servings: 10

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!