Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes! While apple cider has a deeper, more robust flavor, apple juice works well as a substitute. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid making the loaf overly sweet.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but it still bakes up deliciously soft and moist.

Why is my bread too dense or gummy?

This usually happens if the batter was overmixed or the loaf was underbaked. Make sure to mix just until combined and check doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Slice the cooled bread, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Apple Cider Donut Bread – 1 Irresistible Recipe for Cozy Fall Flavor

Name: Apple Cider Donut Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups 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; — For the topping —; ¼ cup apple cider; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice

Description

This Apple Cider Donut Bread is tender, cozy, and full of apple cider flavor, with warm apple pie spice in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups 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

— For the topping —

¼ cup apple cider

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons apple pie spice

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter and optionally line with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then pour ¼ cup cider over the top while it’s still warm.

8. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and apple pie spice for the topping.

9. Remove the loaf from the pan and coat all sides with the sugar-spice mixture using your hands or parchment to help rotate.

10. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, reduce your apple cider by half before using.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.

This bread freezes beautifully, wrap tightly and store up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Bread, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 246
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg