If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, warmly spiced treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, this Cider Donut Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, tender bread infused with the rich flavors of apple cider and a blend of fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all crowned with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping that adds a touch of delightful crunch. It’s like a fresh-baked hug that fills your kitchen with the comforting smell of fall and makes every bite feel like a celebration of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cider Donut Bread Recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully to create a loaf packed with flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the all-purpose flour giving structure, to the apple cider and spices bringing seasonal warmth and moisture.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: Provides the perfect base for tender, well-structured bread.
- Baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons: Helps the bread rise for a light texture.
- Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Works with the buttermilk and cider to create a soft crumb.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Adds warm, sweet spice essential for that classic fall flavor.
- Ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon: Offers a subtle depth that complements the cinnamon.
- Ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon: Brings a hint of bold spice to round out the flavor profile.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup (softened): Ensures richness and moisture in every bite.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Brings sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic hint.
- Apple cider, 1 cup: The star ingredient that infuses the bread with its vibrant apple flavor.
- Buttermilk, ½ cup: Adds moisture and reacts with leavening agents for tenderness.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup: Combined with cinnamon to create a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Ground cinnamon for topping, 1 teaspoon: Intensifies the warm spice atop the bread.
How to Make Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature for even baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking, setting the stage for an easy release and a beautiful loaf shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is where the warm, cozy spices begin to infuse the bread, setting up that signature cider donut flavor we love.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, ensuring a tender and airy texture in the finished bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This careful mixing helps the batter stay smooth and evenly combined, locking in flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry mixture and the combined apple cider with buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can toughen the bread, so keep it gentle to maintain that soft crumb.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the extra cinnamon, then sprinkle this sugary goodness evenly over the batter’s surface. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This topping creates a sweet, crunchy crust that mimics the irresistible coating of a cider donut.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period warms the flavors and makes slicing easier, ensuring each piece is perfect.
How to Serve Cider Donut Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A pat of creamy butter melting over a warm slice or a gentle drizzle of honey turns this bread into an indulgent morning or afternoon treat. For an extra touch of flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a spread of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the spicy notes.
Side Dishes
This bread shines when paired with a comforting cup of hot tea, coffee, or even spicy chai. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, or a dollop of homemade jam to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve thick slices stacked on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini jars of honey, butter, and cinnamon sugar. For brunch, cut the bread into cubes and use it as the base for a bread pudding or even French toast. The possibilities to enjoy this Cider Donut Bread Recipe are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cider donut bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh and soft for up to three days, making it a perfect grab-and-go snack or breakfast option.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Simply wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen bread stays fresh for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds, then top it with butter or honey for an instant cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for the structure and texture of this bread, but you can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. Just keep in mind the bread might be denser.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds moisture and reacts with the baking soda for a tender crumb. If you don’t have it, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make fantastic additions. Gently fold about ½ cup into the batter before pouring it into the pan for extra texture and flavor.
What if I want a less spicy bread?
You can simply reduce the amount of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This Cider Donut Bread Recipe is very flexible, so adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the bread is done. If there’s wet batter, bake a little longer and check again every 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking this Cider Donut Bread Recipe and filling your home with its enticing aromas. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of coffee or sharing a sweet snack with friends, this bread is sure to brighten your day and bring all those warm fall feelings to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a comforting staple in your kitchen!
Print
Cider Donut Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack, Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cider Donut Bread is a delightful, spiced quick bread bursting with warm autumn flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made with apple cider and buttermilk for moistness and a tender crumb, it’s topped with a cinnamon-brown sugar crust that mimics the classic cider donut experience in a convenient loaf form. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread pairs wonderfully with butter, honey, or cream cheese.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup buttermilk
Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they combine fully. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the combined apple cider and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan evenly. In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar with ground cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to form a sweet spiced crust.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with butter or a drizzle of honey for a delicious treat.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use fresh homemade apple cider.
- Reduce the spices slightly if you prefer a milder taste.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and cider.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
