Total Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
This Apple Cider Donut Bread is pure fall comfort baked into a loaf. Imagine the cozy flavor of a fresh apple cider donut, the buttery crumble of your favorite bakery cookie, and the soft, moist texture of quick bread—all rolled into one irresistible slice. The aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel like a weekend apple orchard visit, with warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple cider filling the air.
What makes this bread truly special is the layering of textures and flavors. The loaf itself is tender and cider-infused, lightly spiced and perfectly sweet, while the thick cinnamon crumble on top bakes into a golden, cookie-like crust. Finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating or glaze, it delivers that nostalgic donut-shop experience without any frying.
This is the kind of bake that works everywhere—brunch tables, afternoon coffee breaks, bake sales, or cozy evenings at home. Apple lovers, cinnamon fans, and anyone who adores crumble cookies will instantly fall for it.
Estimated Calories: ~340 per slice
🧺 Key Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a role in building that signature apple-cider-donut flavor and crumbly cookie top:
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the loaf tender
- Apple Cider (Reduced) – Concentrates apple flavor and moisture
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the loaf without overpowering
- Brown Sugar – Adds warmth and caramel depth
- Baking Powder – Helps the bread rise evenly
- Baking Soda – Ensures a soft, fluffy crumb
- Salt – Balances sweetness and spice
- Ground Cinnamon – Signature apple donut warmth
- Ground Nutmeg – Adds subtle bakery-style spice
- Unsalted Butter – Richness for both bread and crumble
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the loaf moist for days
- Eggs – Bind ingredients and add structure
- Vanilla Extract – Rounds out flavors
- Milk or Buttermilk – Adds tenderness and moisture
- Brown Sugar (for crumble) – Creates that cookie-like topping
- Flour (for crumble) – Gives structure to the crumble
- Extra Cinnamon Sugar – For donut-style finishing touch
👩🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
- Reduce the Apple Cider
In a saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced by half, about 15–20 minutes. Let cool slightly. - Prep the Pan & Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. - Make the Crumble Topping
Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until large crumbs form. Chill while preparing batter. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, melted butter, oil, milk, vanilla, and reduced apple cider until smooth. - Combine Batter
Fold wet ingredients into dry just until combined. Do not overmix—batter should be thick but smooth. - Assemble
Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle crumble generously over the top, gently pressing it in. - Bake
Bake for 50–55 minutes, tenting loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly. A toothpick should come out clean. - Donut Finish
Let loaf cool 10 minutes, then brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for that donut-shop finish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This apple cider donut bread is made for cozy moments and slow enjoyment. Serve it warm in thick slices, letting the crumble topping show off its golden, cookie-like texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra cinnamon-sugar sprinkle adds visual charm and bakery flair. For breakfast or brunch, pair it with hot coffee, chai, or apple cider for a perfectly themed spread that feels both indulgent and comforting.
For a more dessert-style presentation, plate individual slices with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or caramel sauce. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple but impressive treat. Hosting guests? Slice the loaf and arrange it on a wooden board with apple slices, butter, and honey for a rustic fall display. You can even toast leftover slices lightly to refresh the crumble and serve with softened butter. Whether casual or dressed up, this bread feels like a warm hug on a plate.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
This loaf stores beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead baking. Once fully cooled, wrap tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though bringing slices to room temperature before serving is recommended for best texture.
To freeze, wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. To refresh flavor, brush lightly with butter and add a fresh sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before serving. Avoid freezing with glaze—add that fresh for the best texture and appearance.
🍂 Conclusion
This Apple Cider Donut Bread brings everything you love about fall baking into one easy, irresistible loaf. Soft, spiced, and crowned with a buttery crumble, it truly tastes like your favorite crumble cookie transformed into cozy bread form.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe invites warmth, nostalgia, and creativity. Add your own twists—nuts, apple chunks, or extra spice—and make it yours. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you served it and who couldn’t resist going back for another slice .
