If your favorite part of apple picking season is stopping for a fresh Apple Cider Donut , you’re going to love this Apple Cider Donut Bread! This soft, moist loaf is packed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, apple cider, and apple flavor, then finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that tastes just like the outside of a classic orchard donut!

Apple Cider Donut

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Bread Recipe!

There’s something magical about a fresh Apple Cider Donut from an orchard on a crisp Fall day! The warm spices, sweet apple flavor, and signature cinnamon sugar coating make them one of the most beloved treats of the season. This Apple Cider Donut Bread captures all those cozy flavors in an easy-to-make loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!

Made with real apple cider, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, applesauce, and a buttery cinnamon sugar coating, this bread tastes just like an old-fashioned Apple Cider Donut without the hassle of frying. It’s moist, flavorful, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the scent of Fall!

Apple Cider Donut

Why this Recipe Works

Incredibly Moist Texture – The combination of applesauce, Greek yogurt, butter, and apple cider keeps the bread soft, tender, and moist for days.

Perfect Balance of Spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg provide the warm, cozy flavors that make Apple Cider Donuts so irresistible during the Fall season.

Rich Apple Flavor Throughout – Apple cider adds concentrated apple flavor while the applesauce adds moisture and enhances the fruity sweetness.

No Special Equipment Needed – Unlike homemade donuts, this recipe is baked in a simple loaf pan, making it much easier to prepare.

Homemade apple cider donut bread with a moist crumb and cinnamon topping

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Bread

1/2 cup Apple Cider – Adds rich apple flavor and gives the bread its signature apple orchard taste.

1/2 cup Butter (Softened) – Provides richness, moisture, and buttery flavor throughout the loaf.

1 cup Brown Sugar – Sweetens the bread while adding the taste of warm caramel.

1 tsp Vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor and adds depth.

2 Eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together and creates a tender texture.

1/4 cup Applesauce – Adds moisture and boosts the apple flavor without making the bread heavy.

3 tbsp Greek Yogurt – Keeps the loaf soft, moist, and tender while adding a slight tang.

2 cups Flour – Provides the structure and foundation for the bread.

1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder – Helps the loaf rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.

1/4 tsp Baking Soda – Works with the acidic ingredients to provide additional lift and tenderness.

1/2 tsp Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon – Adds warm spice and classic apple cider donut flavor.

1/2 tsp Nutmeg – Brings the signature bakery style spice that makes apple cider donuts so irresistible.

And the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1/4 cup Sugar – Creates the sweet outer coating that mimics a traditional apple cider donut.

1/2 tbsp Cinnamon – Adds warm spice and enhances the apple flavor.

2 tbsp Butter (Melted) – Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the bread and creates that classic donut-like finish.

Apple cider donut loaf bread fresh from the oven

How to Make Moist Apple Cider Donut Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges of the pan.

Heat 1/2 cup apple cider in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half to 1/4 cup of liquid. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

While the cider is reducing, add 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar to a large bowl. Beat until light and fluffy.

Add in 1 tsp vanilla and 2 eggs. Beat until just combined.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup applesauce, 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, and cooled apple cider.

In another medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg.

Add half of the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat to combine. Spoon in half of the apple cider mixture and repeat the steps until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and distribute evenly.

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Let cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then lift the loaf from the pan and place it back on the cooling rack.

Make the cinnamon sugar coating by whisking together 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tbsp cinnamon. Set aside.

Use a pastry brush to coat the top, bottom, and sides of the loaf with 2 tbsp melted butter.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the loaf, pressing up against the bread with your hand until well covered.

Use Real Apple Cider, Not Apple Juice – Apple cider has a deeper, richer flavor that gives the bread its signature apple orchard taste.

Measure the Flour Correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the loaf dry.

Don’t Overbake – Start checking the bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Coat Generously with Cinnamon Sugar – The buttery cinnamon sugar exterior is what makes this bread taste like a classic Apple Cider Donut, so don’t skimp on the coating.