Cider Bread with Spice

This soft, moist apple cider donut bread turns a fall favorite into an easy-to-make loaf while keeping all those warm, cozy flavors and that classic cinnamon sugar topping. My kids can't wait for our yearly apple orchard trips, but now we get those same yummy flavors right at home.

I came up with this idea during a stormy weekend when we couldn't take the kids to our favorite orchard. The second they tried it, still warm and full of spicy scents, they said it was even tastier than the donut treats we look forward to all year.

Ingredients

• Apple cider: Boiled down to make it stronger, adding rich apple flavor and natural sweetness to your loaf
• Butter: Gives you a soft, tender texture and helps spread those warm spices throughout
• Brown sugar: Adds rich flavor with its caramel-like taste that works so well with apple
• Apple pie spice blend: Brings that perfect autumn taste with its mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
• Cinnamon sugar coating: Creates that real donut feeling with its sweet, slightly crunchy outside

Step-by-Step Instructions

Reduce the Cider:

Cook down 2 cups of apple cider until you have just 1 cup, around 20-30 minutes. This makes the flavor much stronger and you need this step for that true apple cider donut taste. You'll start to smell autumn in your kitchen as it cooks.

Prepare the Batter:

Beat butter and brown sugar until it looks lighter and feels fluffy, about 3 minutes of mixing. This puts air into your batter for a softer bread. Mix in egg and vanilla until they're combined, but don't overdo it.

Combine Wet and Dry:

Add flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, salt and your reduced apple cider to the butter mix. Stir gently with a spatula just until everything's mixed. Don't stir too much or your bread might end up tough.

Bake the Loaf:

Pour your batter into a well-greased 9x5 loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when you poke the middle. The top should be golden brown, slightly rounded, with a few cracks showing.

Create the Donut Experience:

While still hot, brush melted butter all over the loaf, paying special attention to the top and sides. Right away, sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix over it so it sticks to the butter, making that classic donut outside.

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This bread has turned into our regular Sunday morning treat all through apple season. My little girl always wants to help with the cinnamon sugar part, saying she needs to check that we cover every bit properly. Thanks to how carefully she does this job, our version now tastes even better than what first inspired us.

Make Ahead and Storage

This bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors get stronger. Once it's totally cool, wrap it tight in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, put the wrapped bread in a freezer bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw naturally and warm it a bit before eating to make it taste fresh-baked again.

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Serving Suggestions

It's great by itself, but there are many ways to make this bread even better. Try toasting a slice and adding some salted butter for breakfast. For a dessert treat, warm up a thick piece and put vanilla ice cream on top with a bit of caramel sauce drizzled over. It also goes really well with afternoon coffee or tea, especially on cold days when you want something warm and comforting.

Seasonal Variations

In early autumn, use fresh cider from nearby orchards for the most real flavor. During colder months when fresh cider is harder to get, good store bought cider works fine too. You can also change the recipe throughout the year by switching up the spices. Add cardamom for a Swedish touch in winter or put in more ginger for extra kick during holiday time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What could I use instead of apple cider?

Apple juice is a good option if cider isn't available, but expect a sweeter flavor since it won't pack the same concentrated punch.

→ How do I check if the loaf's done baking?

Poke a toothpick into the loaf's center. If it comes out clean or has just tiny crumbs, you're golden.

→ Can I skip simmering the cider?

Not reducing the cider means the bread loses that deep apple flavor, so it’s not something you should skip if the true taste matters to you.

→ What’s the trick to the crackly topping?

When the loaf's fresh from the oven, cover it with melted butter, then generously sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mix for that irresistible crust.

→ Is it okay to freeze the loaf?

Definitely! Wrap it tight with both plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 90 days. Let it thaw on the counter before digging in.