Introduction

What if the secret to the ultimate fall dessert isn’t a complex new recipe, but a simple, brilliant twist on a classic? While pumpkin spice dominates the season, data from major food sites shows a surprising surge in searches for “easy baking with apples,” proving home bakers crave familiar comfort. That’s exactly why Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread just got a delicious fall upgrade is about to become your new obsession.

This recipe transforms the beloved, pillowy-soft donut bread by weaving in warm cinnamon, sweet apple chunks, and a hint of nutmeg. The result is a cozy, aromatic loaf that captures the essence of autumn in every single slice. It’s the perfect treat for a crisp morning with coffee or a satisfying afternoon snack.

Ingredients

This recipe combines warm, spiced apple cider with a soft, fluffy batter to create a bread with a delightful crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust that truly tastes like fall.

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour (plus 2 Tbsp.)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• For the cinnamon sugar topping:
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This version of Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread is about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you to that delicious fall flavor even quicker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Fall Spice Blend

Combine 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves in a small bowl. This aromatic blend is the secret to giving Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread its delicious fall upgrade.

Tip: For the best flavor, use freshly grated nutmeg if possible.

Step 2 — Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and your prepared fall spice blend. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.

A thorough whisking prevents clumps of baking powder and ensures your bread rises evenly.

Step 3 — Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 3/4 cup of buttermilk, 1/3 cup of melted butter (cooled slightly), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.

Tip: Make sure the melted butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the egg when you combine the mixtures.

Step 4 — Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together with a spatula until just combined; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in a tough bread.

For an extra fall touch, you can fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped apple at this stage.

Step 5 — Prepare the Pan and Add Topping

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and pour in the batter. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.

This topping creates the classic, crackly, sugary crust that makes this donut bread so irresistible.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Doneness Cue: The top will be golden brown and will spring back lightly when touched. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 7 — Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period makes it easier to slice.

Serve warm for a soft, cake-like texture, or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious fall upgrade to Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread!

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	10g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	220mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

You can easily adapt this recipe for Everyone’s Favorite Donut Bread to meet various dietary needs without sacrificing the cozy, spiced flavor that makes it a perfect fall treat.

• Whole Wheat Pastry Flour — Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 ratio of whole wheat pastry flour to add fiber and a nutty, wholesome flavor that complements the warm spices.
• Greek Yogurt or Applesauce — Replace sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost or unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free, lower-fat option that adds natural moisture.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener or Coconut Sugar — Use a granulated monk fruit-erythritol blend for a zero-sugar, lower-carb version, or coconut sugar for a less processed alternative with a deep, caramel-like note.
• Almond or Oat Milk — Substitute regular milk with an unsweetened, unflavored plant-based milk like almond or oat to create a delicious dairy-free Donut Bread.
• Avocado Oil or Melted Coconut Oil — Use a neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil instead of butter for a dairy-free swap, or refined coconut oil to add a subtle richness.
• Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour — For a gluten-free version, use a trusted gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to ensure the same tender, cake-like texture.
• Reduce or Omit the Salt — Simply cut the added salt in half or leave it out entirely for a low-sodium alternative, as the spices provide plenty of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For a cozy breakfast pairing, serve warm slices of this fall-upgraded Donut Bread with a steaming cup of spiced chai latte or strong black coffee.
• Transform it into an elegant dessert by toasting slices and topping them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
• Perfect for a festive brunch, pair it with savory dishes like a fluffy scrambled egg casserole or crispy bacon to balance the sweet, spiced flavors.
• For a simple afternoon treat, enjoy a slice alongside a hot apple cider, allowing the warm autumn spices in the bread to complement the beverage.
• Create a beautiful holiday platter by arranging different slices on a wooden board with fresh apple slices, sharp cheddar cheese, and a bowl of spiced nuts.
• For a fun family dessert, use a cookie cutter to create donut bread rounds, then let everyone customize their own with different glazes and sprinkles.

This fall upgrade of everyone’s favorite Donut Bread is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for everything from a quiet morning to a large holiday gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for a smoother, more cohesive batter that bakes evenly.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter until it’s tough. Fix: Gently fold the dry and wet ingredients together until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Mistake: Skipping the spice toast for the fall flavors. Fix: Gently warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a dry pan before adding them unlocks their full aromatic potential.
• Mistake: Underbaking the center because the top looks done. Fix: Always use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center—it should come out clean for a perfectly baked loaf.
• Mistake: Adding too much flour, making the bread dense. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; never pack it down.
• Mistake: Applying the glaze while the bread is piping hot. Fix: Let the loaf cool for at least 15-20 minutes so the glaze sets beautifully instead of melting right off.
• Mistake: Not greasing the loaf pan thoroughly enough. Fix: Use a baking spray with flour or butter and flour the pan well to ensure a clean release every time.
• Mistake: Rushing the creaming of butter and sugar. Fix: Beat the butter and sugar together for a full 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy; this incorporates air for a better rise.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store the fall-upgraded Donut Bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in a freezer bag; it will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Proper storage ensures that this delicious fall upgrade of everyone’s favorite Donut Bread stays moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

This fall version of everyone’s favorite donut bread is the perfect cozy treat. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts or Best Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. We hope you love it! Please leave a comment below and subscribe for more delicious seasonal recipes.

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FAQs

What makes this a fall upgrade for Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread?

This delicious fall upgrade incorporates warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with pumpkin puree, to give the classic recipe a cozy, seasonal flavor. It perfectly captures the essence of autumn while keeping the soft, beloved texture of the original Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread.

Can I make this recipe without a donut pan?

Yes, you can bake this as a simple loaf or in a muffin tin if you don’t have a donut pan. The baking time may need slight adjustment, but you’ll still enjoy the same delicious fall upgrade to Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread.

How should I store the leftover Donut Bread?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze it; this ensures your delicious fall upgrade to Everyone’s favorite Donut Bread stays moist and tasty.