If you’re craving a cozy, autumn-inspired treat that brings together the best of baked goods and donuts, the Sourdough Apple Cider Donut Quick Bread Recipe is going to steal your heart. This quick bread is bursting with warm spices, a gentle tang from sourdough discard, and the deep, sweet flavor of reduced apple cider—giving you all the magic of cider donuts in a loaf form. It’s wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re new to sourdough discard recipes or a seasoned pro, this bread is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Sourdough Apple Cider Donut Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor, texture, and overall magic of the quick bread. From the rich dark brown sugar to the fresh spices and tangy sourdough discard, every element works together to create a loaf that’s both comforting and exciting.

Apple cider (350 grams/1 1/2 cups, reduced): Reducing concentrates the sweetness and flavor, providing a beautiful depth reminiscent of classic cider donuts.

All-purpose flour (265 grams/1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons): The foundation of the bread, ensuring structure and crumb.
Baking powder (6 grams/1 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the loaf rise for a tender texture.

Baking soda (6 grams/1 teaspoon): Reacts with sourdough discard and cider for lift and a perfect crumb.
Cinnamon (2 grams/1 teaspoon): Essential spice adding warm, cozy notes.

Nutmeg (1 gram/1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of earthy spice.
Salt (3 grams/1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Dark brown sugar (160 grams/3/4 cup): Brings moisture and a rich molasses undertone that’s key to that “donut” flavor.

Egg yolks (2): Provide richness and help bind the ingredients.
Sour cream (120 grams/1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the bread tender.
Vanilla extract (8 grams/2 teaspoons): A flavor booster that rounds out the spices perfectly.

Neutral oil (100 grams/1/2 cup): Keeps the bread moist without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Sourdough discard (120 grams/1/2 cup): The star ingredient that adds a subtle tang and complexity.
Cinnamon sugar topping: Made with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy finish.

How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Donut Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider

Start by boiling the apple cider in a small saucepan. Once it reaches a gentle boil, lower the heat and let it simmer until reduced down to about 120 grams or ½ cup. This concentration step takes roughly 20 minutes and is absolute magic—it intensifies that delicious apple flavor and caramel sweetness that define this quick bread. After reducing, pour the cider into a liquid measuring cup and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before using it in the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. Using a whisk here is key to evenly distributing the leaveners and spices so every bite has consistent flavor and rise. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a pinch of ground ginger (about ¼ teaspoon) would add an extra spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, egg yolks, sour cream, vanilla extract, neutral oil, sourdough discard, and the cooled reduced apple cider. This wet mixture is where the luscious moisture and flavor begin to come together. The sour cream keeps the crumb tender, while the sourdough discard contributes a pleasantly subtle tang that sets this bread apart from any typical quick bread.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—this is an important step because overmixing will result in dense bread instead of light, fluffy quick bread with a tender crumb. Aim for a slightly lumpy batter rather than a perfectly smooth one. This will give you the best texture in the final loaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared 9 x 5-inch loaf pan that’s been greased and lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. After baking, let the bread rest in the pan for 20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely—at least 2 hours for the cleanest slices.

Step 6: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Once the loaf is cool enough to handle, brush all sides with melted butter using a pastry brush. Allow the butter to soak into the bread for about 30 to 60 seconds—it’ll help the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully. Then, dip and press each side of the loaf into a mix of sugar and cinnamon until it’s evenly coated. This special finishing touch truly transforms the quick bread into the sourdough apple cider donut experience.

How to Serve Sourdough Apple Cider Donut Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top can add a pretty finishing touch when serving. For an indulgent option, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider to echo the flavors inside the bread.

Side Dishes

Pairing this quick bread with warm apple cider, a cup of rich coffee, or chai tea sets a cozy scene for any breakfast or afternoon snack. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice adds a luxurious dessert vibe that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and toasting the slices lightly before topping with butter or cream cheese to enhance the nutty, sweet flavors. You could also cut the loaf into small cubes, skewer them, and serve as bite-sized snacks with a cinnamon honey drizzle for a party-friendly treat that’s both adorable and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This quick bread keeps wonderfully at room temperature when wrapped tightly, surviving fresh and moist for up to 3 days. Storing in an airtight container or wrapped in foil is perfect for maintaining its soft crumb and cinnamon sugar crust.

Freezing

To enjoy this delight later, you can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For a fresh-baked feel, reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave. If you want the cinnamon sugar to stay crisp, use a toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes rather than the microwave. Either way, you’ll have that warm, comforting flavor any time you want.

FAQs

Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?

While you can substitute apple juice, keep in mind that apple cider has a tangier, more complex flavor which really shines after reduction. Using just apple juice might result in a less robust apple taste.

What does sourdough discard do in this recipe?

The sourdough discard adds a gentle tang and a little lift to the bread without needing additional yeast, enriching the flavor complexity and keeping the bread moist and tender.

Can I omit the cinnamon sugar topping?

Yes, you can skip it if you prefer, but it really elevates the bread by mimicking the iconic donut’s sweet-spiced crust and adding a delightful texture contrast.

Is dark brown sugar necessary, or can I use light brown sugar?

Dark brown sugar is preferred for its deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar can be used as a substitute with only a slight difference in taste.

How do I know when the quick bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Sourdough Apple Cider Donut Quick Bread Recipe that brings the cozy, nostalgic flavors of apple cider donuts into an easy-to-make loaf. It’s the perfect way to use your sourdough discard, celebrate the flavors of fall, or simply treat yourself to a comforting slice anytime. I can’t wait for you to try it, bake up a batch, and share the warm, spicy joy with family and friends.