Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread Recipe 2026

Name: Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 480 g 2 cups apple cider, pre-reduction; 240 g 2 cups all-purpose flour; 6 g 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 3 g ½ teaspoon baking soda; 4 g 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 g ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 g ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, optional; 3 g ½ teaspoon unrefined salt; 150 g ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 120 g ½ cup sour cream; 5 g 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 60 g ¼ cup neutral oil, vegetable or avocado oil; 100 g sourdough starter discard (active or unfed); 120 g ½ cup apple cider, reduced; 60 g 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 100 g ½ cup granulated white sugar; 3 g 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

This Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread gives you everything you love: warm cinnamon spice, a sugary crust, and that cozy fall flavor in a simple loaf form. No yeast. No fuss. Just one bowl and your oven. In this article, you’ll discover the exact ingredients, easy step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to bake this irresistible fall bread perfectly every single time.

Ingredients & Substitutions

* To find precise measurements, scroll to the bottom of this post to find the recipe card*

Apple Cider: For the most intense apple flavor, always use real apple cider not apple juice. Fresh apple cider delivers a richer, more authentic taste that makes this quick bread truly shine. Find it at your local apple orchard or grocery store, especially in the fall season.
All-Purpose Flour: This recipe uses all-purpose flour for a reliable, consistent crumb every single time. It’s the perfect base for any sourdough quick bread recipe.
Leaveners (Baking Powder & Baking Soda) Since this is a sourdough discard quick bread, it needs a little lift. Always check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and unexpired. Expired leaveners = dense, flat bread. Don’t skip this step!
Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are the heart of that classic apple cider donut flavor. Want an extra kick? Add just 1 gram (¼ teaspoon) of ground ginger for a warm, spicy bite that takes this loaf to the next level.
Salt: Any unrefined salt works beautifully here. For added minerals and a cleaner flavor profile, try Redmond’s unrefined salt a small upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.
Brown Sugar Brown sugar adds a deep, rich caramel undertone that perfectly complements the apple cider flavor. Prefer a lighter sweetness? Swap it out for white sugar instead both work great.
Eggs (x2) Two large eggs provide the structure and moisture this quick bread needs. They bind everything together for a perfectly tender crumb.
Sour Cream: This is the secret weapon for an ultra-moist Apple Cider Sourdough Quick Bread. Sour cream adds richness and keeps every slice soft for days.
Vanilla Extract: Always use pure vanilla extract over imitation vanilla. The flavor difference is real and worth it for a recipe this good.
Neutral Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil for maximum moisture without overpowering the apple cider flavor. Skip butter here oil keeps quick breads moist far longer.
Sourdough Starter Discard: Active or unfed sourdough starter both work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to measure by grams for the most accurate and consistent results.

Supplies

Large mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
9 x 5 inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Wire rack

How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Donut Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Getting the oven fully preheated before the batter goes in is one of the most important steps for an evenly risen, perfectly baked quick bread.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on both sides. This makes removing your finished Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread completely effortless no sticking, no crumbling.

Step 3: Reduce the Apple Cider Pour your apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a full boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer, whisking occasionally, until it reduces down to 120g (½ cup). This typically takes around 20 minutes check every 5 minutes to avoid over-reducing. This step is crucial concentrating the cider intensifies the apple flavor in every single slice.

How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Donut Quick Bread

Step 4: Cool the Reduced Apple Cider Once reduced, carefully pour the hot apple cider into a separate liquid measuring cup. Let it stand for a minimum of 10 minutes to cool slightly before adding it to your batter. Adding hot liquid directly to eggs and sourdough discard can cause them to cook prematurely this rest step protects the texture and structure of your final loaf.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. Properly blending your dry ingredients upfront prevents pockets of baking soda or spice from forming in the finished bread.

Step 6: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a separate large bowl, add the brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, neutral oil, sourdough discard, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and fully combined.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Pour the wet ingredients directly into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. This is the most critical step do not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops excess gluten, which leads to a tough, dense quick bread. A few small streaks of flour are perfectly fine at this stage. Less is more.

Step 8: Bake the Quick Bread Pour the finished batter evenly into your prepared 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid opening the oven door before the 50-minute mark sudden temperature drops can cause the loaf to sink in the center.

Step 9: Cool in the Pan Once baked, resist the urge to remove the loaf immediately. Allow your Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread to rest in the loaf pan for a full 20 minutes. This resting period allows the crumb structure to fully set making it significantly easier to slice cleanly without the loaf crumbling apart.

Step 10: Remove and Cool Completely After 20 minutes, carefully lift the loaf out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely before moving on to the cinnamon sugar coating. Coating a warm loaf causes the butter to slide off rather than soak in patience here makes all the difference.

Step 11: Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Coating This is the step that transforms a delicious quick bread into a true apple cider donut experience.

On a rimmed baking sheet, mix together the cinnamon and sugar until evenly combined. Using a pastry brush, coat every side of the cooled loaf generously with melted butter. Allow the butter to soak into the bread for 30–60 seconds this creates the perfect sticky base for the coating to adhere to. Then, dip each side of the loaf into the cinnamon sugar mixture, using your hands to gently press it onto the surface for full, even coverage.

Step 12: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy Once every side is fully coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust, your Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread is ready to serve. Slice generously and enjoy warm alongside a steaming cup of hot apple cider for the ultimate fall baking experience.

How to Serve Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread

This quick bread is incredibly versatile and shines in so many delicious ways. Here are the best ways to serve and enjoy every single slice:

Warm from the Oven Slice and serve slightly warm for the most authentic apple cider donut experience. The cinnamon sugar crust is at its crispiest and most aromatic right after coating.

With a Hot Beverage Pair each slice with a steaming mug of hot apple cider, spiced chai, or black coffee for the ultimate cozy fall treat. The warm spice notes in the bread complement every sip beautifully.

With a Spread Try a generous smear of salted butter, cream cheese, or apple butter on each slice for an extra layer of indulgence that takes this sourdough quick bread to a whole new level.

As a Breakfast or Brunch Centerpiece Slice the loaf and arrange it on a wooden board alongside fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a small dish of whipped butter for a stunning fall brunch spread that guests will love.

As a Dessert Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an effortless fall dessert that feels anything but simple.

How to Store Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread

Proper storage keeps your Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread fresh, moist, and just as delicious days after baking.

At Room Temperature Once fully cooled and coated, store the loaf in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sourdough discard and sour cream in the batter act as natural moisture retainers, keeping every slice tender and soft.

In the Refrigerator For longer storage, transfer the loaf to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness.

In the Freezer This quick bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the fully cooled, uncoated loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight at room temperature, then apply the cinnamon sugar coating fresh for the best texture and flavor.

For More Guidance:

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread

Quick & Easy

No yeast, no kneading, no complicated techniques. This Apple Cider Sourdough Donut Quick Bread comes together in just one bowl with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. From mixing bowl to oven in under 15 minutes, it is the perfect fuss-free fall bake for busy mornings, last-minute gatherings, or whenever that apple cider donut craving strikes.

So Moist

Every single slice of this sourdough quick bread is incredibly tender, soft, and packed with moisture. The winning combination of sour cream, neutral oil, and sourdough discard works together to create a crumb so rich and moist it practically melts in your mouth. No dry, crumbly quick bread here just perfectly soft slices from the very first cut to the very last.

Fall Flavo

This quick bread delivers everything you love about classic apple cider donuts in every single bite. Warm cinnamon, cozy nutmeg, deeply concentrated apple cider, and a generous cinnamon sugar crust combine to create the most comforting, nostalgic fall flavor imaginable. One slice and it instantly feels like a crisp autumn morning at the apple orchard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without sourdough discard?

Yes! If you don’t have sourdough discard on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount (by weight) of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk. Keep in mind that the subtle tangy flavor from the sourdough will be less pronounced, but the bread will still be deliciously moist and flavorful with that classic cider donut taste.

Can I use fresh apple cider or does it need to be reduced?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to reduce the apple cider by simmering it until it’s concentrated to about half its original volume. This intensifies the apple flavor and prevents the batter from becoming too wet. However, if you’re short on time, you can use apple cider concentrate or boiled cider (found at specialty stores) as a shortcut.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter). The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Internal temperature should reach about 200-210°F. Start checking around the 45-minute mark, though baking time may vary depending on your oven and pan size.

Happy baking!