Banana bread gets a fall makeover—packed with apple cider flavor and topped with a cinnamon sugar “donut” crunch.

If you love banana bread and can’t resist a fresh apple cider donut, this Apple Cider Donut Banana Bread is your new fall favorite. It’s soft, spiced, and made with real apple cider, fresh banana, and a cinnamon sugar topping that gives major fairground bakery flavor. This Apple Cider Donut Banana Bread is perfect for cozy mornings, snack breaks, or sharing at fall get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.Packed with real apple cider and warm fall spices.
• Cinnamon sugar topping gives it that classic donut finish.
• Moist banana bread texture with fresh apple chunks throughout.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy fall snack.
• Freezes well and makes a great make-ahead treat.
• Tastes like a cross between banana bread and an apple cider donut.

Ingredient Notes

• Bananas: Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Apple Cider: Reduce the apple cider on the stovetop for concentrated flavor—don’t skip this step! It adds that signature cider donut taste.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the bread moist without adding extra sugar.
• Diced Apple: A small, crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works well—peel and dice it finely so it bakes evenly into the loaf.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give the bread a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with both banana and cider.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Adds a donut-like crunch and sweet finish. You can brush the loaf with butter before sprinkling for extra flavor.

Before You Bake

Do I really need to reduce the apple cider first?
Yes! Reducing the cider intensifies the flavor and prevents the batter from being too wet. Simmer it down to about 1/3 cup before using.

Can I skip the diced apples?
You can, but they add great texture and enhance the apple cider donut vibe. Just make sure they’re finely diced so they blend well into the bread.

How ripe should my bananas be?
Use bananas with brown speckles or even fully brown peels. The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought apple cider or does it need to be fresh?

Store-bought apple cider works great—just be sure it’s not apple juice, which won’t have the same depth of flavor.

How should I store Apple Cider Donut Banana Bread?
Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Can I make this banana bread into muffins?
Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, as written—it uses oil and applesauce instead of butter or milk. Just double-check your cinnamon sugar topping doesn’t contain dairy if you’re brushing with melted butter.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Results may vary slightly, but it works well in most banana bread recipes.

Sprinkle of Fun

Bake this Apple Cider Donut Banana Bread in the morning, wrap it up in parchment, and bring it along for a hayride snack break. There’s something extra special about sharing thick, cinnamon-sugar-topped slices while bundled in flannel and bouncing along a country trail. It’s the perfect treat to pass around as the crisp fall air rolls in and the cider starts flowing.