There’s something magical about turning kitchen scraps into a show-stopping dish, and that’s exactly how my love affair with Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread began. One late night, I found myself staring at the jar of sourdough discard—wondering if there was a better fate for it than the compost. That’s when the spark hit: what if I could merge the tangy goodness of fermented dough apple cider flavors with the cozy, nostalgic charm of apple cider donuts? Spoiler alert—this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread was born, and it turned out to be a total game-changer in my comfort food repertoire!
This happy kitchen accident became a true weeknight winner, combining the warm, spiced sweetness of apple cider donuts with the wholesome heartiness of homemade sourdough bread. The crumb turns tender yet slightly chewy with a whisper of that irresistible fermented dough apple cider tang. It’s like your favorite classic donut got a savvy upgrade—it’s bold, soul-warming, and makes any meal feel like a celebration.
What thrills me most about this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread is how it effortlessly transforms meals into something memorable. Whether you’re slicing it up for breakfast or bringing it to your next game night, it earns all the “wow” looks and happy dances. If you’re a fellow food lover searching for a fresh spin on sourdough discard recipes, or you’re a die-hard fan of apple cider donuts craving a savory twist, this bread beats anything you’ve tried before. Dive in with me and let’s turn everyday moments into bold flavor adventures!
Now, if you want to keep your flavor adventures rolling beyond this recipe, check out my other favorites: the uplifting punch of sourdough discard blueberry bread or the mouthwatering rustic charm of skillet apple cider chicken. And if you want your mornings to sing, you’ve got to try these apple cider waffles I’m obsessed with. It’s all about layering flavors that make your soul smile!
Ready to get your hands messy? Let’s heat up the kitchen and master this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread together!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Here’s what you need to fill your pantry before getting started:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temp) – the hero that brings fermented dough apple cider magic
- 1 cup apple cider (fresh or store-bought) – adds that signature apple cider donuts warmth
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – grab this during your normal grocery trips
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – helps the bread rise without fuss
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – pairs perfectly to get a tender crumb
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – bold spice booster for cozy vibes
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a warm edge to mimic classic donuts
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors
- ½ cup sugar (brown or granulated) – brown sugar amps up the depth, but white works great too
- 1 large egg – for binding everything beautifully
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce – shortcut for apple flavor and moisture
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil – I love butter for that rich melt-in-your-mouth feel, but coconut oil works amazing if you want that subtle tropical touch!
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for extra sweetness that sings with the cider
No stress if you don’t have applesauce—swap with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or mashed banana for a fun twist on this donut bread recipe. And if butter isn’t your vibe, neutral oils like avocado work perfectly without stealing the spotlight.
Here’s a little secret: to keep your Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a bread box or airtight container. It holds beautifully for two to three days, but honestly, mine rarely lasts that long because the flavor is irresistible!
This ingredient lineup brings that distinct fermented dough apple cider warmth from sourdough discard recipes into every bite. Mixing pantry staples with a few special touches makes your weeknight comfort totally effortless and utterly delicious. Don’t forget to peek at the sourdough discard apple cider donuts recipes from trusted friends, like the baked treats over at Natasha’s Baking—they’ll have your taste buds dancing too!
Let’s Make Some!
Ready to turn these ingredients into pure magic? Let’s rock this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread together.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment. This little prep step guarantees easy tossing of your loaf after baking, so it’s all delicious and no fuss.
- Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your sourdough discard apple cider donuts bread base: sourdough discard, apple cider, egg, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract if you’re playing with it. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing right now!
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar. This is where the bold flavor bases come together for that warm apple cider donuts feel.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix here; your Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread should come together with a few little lumps. Overworking it can make it dense, and we want that tender crumb with a light chew.
- Pour the batter into your prepped loaf pan. Give it a little tap to even out the surface and settle the fermented dough apple cider goodness.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with that intoxicating scent of fermented dough and spiced apple cider—brace yourself! To check doneness, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden.
- Once baked, let your loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This step helps keep the crust tender while the inside finishes setting.
- Slice and serve warm, or store for later to enjoy every day this week as your go-to comfort treat. Pro tip: toasted slices with a smear of butter bring this donut bread recipe to new heights.
If you’re craving more flair, try sprinkling some cinnamon sugar on top before baking—like a sprinkle of apple cider donuts magic meeting homemade sourdough bread. For busy night shortcuts, this recipe is forgiving! You can even whip up the batter the night before and bake fresh the next day. Love that flexibility!
For more inspiration on sourdough discard recipes, check out Amy Bakes Bread’s take on sourdough apple cider donuts. It’s got that perfect vibe we’re chasing here.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread hits the table. Here’s how I love to enjoy and serve it:
- Warm and toasted with butter or cream cheese—simple but hits the soul with every bite.
- Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for a brunch that feels like a hug.
- For game nights or potlucks, slice it thick and serve with a side of whipped apple butter or honey. Your friends will be begging for the recipe!
- This loaf is perfect for special occasions like fall gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or when you want to impress with minimal effort. It shines alongside my skillet apple cider chicken for a cozy meal combo you won’t forget.
- Get creative with leftovers: cube your Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread and toss it in a skillet with cinnamon honey butter for an easy cinnamon bread pudding or french toast bake.
- I’ve also experimented with swirling in chopped nuts or dried cranberries before baking for a fruity, crunchy twist.
This bread’s fun fusion of apple cider donuts warmth and homemade sourdough bread heartiness makes it flexible for tons of flavor adventures. When you serve this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread, expect smiles and repeat requests.
For some baked inspiration, Natasha’s Baking has an incredible apple cider donut recipe that suits the same vibe you’ll love here. If you want a more hands-off approach, The Farm Chicken’s baked sourdough apple cider donuts are a delicious cousin to our bread.
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread?
Absolutely! The recipe is forgiving and straightforward. I recommend starting with fresh discard and following the steps. Don’t sweat a few lumps in the batter—it only means your bread will stay tender!
What if I mess up my Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread?
Spoiler: It’ll still taste incredible! Your loaf might be denser or a touch less risen, but those fermented dough apple cider flavors shine through no matter what.
Can I use refrigerated sourdough discard?
Yes! Just bring it to room temperature before mixing. Cold discard slows fermentation and could change the texture a bit, but flavor stays fantastic.
How can I prep this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread for busy weeknights?
You can mix the batter ahead and refrigerate it overnight, then bake fresh the next day. Baking the night before and lightly toasting the next day works too!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container at room temp for 2-3 days, or freeze sliced for up to 2 months.
Are there substitutions for apple cider?
You can swap with unsweetened apple juice or a mix of juice and water, but the fermented dough apple cider hit won’t be as bold.
How do the flavors compare to apple cider donuts?
This bread brings that warm, spiced sweetness and tang you love from apple cider donuts, but with a satisfying crumb from the sourdough discard. It’s the best combo of dessert-meets-bread vibes.
For further sourdough discard recipes packed with bold flavor, check out my sourdough discard blueberry bread—a fruity pivot you’ll adore. And if you’re hooked on the apple cider theme, my skillet apple cider chicken delivers savory punch, and the apple cider waffles are a weekend brunch favorite.
CONCLUSION:
This Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread brings me so much joy because it transforms everyday ingredients into bold, soul-warming flavor that feels like a celebration. The tang of fermented dough apple cider paired with spiced sweetness makes every bite a reminder that comfort food deserves to be interesting and unforgettable.
My Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread Flavor Secrets:
- Use fresh sourdough discard for maximum tang and moisture
- Don’t skip the cinnamon and nutmeg—they’re the heartbeat of the apple cider donuts vibe
- A touch of vanilla extract elevates that sweet warmth without overpowering
Here are some variations I’ve tested and loved:
- Adding chopped pecans for crunch and texture during fall gatherings
- Tossing in dried cranberries for a tart contrast during holiday dinners
- Swapping applesauce for pumpkin purée for a cozy twist come chilly evenings
Whether you want to wow at brunch, bring something unique to game night, or just cozy up a weeknight meal, this Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread delivers every time. Trust your taste buds, dive into your kitchen confidence, and make it your own. I’m so excited for you to try this flavor-packed, fuss-free comfort food with a twist!
Hungry for more day-to-night wins? Don’t miss out on the juicy goodness of my sourdough discard blueberry bread. And for savory flair, skillet apple cider chicken and apple cider waffles are absolute musts.
Get ready for your kitchen to smell like home, and for your friends and family to ask, “What’s your secret?” Welcome to the bold flavor family of Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread—we’re so glad you’re here!
Links in love:
For inspired sourdough discard apple cider donuts bread ideas, check out Apple Cider Doughnuts with Sourdough Discard (Baked … at Natasha’s Baking. Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts – Amy Bakes Bread shares a dreamy recipe that’s a perfect flavor cousin. The Farm Chicken’s baked sourdough apple cider donuts also bring that comfort and twist combo right to your oven.
My personal faves to pair or savor on their own include the sourdough discard blueberry bread, skillet apple cider chicken, and the apple cider waffles from Grill Drip. These are flavor-packed weeknight winners you’ll want in your recipe rotation!
Sourdough Discard Apple Cider Donuts Bread
A unique and flavorful bread blending the tangy goodness of sourdough discard with sweet, spiced apple cider and the nostalgic taste of classic donuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: cinnamon sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, apple cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: While still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a donut-inspired finish.
Notes
Serve slices warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat. You can also add chopped nuts or dried apples to the batter for more texture.