Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cider Donut Bread is a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for autumn mornings or an afternoon snack. With warm spices and a cinnamon sugar coating, it brings the taste of classic apple cider donuts to a simple quick bread.

Ingredients

• ½ cup apple cider
• ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until reduced by half to about ¼ cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the vanilla extract and eggs. Beat just until combined.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and cooled apple cider.
6. Step 6: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
7. Step 7: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet egg mixture and beat on medium speed. Then add half of the apple cider mixture. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and apple cider mixture, mixing just until combined—avoid overmixing.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack or plate.
11. Step 11: For the topping, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
12. Step 12: Brush the entire loaf (top, bottom, and sides) with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over it, pressing lightly to adhere.
13. Step 13: Slice and enjoy this delicious apple cider donut bread warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor, or substitute with unsweetened apple juice if needed.
• For extra texture, fold in ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans before baking.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple glaze or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven for a few seconds to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dry spices instead of fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg?

Yes, pre-ground spices work perfectly and are convenient, just make sure they are fresh for the best flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based yogurt to make this bread dairy-free, though the texture may differ slightly.

Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

This Apple Cider Donut Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that captures the essence of apple cider donuts in an easy-to-make bread form. Infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices and topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating, it’s perfect for autumn mornings or cozy snacks.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Apple Cider Donut Loaf

• ½ cup apple cider
• ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Topping

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.
2. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the cider is reduced by half to about ¼ cup. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add vanilla extract and eggs. Beat until just combined without overmixing.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, plain Greek yogurt, and cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
7. Combine Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat on medium speed until incorporated. Spoon in half of the apple cider mixture and mix. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and apple cider mixture. Mix until combined but do not overmix.
8. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake the Bread: Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and place it on a cutting board or plate.
11. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
12. Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Use a pastry brush to coat all sides of the warm loaf with melted butter. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the loaf, pressing gently with your hand to ensure it sticks well.
13. Slice and Serve: Slice the Apple Cider Donut Bread and enjoy as a delicious treat with coffee or tea.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh apple cider and reduce it properly to concentrate sweetness and flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
• Room temperature eggs and butter help achieve the best texture.
• The topping mimics the classic apple cider donut sugar coating.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: apple cider donut bread, apple cider loaf, autumn bread, cinnamon bread, spiced bread recipe