Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add vanilla extract and eggs. Beat until just combined without overmixing.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, plain Greek yogurt, and cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- 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.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Bread: Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 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.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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