Description
This Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweetness of reduced apple cider, creating a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for fall or anytime you crave a cozy treat. Topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating brushed with butter, this bread offers the nostalgic taste of apple cider donuts in an easy-to-make loaf form.
Ingredients
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 white sugar
- ½ Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the loaf pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Reduce the apple cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat ½ cup of apple cider, stirring occasionally until it reduces by half to about ¼ cup. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add vanilla and eggs: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, beating until just combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, and the cooled reduced apple cider.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat on medium speed. Spoon in half of the apple cider mixture, then repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and apple cider mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour and bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and evenly spread the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board or plate.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon.
- Apply topping: Use a pastry brush to coat the entire loaf (top, bottom, and sides) with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered loaf, pressing gently with your hand or a piece of parchment paper to adhere the topping well.
- Slice and serve: Cut the loaf into slices and enjoy the warm, sweet flavors reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.
Notes
- This recipe makes one 9×5 inch loaf and can serve 8 to 16 slices depending on slice thickness.
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, but you can skip this step—just ensure you have ¼ cup of cider by other means.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt can be substituted for plain Greek yogurt for added flavor.
- To vary the spice profile, substitute apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- For coating the bread in the cinnamon sugar, sprinkling it on parchment paper and using the paper to press the mixture into the buttered bread helps achieve even coverage.
- Add diced apples, walnuts, or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months; wait to add the cinnamon sugar topping until after thawing for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
