Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Donut Bread is a cozy, spiced loaf that captures the flavors of autumn in every bite. With a tender crumb infused with apple cider and warm spices, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful crunch reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.

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
• For the topping:
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until reduced by half, about ¼ cup remains. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, beating until just combined.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and cooled apple cider.
6. Step 6: In another medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
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 remaining dry ingredients and apple cider mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then use the parchment overhang to lift the bread out and place it on a cutting board or plate.
11. Step 11: For the topping, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire loaf with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the loaf, pressing gently to adhere.
12. Step 12: Slice the bread and enjoy your delicious apple cider donut bread!

Tips & Variations

• Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time; just use ¼ cup of cider.
• Substitute vanilla Greek yogurt for plain to add a subtle sweetness.
• Try apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a flavor twist.
• For extra texture and flavor, fold in diced apples, walnuts, or pecans before baking.
• Press the cinnamon sugar onto the loaf using a large piece of parchment paper for even coverage and minimal mess.

Storage

Store leftover bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months; if freezing, wait to apply the cinnamon sugar coating until after thawing for best texture and flavor. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave or oven until just heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, plain regular yogurt can be used, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker texture that adds moisture and richness to the loaf.

Is it necessary to reduce the apple cider before baking?

Reducing the cider concentrates the flavor, giving the bread a more intense apple taste. However, if you are short on time, you can skip this step and use ¼ cup of cider as is.

Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

This Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe combines the warm, spicy flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for a cozy fall treat, it features a sweet cinnamon sugar topping that mimics the delicious crust of an apple cider donut. Easy to prepare and baked in a loaf pan, this bread is great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-16 servings) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Reduce apple cider: Pour ½ cup apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half to about ¼ cup. Remove and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add vanilla and eggs: Scrape down the bowl sides, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 large eggs. Beat just until combined.
5. Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, and the cooled ¼ cup apple cider until combined.
6. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate 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.
7. Incorporate ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat on medium speed. Then add half of the apple cider mixture and mix. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and cider mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
8. Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
9. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the loaf: Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then lift the loaf out using the parchment paper and place it on the rack or a cutting board to cool further.
11. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
12. Apply butter and cinnamon sugar: Use a pastry brush to coat the entire loaf—top, bottom, and sides—with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the loaf, pressing it gently with your hand to adhere well.
13. Serve: Slice and enjoy your apple cider donut bread warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Recipe yields one 9×5 inch loaf, serving 8-16 slices depending on thickness.
• Reducing the apple cider intensifies flavor but can be skipped; ensure you have ¼ cup cider either way.
• Vanilla Greek yogurt can be substituted for plain for a flavor variation.
• Use apple pie or pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for cinnamon and nutmeg.
• For coating the loaf, pressing the cinnamon sugar into the buttered bread using parchment paper helps evenly coat it.
• Add diced apples, walnuts, or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the loaf for up to 3 months; apply cinnamon sugar topping after thawing for best taste.
• Leaving a review and rating supports the creator and helps improve recipes.

Keywords: Apple cider donut bread, spiced loaf, fall bread, cinnamon sugar topping, homemade bread, apple recipes