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Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/apple-cider-donut-bread-recipe/