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Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 294 reviews

This Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe is a moist, spiced loaf that captures the essence of fall with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. Made with reduced apple cider for a rich depth of taste, it’s topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that gives a delightful crunch, mimicking the classic apple cider donut experience in an easy-to-make bread form.

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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving the paper hanging over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Reduce Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the apple cider, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half to about ¼ cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Scrape down the bowl sides, then add vanilla extract and eggs; beat until just combined.
  5. Mix Apple Cider Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
  6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
  7. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Mixtures: 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 briefly. Repeat with the remaining dry and wet mixtures, mixing until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  8. Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the Loaf: Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then lift the loaf out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer it to a cutting board or plate.
  10. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon to create the topping mixture.
  11. Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Using a pastry brush, coat all sides of the warm loaf with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the loaf, gently pressing it into the bread with your hand to ensure it adheres well.
  12. Slice and Serve: Once coated, slice the loaf and enjoy this spiced, apple cider-flavored bread at room temperature.

Notes

  • The recipe yields one 9×5 inch loaf, serving approximately 8 to 16 slices depending on thickness.
  • Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor; however, you may skip this step and still have a delicious bread. Just be sure to use ¼ cup of cider in the batter.
  • Vanilla Greek yogurt can be substituted for plain Greek yogurt for a subtle sweetness.
  • Apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice may be used in place of the cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
  • For an easier coating method, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over a large piece of parchment paper and press the buttered bread into the mixture.
  • Add diced apples, walnuts, or pecans into the batter for additional texture and flavor variations.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. If freezing, wait to apply the cinnamon sugar topping until after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
  • Please leave a review to share your feedback, which supports the recipe creator and helps improve future recipes.

Keywords: apple cider bread, apple cider donut bread, fall breads, cinnamon bread, spiced loaf, autumn baking

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