Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Donut Bread is a deliciously moist and spiced loaf that captures the flavors of fall with every bite. This unique bread combines the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweetness of apple cider, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat.

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
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until reduced by half, about ¼ cup remaining. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl or 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.
4. Step 4: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add vanilla extract and eggs. Beat just until combined.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and cooled apple cider until smooth.
6. Step 6: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
7. Step 7: 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 gently. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and apple cider mixture, combining thoroughly but avoid overmixing.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Cool the loaf in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board or plate.
11. Step 11: For the topping, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
12. Step 12: Brush the top, bottom, and sides of the loaf with melted butter using a pastry brush.
13. Step 13: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered loaf, pressing gently with your hand to adhere it well.
14. Step 14: Slice and serve to enjoy this flavorful Apple Cider Donut Bread.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; if unavailable, apple juice can be reduced but will alter the taste slightly.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free yogurt.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra texture.
• Serve warm with a smear of cream cheese for a delicious twist.

Storage

Store the Apple Cider Donut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for best texture.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt on hand?

You can replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or an equal amount of plain yogurt. These will maintain the moisture and tanginess in the bread.

Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x

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Description

This Apple Cider Donut Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, enhanced by reduced apple cider for a rich, autumn-inspired taste. Topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating and a buttery glaze, this loaf combines the nostalgic flavors of apple cider donuts with the ease of bread baking, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Topping

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and 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 loaf removal.
2. Reduce the apple cider: Heat ½ cup of apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half to about ¼ cup. Remove from heat 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 ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Scrape down the bowl sides, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 large eggs. Beat until just combined; avoid overmixing.
5. Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, and the cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
6. 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.
7. Incorporate dry and wet mixes: Add half of the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat on medium speed. Then spoon in half of the apple cider mixture, mixing gently. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and apple cider mixture, combining everything without overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
8. Transfer and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. 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 a board or plate.
10. Prepare the topping: Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
11. Apply buttery cinnamon sugar coating: Brush the top, sides, and bottom of the warm loaf generously with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the loaf, pressing gently with your hand to adhere well.
12. Slice and serve: Once coated, slice the donut bread and enjoy the warm, flavorful treat.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh apple cider and allow it to reduce as directed to concentrate its taste.
• Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and texture.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
• If you prefer, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt with sour cream.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This loaf can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven; you may add extra cinnamon sugar topping if desired after warming.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider donut bread, autumn bread recipe, cinnamon spice bread, quick bread, fall baking, homemade donut bread