Description
Enjoy the cozy fall flavors of apple cider donut in a convenient loaf form with this Apple Cider Donut Bread. Made with spiced apple cider reduction, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this moist and tender bread is topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup apple cider*
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard 1-lb loaf pan with parchment paper on all sides to prevent sticking and allow easy removal after baking.
- Reduce Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently with a silicone spatula, until the cider thickens and reduces to about 1/2 cup of liquid. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the vanilla extract and then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the cooled reduced apple cider and the unsweetened applesauce until combined. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger ensuring spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the apple cider-applesauce mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until incorporated, creating a thick batter.
- Fill Loaf Pan: Spoon the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly using a spatula.
- Prepare Topping: In the same bowl used for dry ingredients, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the loaf pan for a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly pressed and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing. Serve the bread warm or at room temperature for a comforting seasonal treat.
Notes
- Use apple cider with no added preservatives for best flavor.
- Reducing the cider intensifies the apple flavor and prevents excess moisture in the bread.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix batter after adding flour to avoid a dense bread.
- Cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness but can be omitted if desired.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
