Description
This Cinnamon Donut Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread that combines the warm spices of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of spiced apple cider, applesauce, and vanilla Greek yogurt. Perfectly tender with a delightful cinnamon-sugar topping, it makes an excellent breakfast treat or cozy snack.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup spiced apple cider (reduce to 1/2 cup by simmering)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened for sweeter bread)
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the apple cider. Stir constantly and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes until it reduces to half a cup. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat Oven and Mix Butter & Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla bean paste, mixing until well incorporated.
- Incorporate Applesauce & Yogurt: Pour in the applesauce and vanilla Greek yogurt and beat the mixture again until all wet ingredients are smooth and combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ground cinnamon, baking powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until just combined.
- Mix in Reduced Apple Cider: Pour in the cooled, reduced apple cider and mix until the batter is consistent throughout.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 38-45 minutes, or until the bread has risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Topping: While the bread bakes, combine white sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Add Topping and Serve: Once the bread is done and slightly cooled, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor; stirring constantly prevents burning.
- Make sure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with pure vanilla extract if needed.
- Applesauce adds moisture and reduces the need for extra oil or butter.
- Check bread doneness early to avoid overbaking; toothpick should come out clean or with few moist crumbs.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
