Capture the warm, cozy flavors of apple cider donuts in a simple, irresistible apple cider donut bread! This fall-inspired loaf is infused with apple cider and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating for the perfect seasonal treat.
WHAT IS AN APPLE CIDER DONUT BREAD?
Apple cider donut bread is a moist and tender quick bread that brings all the flavors of an apple cider donut into a delicious loaf. Made with apple cider, applesauce, and a cozy blend of fall spices, it’s topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking, creating a crackly top and that signature sugary finish we all love. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover apple cider from the orchard or satisfy your craving for apple cider donuts in a new, comforting form!
INGREDIENTS
For the Bread:
- 1 cup apple cider*
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 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
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a standard 1-lb loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers all sides. Set aside. - Reduce the Apple Cider:
Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring frequently. Cook until the liquid reduces to 1/2 cup, then set it aside to cool. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. - Add Vanilla and Eggs:
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then mix in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, stir together the cooled apple cider and applesauce until combined. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. - Assemble the Batter:
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the apple cider mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick. Spread it evenly into the prepared loaf pan. - Prepare the Topping:
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl (you can reuse the bowl from the dry ingredients). Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. - Bake:
Bake the loaf at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra punch of apple flavor, reducing the apple cider is recommended. If short on time, you can use 1/2 cup of regular apple cider without reducing, but the flavor will be slightly milder.
