Description
Imagine biting into the warm, comforting flavors of an apple cider donut, but in the form of a tender, moist bread! This Apple Cider Donut Bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. You’ll love the way the sweet apple cider and cinnamon blend together to create a flavor reminiscent of fall, no matter what season it is. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
To prepare this comforting Apple Cider Donut Bread, you’ll need:
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup apple cider for brushing
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Apple Cider Donut Bread:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Reduce the apple cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This intensifies the flavor. Let it cool slightly before adding to the batter.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir in the eggs and reduced apple cider until well combined.
- Blend wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the bread is still warm, brush the top with the extra 1/4 cup of apple cider, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider is crucial for intensifying the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to ensure the bread remains soft and fluffy.
- If you don’t have walnuts, you can use pecans or leave them out entirely.