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Cozy Fall Apple Cider Donut Bread: Easy One-Loaf Recipe

A moist spiced apple cider quick bread finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating for classic donut flavor in loaf form.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 255
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the apple cider reduction
  • 2 cups apple cider
For the bread
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup reduced apple cider from above
For the cinnamon-sugar coating
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • 1 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • 1 small saucepan for reducing cider
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 rubber spatula or spoon
  • 1 wire rack for cooling

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment if desired.
  2. Add the apple cider to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider. Whisk until combined.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until no dry streaks remain.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
  9. Brush the warm loaf all over with the melted butter for the coating.
  10. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle or gently press it over the top and sides of the loaf.
  11. Let cool slightly more, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Reduce the cider fully for the best apple flavor. Do not overmix the batter. Coat the loaf while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.