Description
This Cider Donut Bread recipe is a delightful twist on classic fall flavors, combining the warm spices of apple pie spice with the moist richness of apple cider-infused bread. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack, the bread is finished with a sweet and spicy sugar topping that mimics the beloved cider donut experience. Easy to make and irresistibly aromatic, this loaf brings the taste of autumn into your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick after baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the apple cider, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon just until combined. The batter should remain slightly runny and lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, and the top should be golden brown.
- Cool slightly in pan: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to handle.
- Brush with apple cider: While the bread is still warm, gently pour the ¼ cup of apple cider over the top of the loaf right in the pan. This step infuses extra moisture and intensifies the apple flavor.
- Prepare sugar-spice topping: In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons apple pie spice. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.
- Remove bread from pan: Carefully lift or invert the bread onto a large piece of parchment paper to avoid breaking it while turning it out of the pan.
- Coat with sugar-spice: Sprinkle the sugar and apple pie spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the bread. Rotate the loaf as necessary to fully cover all sides, creating a sweet and spicy crust reminiscent of cider donuts.
- Cool completely before serving: Allow the bread to cool fully on the parchment paper. This helps the topping set properly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best authentic flavor, but apple juice can be substituted if needed.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- The sugar-spice mixture can be adjusted to your taste if you prefer more or less sweetness or spice.
- This bread stores well wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Serve slightly warm for the most comforting experience, or toasted with butter.
