If you’re looking to bring the warm, comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen, Apple Cider Donut Bread is the perfect recipe. Combining the sweet and spicy notes of classic apple cider donuts with the moist, tender crumb of a freshly baked loaf, this bread is a delightful twist on a seasonal favorite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, Apple Cider Donut Bread is sure to become a new staple in your baking repertoire. Here’s everything you need to know to create this delicious loaf at home.
Ingredients:
- 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 packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped apples (optional)
- Cinnamon sugar mixture (for topping): 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped apples.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- About 10 minutes before the bread is done, remove it from the oven and brush the top with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for the remaining time.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donut Bread:
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider rather than apple juice. It enhances the bread’s autumnal flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Try Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Apple Cider Donut Bread combines the best of both worlds— the comforting, spiced flavor of apple cider donuts with the easy, sliceable texture of bread. It’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, and makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating fall or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.
Serving and Storage Tips for Apple Cider Donut Bread
Serving Tips:
- Warm or Room Temperature:
- Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the bread slightly warmed. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven.
- Room Temperature: Apple Cider Donut Bread is also delicious at room temperature. Let it cool completely before slicing if you prefer it this way.
- Pairings:
- Coffee or Tea: This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider.
- Spreads: Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or apple butter.
- Toppings: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Garnishes:
- For a festive presentation, you can sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving, or garnish with a few apple slices for a decorative touch.
Storage Tips:
- At Room Temperature:
- Container: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- Dry Environment: Make sure to keep it in a dry place to avoid sogginess.
- Refrigeration:
- Longer Storage: If you want to keep the bread for more than a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. It will last for about a week in the refrigerator.
- Freezing:
- Preparation: For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Slice it first for easy individual servings, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Thawing: To enjoy, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also toast the slices directly from the freezer for a quick warm-up.
- Refreshing:
- If the bread becomes slightly dry after storing, you can refresh it by warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
These tips will help you keep your Apple Cider Donut Bread fresh and delicious, whether you’re enjoying it right away or saving some for later.
1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Answer: While apple juice can be used as a substitute, apple cider is preferred for its richer, more complex flavor. Apple cider provides a deeper, more authentic fall taste to the bread, thanks to its natural spices and apple flavors. If using apple juice, you might want to add a bit more ground cinnamon and nutmeg to mimic the taste of cider.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Answer: To make Apple Cider Donut Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum. Make sure to use a blend designed for baking to ensure the best texture and rise. Additionally, check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.
3. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the bread?
Answer: Yes, you can add nuts or other mix-ins to the Apple Cider Donut Bread. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins can enhance the flavor and texture. Gently fold them into the batter just before pouring it into the loaf pan. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can affect the bread’s texture.
4. How can I make the bread more flavorful?
Answer: To boost the flavor of your Apple Cider Donut Bread, consider adding a few extra ingredients:
- Spices: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg or add cloves and allspice for a more intense spice profile.
- Apple: Incorporate finely chopped apples or apple chunks into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.