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

A tender apple cider quick bread with warm spices and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, inspired by classic fall cider donuts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices
Calories 267 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment
  • 1 small saucepan for reducing the cider
  • 1 medium mixing bowl for dry ingredients
  • 1 large mixing bowl for wet ingredients
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 wire rack for cooling

Ingredients
  

For the loaf

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon 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
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon-sugar coating

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 3/4 cup, about 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and reduced apple cider, and whisk until well combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain.
  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out and place it on a wire rack while still slightly warm.
  • Stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Brush the warm loaf all over with the melted butter.
  • Sprinkle or gently roll the loaf in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Reduce the cider for the best apple flavor. Do not overmix the batter. If the loaf browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil near the end of baking. For the freshest finish, add the cinnamon-sugar coating the day of serving.