Apple Cider Donut Bread

 

Apple Cider Donut Bread Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Bread is a delightful fusion of the beloved flavors of apple cider donuts in the form of a moist, spiced bread. Perfect for fall, this bread captures the essence of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, offering a comforting treat that’s ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. This comprehensive recipe will guide you through creating a delicious Apple Cider Donut Bread from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

-2 cups of all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon of baking soda

-1 teaspoon of baking powder

-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

-1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

-1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

-1/4 teaspoon of salt

-1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened

-1 cup of granulated sugar

-2 large eggs

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

-1/2 cup of apple cider

-1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce

-1/4 cup of whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

-1/4 cup of granulated sugar

-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Bread

1-Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2-Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3-Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4-Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5-Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the apple cider, applesauce, and whole milk, mixing until combined. The mixture may appear slightly curdled, but this is normal.

6-Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can cause the bread to become tough.

7-Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 2: Baking the Bread

1-Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown and firm when touched.

2-Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1-Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

2-Brush with Butter: Once the bread has cooled, brush the top and sides with the melted butter.

3-Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered bread, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donut Bread

Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider provides the best flavor. If possible, use unfiltered apple cider for a richer taste.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature. This helps to create a smooth batter and even texture.

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread.

Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so start checking the bread around the 55-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.

Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the cinnamon sugar coating. This helps the butter and sugar adhere properly.

Variations

Apple Chunks: Add finely chopped apples to the batter for extra texture and apple flavor.

Nuts: Fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a nutty crunch.

Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the top of the bread for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Cider Donut Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

Warm with Butter: Enjoy a slice warm with a pat of butter for a comforting treat.

With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.

As Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet delicious dessert.

Storage and Freezing

Storing:

Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing:

Freeze the Bread: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing: To thaw, place the wrapped bread in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours. Add the cinnamon sugar coating just before serving if it has not been added prior to freezing.

The Origins of Apple Cider Donut Bread

Apple Cider Donut Bread draws inspiration from apple cider donuts, a beloved autumn treat often enjoyed at apple orchards and fall festivals. These donuts are known for their spiced flavor and sugar coating, capturing the essence of fall. Transforming this classic treat into a loaf bread format allows for easier preparation and serving, while still delivering the same delightful flavors.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Donut Bread is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a convenient and delicious loaf. This detailed recipe ensures you can create a moist, flavorful bread that captures the essence of apple cider donuts. Whether enjoyed warm with butter, as a breakfast treat, or as a dessert, this bread is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the comforting flavors and share this delightful treat with family and friends.