Apple Cider Donut Bread

Apple Cider Donut Bread: A Cozy Fall Recipe

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a little crispier, it's time to embrace all the cozy fall flavors we love. One of the most beloved seasonal treats is the apple cider donut – a delicately spiced, soft pastry that captures the very essence of autumn. But why stop at donuts? Imagine that same delicious flavor and soft, moist texture in the form of a loaf. Enter the Apple Cider Donut Bread! This recipe combines all the warmth of apple cider donuts with the ease of a quick bread. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert!

Why Apple Cider Donut Bread?

Apple cider donut bread offers the best of both worlds – it’s simpler to make than individual donuts but captures the cozy, cinnamon-spiced essence of the treat. It’s also a wonderfully versatile treat that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a warm mug of apple cider.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to make one loaf:

• For the bread:
  • 2 cups of 1:1 gluten free flour
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup apple cider, reduced to about ½ cup
  • ¼ cup dairy free milk

• For the cinnamon-sugar topping:
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

Reduce the Apple Cider:

• Start by reducing the apple cider to intensify its flavor. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup. This takes around 10–15 minutes. Let it cool before adding it to the wet ingredient batter.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Cream the applesauce and sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the applesauce, olive oil, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Add the egg and then mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Slowly mix in the reduced apple cider and milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep the bread tender.

Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• Mix together the 1 tbsp coconut sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the bread prior to baking.

Bake the Bread:

• Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9x5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy:

• Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing. The cinnamon-sugar topping will create a slightly crunchy, spiced layer, while the inside remains soft and moist.

Tips and Variations

• Amp Up the Apple Flavor: Try adding small, finely chopped apples to the batter for an extra apple bite in every slice.
• Try a Glaze: For a different topping, make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider, and drizzle it over the cooled loaf.
• Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the batter or on top of the loaf for added texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This bread captures the nostalgic essence of a fall festival or apple orchard visit, all in a sliceable, sharable form. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare – no frying, rolling, or shaping required. And it makes the house smell incredible, with spices and apple aromas wafting through your kitchen.

So, grab your coziest sweater, make a mug of warm cider, and enjoy a slice of this apple cider donut bread. It’s autumn comfort food at its best, and it’ll be your new favorite way to enjoy apple cider donuts!