Description
This Cider Donut Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf infused with apple cider and warm apple pie spice. Topped with a spiced sugar crust, it perfectly captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Easy to make and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter 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
- 1 ¼ cups apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
- 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.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and kosher salt to combine the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the apple cider, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be slightly lumpy and pourable.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and the top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly in pan: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to handle.
- Brush with apple cider: While the bread is still warm in the pan, pour the ¼ cup of apple cider evenly over the top to infuse extra moisture and flavor.
- Prepare sugar-spice topping: In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, mixing well to create the topping.
- Remove bread from pan: Carefully invert or lift the bread out of the loaf pan onto a large piece of parchment paper to avoid breaking the loaf.
- Coat with sugar-spice: Sprinkle the sugar and apple pie spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the bread, turning the loaf as needed to coat all sides with the flavorful crust.
- Cool completely before serving: Allow the bread to cool fully on the parchment paper so the topping sets and the flavors meld. Slice and serve once cooled.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; apple juice can be substituted if needed.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
- The spiced sugar topping adds extra sweetness and a crunchy texture—don’t skip it!
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
