Print

Cozy Apple Cider Donut Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

apple cider donut bread - featured image
Print Recipe

This apple cider donut bread delivers all the deep, spiced apple cider flavor of a classic donut in a tender, moist loaf with a crackly cinnamon sugar crust. It’s the perfect fall treat for breakfast, dessert, or any cozy gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust:
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about ½ cup. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a parchment paper sling, leaving overhang on the two long sides. Lightly grease exposed ends of the pan.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves.
  4. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed light brown sugar. Add ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Whisk in the cooled reduced apple cider.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined—a few lumps are fine. Do not overmix.
  6. Bake the Bread: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be deep golden brown and spring back lightly.
  7. Cool and Apply the Crust: Let bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for exactly 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. After 10 minutes, lift bread out using parchment sling and place on wire rack. While still warm, brush entire top and sides with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Don’t skip reducing the cider—it concentrates the flavor. The 10-minute pan rest is crucial for the crust to stick. For best results, use room temperature ingredients. If bread browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut bread, cinnamon sugar crust, fall baking, apple bread, quick bread, easy apple recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/cozy-apple-cider-donut-bread-with-cinnamon-sugar-crust/