Ah, Apple Cider Donut Bread! Just the name brings back fond memories of crisp autumn days, the scent of fallen leaves, and that intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through my kitchen. I remember the first time I tried a bite of apple cider donuts at a local orchard. It was as if the very essence of fall was captured in that tender morsel, and I knew I had to bring that warm, spiced goodness into my own home.
Now, here’s the cool part – this recipe takes all of that mouthwatering goodness from apple cider donuts and turns it into a sliceable loaf. Yes, you get the warm spices, the sweet apple flavor, and a delightful moist texture, all with the added bonus of being able to enjoy it in loaf form! Perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a sweet afternoon snack, this Apple Cider Donut Bread is sure to become a staple in your own fall baking adventures.
What’s in Apple Cider Donut Bread?
Apple Cider: This is the star of the show! Fresh apple cider will yield the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, store-bought cider works too. Just make sure it’s 100% apple juice; the taste won’t be quite the same if it’s loaded with preservatives.
All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for your bread. I often opt for organic all-purpose flour whenever I can because it seems to give my baked goods that extra bit of flavor.
Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar in the batter adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and spice. Feel free to use a bit more if you love that deep flavor!
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These help the bread rise nicely while keeping it fluffy in texture. Don’t skip this crucial step; flat apple cider bread is a sad thing to behold!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: My holy grail of spices! These warm spices bring out the cozy essence of autumn. You can even add a smidge of ground ginger if you’re feeling adventurous.
Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the bread the right amount of moisture. Eggs also help with that lovely golden color!
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: I personally love using melted butter for the richness it adds to the loaf, but vegetable oil can be a great alternative if you prefer something lighter.
Is Apple Cider Donut Bread Good for You?
Oh boy, let’s be honest, as much as I adore this bread, it’s not exactly a health food! That said, here’s the breakdown:
Apple Cider: If you’re using fresh cider, you’re getting some vitamins from the apples, but watch out for added sugars in some commercial ciders!
Whole Grains: You can always swap in whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose—just note that it may alter the texture a bit.
Sugar Content: There’s a fair amount of sugar in this bread, so moderation is key here. This is more of an indulgent treat than a daily breakfast option.
In short, enjoy this bread as a delicious treat, particularly when the weather turns chilly and those apple orchards are calling your name!
Ingredients
– 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*This recipe serves about 8 slices, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself—no judgment here!*
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You don’t want this glorious bread sticking!
2. In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Let it boil until it’s reduced to about 1/2 cup; this concentrated flavor is magical! Set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. In another bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your bread might turn out a bit tough!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now!
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Tips and Serving Suggestions
– Feel free to add chopped apples to the batter for a tasty surprise in every slice.
– This bread is splendid toasted with a bit of butter, or you could sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking for that classic donut effect.
– Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert—oh my, talk about indulgence!
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on crafting Apple Cider Donut Bread, I can’t wait for you to try it out yourself. Trust me, each bite is a hug in loaf form! I’d love to hear how your bread turns out and any little twists you add to make it your own. Happy baking!