Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! If there’s one recipe that embodies the cozy, warm feeling of fall, it’s Apple Cider Donut Bread. Just imagine biting into a slice of this delightful bread as the scent of cinnamon and apple wafts through your kitchen—heavenly!
I first tried my hand at making this loaf when I was hosting a fall brunch for some friends. The weather was crisp, the leaves were turning, and I thought nothing would be better than a sweet, autumn-inspired treat to go alongside our hot coffee. The sweet and spicy aroma that filled my house had everyone eagerly awaiting the first slice. And let me tell you, this bread was a massive hit! Since then, it’s become a staple in my autumn baking repertoire, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Now, let’s dive into what makes this bread so special.
What’s in Apple Cider Donut Bread?
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread! All-purpose flour provides the structure and tenderness that help make this loaf soft and delightful.
Sugar: We’re adding a nice amount of sugar to give the bread its sweetness, as well as a touch of that irresistible donut flavor.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the bread a lovely rise, ensuring it’s soft and fluffy.
Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is what brings the fall flavor to the forefront. Nothing says autumn quite like cinnamon!
Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds depth to the flavor profile. It’s like a warm hug in your loaf!
Salt: Just a pinch helps to enhance all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: These add richness and moisture, giving our bread that lovely, tender crumble.
Apple Cider: The star of the show! Apple cider infuses the entire loaf with that quintessential apple flavor and adds nice moisture.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist and gives it a bit of richness without the heaviness of butter.
Chopped Apples: We can’t forget about the actual apple chunks! They provide little pockets of sweet, juicy flavor throughout the bread.
Optional: Powdered Sugar for Topping: A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top gives your loaf that extra special touch and a cake-like finish.
Is Apple Cider Donut Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a little about whether this bread is good for you. Well, it’s definitely a treat, but there are some redeemable qualities!
Apples: If you choose to leave the skins on your chopped apples, you’ll be adding fiber and vitamins to your bread. An apple a day, right?
Spices: Both cinnamon and nutmeg have antioxidant properties and can even help with inflammation. So, you can feel a tad better indulging in a slice—or two!
Just bear in mind that it is still a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation. Pairing it with a protein source like yogurt can help make it a more balanced snack.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of sugar
– 2 tablespoons of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup of apple cider
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
– 1 cup of chopped apples (I recommend using a variety like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast)
– Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting on top
This recipe yields one beautiful loaf, serving about 8 people—perfect for sharing or enjoying all week long!
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bread?
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan—trust me, you don’t want your delicious creation to stick!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Whisk it together to ensure there are no lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, apple cider, and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Now, it’s time to marry the two! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; little lumps are just fine!
5. Fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to fully cool. Optional: Once it’s cool, dust the top with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finishing touch.
Sweet Tips for Your Apple Cider Donut Bread
– If you want to elevate your bread even more, add a glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider for an extra sweet touch!
– Feel free to experiment with spices—ginger or cloves can add delightful flavor variations.
– Serve this bread warm, possibly with a side of butter or cream cheese spread. You might just want to whip up another batch for your next get-together!
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and munching on this Apple Cider Donut Bread as much as I do! It’s perfect for a morning treat, an afternoon snack, or even a special dessert. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy baking! 🍏💛
