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Apple Cider Donut Loaf

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This easy homemade apple cider donut loaf captures all the nostalgic flavors of classic apple cider donuts in a moist, tender loaf with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for cozy mornings, brunch, or gifting, it’s a comforting treat that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • For the Cinnamon-Sugar Crust:
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup apple cider into a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1/2 cup. Cool to room temperature.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth and slightly lighter in color.
  5. Stir in cooled, reduced apple cider, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt or sour cream until creamy.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let loaf rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. While loaf is still warm, brush top (and sides, if desired) with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over loaf.
  11. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Reduce the cider slowly for best flavor. Use room temperature ingredients for a tender crumb. Don’t overmix the batter. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute with 1-to-1 gluten-free flour and vegan butter/yogurt. Let loaf cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, cinnamon sugar, fall baking, easy loaf cake, brunch, cozy dessert, apple cider recipe, homemade donut bread

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/apple-cider-donut-loaf-recipe-easy-homemade-cinnamon-sugar-treat/