Forget those fleeting fall festivals and their overpriced donut lines! This Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe brings the irresistible flavors of your favorite autumn treat right into your kitchen. Imagine the warm, spiced aroma filling your home as this moist and tender loaf bakes to golden perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend baking project, making it a go-to for delicious homemade cooking. Get ready to enjoy the best of fall in every slice!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Glaze (see instructions below)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread releases easily once baked.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step is crucial for even leavening and spice distribution throughout the bread.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the applesauce, apple cider, and vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Stir in the nuts, if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 15 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Cool & Glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, drizzle with the glaze.
Easy Glaze Recipe:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons apple cider
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth. Add more cider if needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs helps create a lighter and fluffier bread.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for an extra autumnal kick.
- Add-ins: Try incorporating dried cranberries, chopped apples, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Make it a Bundt: This recipe also works well in a bundt pan. Adjust baking time as needed.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
This Apple Cider Donut Bread is a delicious and easy recipe perfect for satisfying your autumn cravings. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the warm, cozy feeling this bread brings! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying a slice for yourself. It's a healthy alternative to store-bought baked goods, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Happy baking!