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Apple Cider Donut Bread (Easy Fall Quick Bread Recipe)

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 4 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bread:

  • ½ cup apple cider (not juice — see note below)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla yogurt)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later.
  • Reduce the apple cider: Pour ½ cup apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half (about 10 minutes). Set aside to cool — you’ll end up with ¼ cup of concentrated cider.
  • Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl (or stand mixer with paddle attachment), beat the softened butter and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs; mix just until smooth.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, yogurt, and cooled reduced cider.
  • Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Bring it together: Add half the dry mixture to the butter-egg mixture, then half the wet mixture. Repeat, mixing gently between additions. Do not overmix — just fold until no flour streaks remain.
  • Bake: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  • Add the cinnamon-sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm loaf (top and sides) with melted butter, then press or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over until fully coated.

Notes

Ingredient Notes:
  • Apple cider (not apple juice) gives that deep, tangy sweetness — reduce it to concentrate the flavor.
  • Greek yogurt keeps the crumb tender and moist.
  • Applesauce replaces part of the fat and adds softness.