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Cozy Fall Apple Cider Donut Bread: Easy One-Loaf Recipe

A moist, warmly spiced apple cider quick bread with fresh apple, a cinnamon-sugar coating, and a light powdered sugar finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 279
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup apple peeled and finely diced
For the Topping
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • 1 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • 2 mixing bowls 1 medium and 1 large
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 rubber spatula
  • 1 wire rack for cooling

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until glossy and well blended.
  4. Whisk in the apple cider and sour cream until mostly smooth.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until no dry streaks remain. Fold in the diced apple.
  6. Spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. While the loaf is still slightly warm, brush the top and sides with the melted butter for the topping.
  10. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle it generously over the loaf. Once fully cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
  11. Slice and serve.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter or the loaf can become dense. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples work well. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Tent loosely with foil near the end of baking if the top browns too quickly.