Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup spiced apple cider (~1/2 cup simmered & reduced)
- 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup applesauce (sweetened for a sweeter bread)
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the apple cider and stir constantly until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, which should take 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat Oven & Mix Butter and Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and light brown sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth blend.
- Incorporate Applesauce and Greek Yogurt: Mix in the applesauce and vanilla Greek yogurt until all the wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine nutmeg, ground cinnamon, baking powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until the batter is uniform.
- Mix in Reduced Apple Cider: Pour the cooled, reduced apple cider into the batter and mix until consistent throughout.
- Prepare and Bake: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with baking spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 38-45 minutes or until the bread has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Topping: While the bread bakes, combine the white sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
- Finish and Serve: Once the bread is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Slice and enjoy your warm, flavorful cinnamon donut bread.
Notes
- Ensure the apple cider is fully reduced to intensify the flavor without adding excess liquid to the batter.
- You can substitute vanilla Greek yogurt with regular Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier taste.
- Use parchment paper in the loaf pan to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.
- The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet and crunchy finish; apply it right after baking while the bread is still warm.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with an appropriate gluten-free blend, but adjust baking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
