Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf brings all the cozy flavors of fall into one delicious treat. Moist and perfectly spiced, it’s an easy loaf cake that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the warm aroma and tender crumb of this seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crust)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for crust)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender loaf.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While baking, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: When the loaf is done and slightly cooled, brush the top with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, substitute half of the apple cider with unsweetened applesauce.
• Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
• Try a sprinkle of coarse sugar instead of cinnamon sugar on top for a crunchy crust.
• Use fresh ground spices for a more vibrant aroma and taste.

Storage

Store the loaf tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apple cider for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen apple cider as long as it has been thawed and is at room temperature. This ensures the batter mixes evenly and the loaf bakes properly.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 87 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with the rich sweetness of apple cider and brown sugar, resulting in a moist and tender loaf that’s perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. The loaf is topped with a butter-brushed cinnamon sugar crust that adds a delightful sweetness and crunch reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crust

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the loaf doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This step ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Then add the apple cider and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender and moist.
5. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully cooked.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf bakes, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create the classic sweet crust typical of apple cider donuts.
7. Finish with Topping: Once the loaf is baked and slightly cooled (but still warm), brush the top generously with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. This adds a sweet, crunchy finish that perfectly complements the spiced loaf.

Notes

• For a stronger apple cider flavor, use fresh, unfiltered cider.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and tender.
• You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Allow the loaf to cool slightly before adding the topping so the melted butter and sugar adhere well.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, spiced loaf, apple cider bread, cinnamon nutmeg loaf, fall baking, sweet bread, cinnamon sugar crust