Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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