Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a cozy treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave warm, comforting flavors. Infused with classic spices and apple cider, it’s topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar crust that adds a sweet, crispy finish.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf With A Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground allspice
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup apple cider
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crust)
4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted (for crust)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined and no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Step 6: Remove from oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully lift the loaf out and continue cooling until just warm, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 7: While the loaf cools, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter separately for the crust.
Step 8: Brush all sides of the warm loaf generously with the melted butter. Immediately coat it evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture by rolling or sprinkling it on.
Step 9: Place the coated loaf back on the rack and let it cool completely to room temperature before slicing with a serrated knife and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; concentrate it slightly by simmering if you want a richer taste.
Swap allspice with ground cloves or ginger for a different warm spice profile.
For an extra moist loaf, add ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt to the wet ingredients.
Serve with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.

Storage

Store this loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven to restore moisture and crisp the cinnamon sugar crust slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, apple juice can work as a substitute, but it is usually sweeter and less spiced than cider. You might want to reduce any added sugar slightly or add a pinch of cinnamon to mimic the cider’s flavor.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results, as texture may vary slightly.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf With A Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for fall. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and complemented by a sweet cinnamon sugar crust, this loaf brings the classic taste of apple cider donuts to an easy-to-make baked good. The loaf combines the comforting flavors of autumn in every bite, ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Category: Baked Goods
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground allspice

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup apple cider
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Crust

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang for easy removal of the loaf.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and allspice until evenly mixed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the ingredients together with a rubber spatula just until no dry flour streaks remain—avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Bake Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.
Cool Loaf: Remove the pan from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to continue cooling on the rack until just warm, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Crust: While the loaf is cooling, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter separately for brushing.
Apply Crust: Brush the warm loaf generously on all sides with the melted butter, then roll or sprinkle it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Final Cooling and Serve: Return the coated loaf to the wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before slicing with a serrated knife and serving.

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and moist.
If apple cider is unavailable, you can substitute with apple juice but reduce other liquids slightly.
The cinnamon sugar crust is best applied while the loaf is still warm to ensure it adheres well.
Store leftover loaf wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This loaf freezes well; slice before freezing and thaw slices as needed.

Keywords: apple cider loaf, spiced donut loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, fall desserts, baked apple cider bread