Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf brings all the cozy flavors of fall into a single, easy-to-make treat. With a tender crumb infused with warm spices and a crisp cinnamon sugar crust, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Enjoy the comforting taste of apple cider and spices in every bite.

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 lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground 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 and creamy. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the loaf is baking, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl to make the crust topping.
7. Step 7: Once the loaf is done and slightly cooled, brush the top generously with the 2 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top to create a delicious crust.
8. Step 8: Slice the loaf and serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top along with the cinnamon sugar crust.
• Replace apple cider with fresh apple juice if cider is unavailable, though the flavor will be slightly milder.
• Use a light brown sugar for a more subtle molasses flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
• To make mini loaves, divide the batter into smaller pans and reduce baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm, freshly baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spices instead of ground spices?

Ground spices provide a more even and pronounced flavor throughout the loaf, so they are recommended. However, if you have fresh whole spices, you can toast and grind them before use for a fresher aroma.

Is it possible to make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for one-to-one substitution. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf features a moist, tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice spices. Topped with a fragrant cinnamon sugar crust brushed with melted butter, this delicious loaf captures the essence of classic apple cider donuts in an easy-to-make loaf form, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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

Cinnamon Sugar 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 flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the loaf doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This combination of spices gives the loaf its warm, spiced flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender and moist.
5. Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Crust: While the loaf is baking, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the topping.
7. Apply Crust: Once the loaf is done baking and has cooled slightly but is still warm, brush the top generously with 2 tablespoons of melted butter using a pastry brush. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered top to create a sweet and fragrant crust.
8. Serve: Allow the loaf to cool enough to slice neatly. Serve the spiced apple cider donut loaf warm to enjoy the best texture and flavors.

Notes

• Using fresh apple cider enhances the authentic apple flavor, but pasteurized cider works well too.
• Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense loaf; mix just until dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a comforting treat.

Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, spiced loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, fall baking, apple dessert, easy loaf cake, autumn treats