Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
