Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Introduction

The Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave warm spices and sweet apple cider. With a soft crumb and a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust, it’s like enjoying a classic donut in loaf form.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ 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)
• 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, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the loaf cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
7. Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top to create a crunchy crust.
8. Step 8: Slice and enjoy the loaf warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor, or substitute with unsweetened apple juice if needed.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with melted coconut oil.

Storage

Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven to restore warmth and softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to use a blend designed for baking to maintain the loaf’s texture.

Can I use canned apple cider or apple juice instead of fresh?

Canned or bottled apple cider works well and is a convenient alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened or lightly sweetened to avoid altering the loaf’s flavor balance. Apple juice can also be used but may be less flavorful.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 130 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf features tender, moist cake layers infused with warm apple cider and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust, it’s the perfect cozy treat for fall or any time you crave the flavors of a classic apple cider donut in an easy-to-make loaf form.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter Ingredients

• 1 ½ 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

Cinnamon Sugar Crust

• ¼ 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 during baking.
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 will evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender and light.
5. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf bakes or cools slightly, mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl.
7. Apply Topping: Once the loaf is slightly cooled but still warm, brush the top generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top to create a delicious crust.
8. Serve: Slice the loaf and serve warm or at room temperature for a comforting spiced treat reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense loaf; gentle folding is key.
• Use fresh apple cider for the best seasonal flavor; you can substitute with apple juice if needed but reduce added sugar slightly.
• The cinnamon sugar crust should be applied while the loaf is still warm for better adherence and a gooey crust.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This loaf can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, spiced loaf, fall baked goods, cinnamon sugar crust, apple cider recipe