Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf bakes or cools slightly, mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl.
- 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.
- 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
