Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for autumn mornings or afternoon tea. It combines warm spices with the sweet tang of apple cider, topped with a crispy cinnamon sugar crust that adds delightful texture.

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 the 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, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk 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. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the loaf cool slightly in the pan. Meanwhile, mix the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for the topping.
7. Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over it to form a crust.
8. Step 8: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a moister loaf, substitute half the apple cider with unsweetened applesauce.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
• Use a mix of spices or add a pinch of cloves for a deeper autumn flavor.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

Storage

Store the donut 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 a microwave or toaster oven for a warm, fresh taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple cider for this recipe?

Yes, fresh apple cider works perfectly and enhances the flavor. Just ensure it’s well strained and free of pulp for a smooth batter.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

You can use a premixed pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice as a convenient substitute. Using just cinnamon and nutmeg also works well for a simpler flavor.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf features a moist, flavorful cake infused with warm spices and apple cider, topped with a crispy cinnamon sugar crust reminiscent of your favorite fall donut. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it combines comforting autumn flavors in an easy-to-make loaf cake.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry 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

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
• 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 thoroughly to ensure the loaf doesn’t stick.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well incorporated. Then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in a dense loaf.
5. Bake the loaf: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully cooked.
6. Prepare cinnamon sugar topping: While the loaf bakes or cools slightly, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar together for the crust topping.
7. Apply the crust: When the loaf has cooled just enough to handle but is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top to form a crunchy, sweet crust.
8. Serve: Slice the spiced apple cider donut loaf and enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and moist.
• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid apple juice substitute as it is usually sweeter and less complex.
• Allowing the loaf to cool slightly before applying the cinnamon sugar crust prevents it from melting too quickly.
• This loaf keeps well at room temperature for up to two days and can be refrigerated for longer storage.
• Reheat slices briefly in a toaster oven or microwave for a warm treat.

Keywords: apple cider loaf, spiced donut loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, fall desserts, easy loaf cake