Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar topping: While the loaf bakes or cools slightly, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar together for the crust topping.
- 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.
- 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
