Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf brings all the cozy flavors of fall into one delicious, easy-to-make treat. With warm spices and a cinnamon sugar crust, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

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) and 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 well 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. 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, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the loaf to cool slightly while you mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar for the topping in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with the melted butter and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top to create a sweet crust.
8. Step 8: Slice and enjoy the loaf warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, try adding ¼ cup of applesauce to the wet ingredients.
• Swap apple cider for apple juice if cider isn’t available, but reduce any added sugar slightly.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Serve with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.

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 1 month. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to bring back softness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple cider instead of fresh?

Yes, canned or bottled apple cider works perfectly in this recipe and provides the same warm apple flavor.

How can I tell when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging, the loaf is ready.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf features the warm, cozy flavors of classic autumn spices and apple cider baked into a moist and tender loaf. Finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust, it provides a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that tastes just like a freshly baked apple cider donut, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Main 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

Topping

• 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) and grease and flour a 9×5‑inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice ensuring spices are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until combined well.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
5. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf is cooling slightly, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Add Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top to create a sweet, spiced crust.
8. Serve: Slice the loaf and enjoy it warm or at room temperature for a comforting treat perfect any time of day.

Notes

• Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and tender.
• You can substitute apple cider with fresh apple juice if cider is unavailable.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Reheat slices in a microwave or oven for a freshly baked taste.

Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, spiced loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, autumn baking, apple cider dessert