Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf brings the cozy flavors of autumn right to your kitchen. With a tender crumb and a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Easy to make and bursting with warm spices, this loaf will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

• 1½ 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 with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy. 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 and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the crust in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over it to create a crunchy crust.
8. Step 8: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, substitute half of the apple cider with unsweetened applesauce.
• Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for a delightful crunch or chew.
• If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves.
• Use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan for a festive presentation.

Storage

Store any leftover 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. To reheat, warm slices in a microwave or toaster oven until just heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple cider or bottled apple juice?

Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor, but bottled cider or unsweetened apple juice can be used as a substitute with good results.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to brush the butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar crust after the loaf has cooled slightly but is still warm. This helps create a crisp topping rather than a soggy one.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 318 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a delightful twist on classic fall flavors, combining warm spices with sweet apple cider in a moist, tender loaf topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect for cozy breakfasts or an afternoon treat.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• 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. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease and flour a 9×5‑inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the loaf after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. This creates the spiced dry mixture for the loaf.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar, then add the eggs and continue whisking until smooth. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the loaf tender.
5. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf cools slightly, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the crust topping.
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 delicious crunchy crust.
8. Serve: Slice the spiced apple cider donut loaf and enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
• You can substitute apple cider with apple juice but expect a slightly less robust flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate.
• Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven for a fresh-baked experience.

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