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