Dessert

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Bymia larkspur October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf brings all the cozy flavors of autumn into a moist, tender bread. With warm spices and a cinnamon sugar crust, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Easy to make and irresistibly fragrant, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

A loaf-shaped baked bread rests on a wooden cutting board over a white marbled surface, covered with a layer of coarse sugar crystals that sparkle under the light. The top has a golden-brown crust with visible cracks and a textured, sugary coating that adds a grainy look. The bread's body shows a mix of light tan and darker brown tones, suggesting ingredients like apples and cinnamon inside. In the blurred background, two red apples, a cinnamon stick, and small bowls of sugar and butter add warm, rustic hints. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease and flour a 9×5‑inch loaf pan.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs, whisking until smooth. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
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.
Step 6: Let the loaf cool slightly. Meanwhile, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping.
Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it to create a sweet crust.
Step 8: Slice the loaf and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, soak the apple cider in a tablespoon of bourbon before mixing it in.
Try adding ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and taste.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Brush the baked loaf with a thin icing glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for added sweetness.

Storage

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave before serving for the best texture and warmth.

How to Serve

A golden brown loaf cake sits on a wooden cutting board, topped with a thick layer of coarse sugar that sparkles under the light. The crust is slightly cracked, revealing a soft and moist texture inside. The loaf is rectangular with rounded edges and a fluffy crumb visible at the top where it has risen unevenly. In the blurred background, two red apples, a cinnamon stick, and scoops of sugar and butter rest on a white marbled surface, adding warm, cozy elements to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice if you don’t have apple cider, but the flavor might be slightly less robust since cider usually has more spices and a richer taste.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the loaf is done baking.