Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe
This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for autumn. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and enriched with apple cider, this loaf offers the nostalgic taste of cider donuts in an easy-to-make cake form. A cinnamon sugar crust adds a delightful crunch and sweetness on top, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 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 to prevent sticking.
- 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 until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate larger bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the loaf tough.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: While the loaf cools slightly, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the crust.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top to create a flavorful crust.
- Serve: Slice the loaf and enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and moist.
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid concentrated or sweetened versions.
- The cinnamon sugar crust adds a delightful texture—don’t skip it!
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- This loaf can be lightly toasted before serving for extra warmth and crispness.
Keywords: apple cider loaf, spiced donut loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, fall dessert, autumn baking
