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Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

5 from 19 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a cozy fall treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and apple cider into a soft, tender loaf with a crispy cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this easy-to-make loaf fills your home with the aroma of autumn and delivers the nostalgic taste of an apple cider donut in loaf form.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Crust

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the 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 evenly combined.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Then add the apple cider and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf soft and tender.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf will fill your kitchen with a wonderful fall aroma.
  6. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Crust: While the loaf bakes, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the loaf has cooled slightly, brush the top with melted butter and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it to create a crunchy, sweet crust.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the loaf warm and serve. This spiced apple cider donut loaf is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored or frozen for later enjoyment.

Notes

  • No apple cider? Substitute with apple juice or buttermilk for a tangy twist.
  • For added texture, try mixing in chopped apples or nuts before baking.
  • To make dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative in place of unsalted butter.
  • If you prefer a sweeter treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the slices before serving.
  • This loaf freezes well; wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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