Introduction

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a cozy, tender treat perfect for fall mornings or dessert. Infused with warm spices and topped with a cinnamon sugar crust, this loaf will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

The image shows a close-up of a thick rectangular slice of crumb cake with a crunchy, dark brown topping and a soft, light beige inside with a moist texture. The crumb topping is uneven, rough, and covers the entire top layer, while the cake's inside looks fluffy and slightly crumbly. The cake sits on a white surface with a white marbled texture in the background. 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 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, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
Step 4: Add the eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Stir well.
Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: While the loaf is warm, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the crust in a small bowl.
Step 9: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it.
Step 10: Let the loaf cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh apple cider for the best and most vibrant flavor.
To make this loaf dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy a warm treat.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a rectangular slice of golden brown crumb cake with a rough, crumbly top layer, sitting on a plain white plate. The cake has a thick, moist-looking body with a slightly dense texture and small holes on the inside. The top layer is darker brown and crispy, covering the entire surface of the cake. The background shows a soft focus with a white marbled surface underneath the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled apple cider instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled apple cider works well, but fresh cider will give a brighter, fresher flavor to the loaf.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the loaf is done baking.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a delightful fall-inspired dessert combining warm spices with the sweet tang of apple cider. Featuring a tender crumb and a crisp cinnamon sugar crust, this easy-to-make loaf is perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 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

For the 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 a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Combine Wet Ingredients – Part 1: In another large bowl, mix the melted butter with both granulated and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
Add Eggs, Apple Cider & Vanilla: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all wet ingredients.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the loaf.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully cooked.
Prepare Crust Topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the crust topping.
Add Crust: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the best texture. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor to enhance the moistness and spiced notes of the loaf.
Do not overmix the batter; gentle folding maintains a tender crumb and prevents toughness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the loaf fresh.

Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, spiced loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, easy dessert