Description

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf captures all the cozy flavors of a classic apple cider donut—warm spices, apple cider sweetness, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping—without the need for frying. Moist, tender, and full of fall flavor, it’s a perfect loaf for breakfast, dessert, or an autumn potluck.

Ingredients

Scale

For the loaf:

1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
½ tsp (2 g) baking soda
¼ tsp (1 g) salt
1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (1 g) ground nutmeg
½ tsp (1 g) ground allspice
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) apple cider
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar crust:

¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
2 tbsp (28 g) melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in apple cider and vanilla extract.
Fold dry mixture into wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
While baking, mix sugar and cinnamon for topping.
Once loaf is baked and slightly cooled, brush with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously over the top.
Slice and serve.

Notes

Boost the flavor: Reduce apple cider on the stove before baking for deeper taste.

Don’t skip the topping: The cinnamon sugar crust is key to that donut-like crunch.

Timing matters: Add the topping while loaf is warm enough for it to stick.

Storage: Wrap tightly and reheat slices to revive freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American