Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe

Introduction

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf captures the cozy flavors of autumn in a simple, moist loaf cake. With warm spices and a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, it’s perfect for a comforting breakfast or an afternoon treat.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease and flour a 9×5‑inch loaf pan for a non-stick surface.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the loaf cools slightly, mix the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon for the topping.
7. Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with the 2 tbsp melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over it for a sweet crust.
8. Step 8: Slice and enjoy the loaf warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; if unavailable, a mix of apple juice and a splash of lemon juice can substitute.
• For extra texture, fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or diced apples before baking.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
• To make mini loaves, divide the batter into greased muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Storage

Store the cooled loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—wrap it securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy warm again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other spices instead of allspice?

Yes, you can substitute allspice with an equal amount of ground cloves or a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg to maintain a warm spice profile.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread infused with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The use of apple cider adds a subtle fruity tang that perfectly complements the spiced batter, while a cinnamon-sugar crust adds a delightful sweet crunch on top. This loaf is easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 slices 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Topping

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the loaf doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined and evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating to incorporate fully. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until the mixture is homogeneous.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
5. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare Topping: While the loaf is baking or cooling slightly, mix together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Add Topping to Loaf: Once the loaf is out of the oven and still warm, brush the top generously with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top to form a sweet, crunchy crust.
8. Serve: Allow the loaf to cool enough to handle, then slice it and enjoy warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and light.
• Using fresh apple cider adds the best flavor, but a good-quality store-bought cider works well too.
• For extra flavor, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• You can substitute melted coconut oil for the butter to make it dairy-free.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Reheat slices briefly in a toaster oven or microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

Keywords: apple cider, donut loaf, spiced loaf, cinnamon nutmeg allspice, quick bread, fall recipes, breakfast bread