Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a moist and tender quick bread bursting with warm fall spices and the sweet tang of apple cider. Perfectly topped with a cinnamon sugar crust, this loaf combines the nostalgic flavors of spiced apple cider donuts in an easy-to-make loaf cake that’s ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy release after baking.
- 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. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and slightly fluffy. Then add the apple cider and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the loaf tender and moist.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the loaf is properly cooked through.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf is baking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the loaf is baked and slightly cooled, brush the top with melted butter and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor reminiscent of classic spiced apple cider donuts.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid apple juice as it is more concentrated and sweeter.
- Ensure not to over-mix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with a plant-based alternative.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10th of the loaf)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: apple cider loaf, spiced apple bread, fall dessert, cinnamon sugar loaf, apple cider bread