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Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

4.8 from 9 reviews

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.

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 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: apple cider loaf, spiced apple bread, fall dessert, cinnamon sugar loaf, apple cider bread