I’ll never forget the first time I smelled this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf baking in my oven. That magical moment when cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples fill your kitchen? Pure autumn happiness in cake form. This loaf takes everything we love about cider mill donuts – that moist crumb, warm spices, and crackly cinnamon sugar topping – and bakes it into the coziest quick bread you’ll ever make.
What makes this recipe special? It’s that perfect balance between dense pound cake and airy donut texture. The secret’s in reducing fresh apple cider to intensify the flavor, then pairing it with melted butter for unbelievable moisture. That cinnamon sugar crust? It crackles with every bite just like your favorite fall donuts, but you can enjoy it fresh from your own oven anytime. Trust me, one slice and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
This isn’t just any quick bread – it’s your new fall obsession! Here’s why:
- That perfect donut texture – Moist and tender inside with that signature crackly cinnamon sugar crust
- Warm autumn spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice will make your kitchen smell like a cider mill
- One-bowl easy – No fancy techniques, just simple mixing and baking
- The best of both worlds – All the flavor of fresh donuts without the frying mess
Seriously, that cinnamon sugar topping alone is worth making this loaf. It crackles like autumn leaves underfoot with every bite!
Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Let’s gather everything we need for this cozy autumn treat! I’ve separated the ingredients so you can see the dry and wet components at a glance – it makes prep so much easier.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled (don’t pack it!)
- 1 tsp baking powder – make sure it’s fresh for maximum rise
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – helps create that perfect donut-like crumb
- 1/4 tsp salt – just enough to balance the sweetness
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – I like Saigon cinnamon for extra warmth
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – freshly grated if possible!
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice – the secret spice that makes it special
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – cooled slightly (but still warm)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for that classic donut sweetness
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – dark brown gives the best molasses flavor
- 2 large eggs – at room temperature so they incorporate smoothly
- 1/2 cup apple cider – reduced from 1 cup for concentrated flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – pure vanilla makes all the difference
For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – regular white sugar works best here
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – mix with the sugar while loaf bakes
- 2 tbsp melted butter – for brushing on top before sprinkling
Pro tip: Measure your apple cider reduction after boiling it down – reducing concentrates the flavor without making the batter too wet. I like to do this step first while prepping other ingredients!
Equipment You’ll Need
Gathering your tools before starting makes baking this loaf a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 standard loaf pan (8.5×4.5 inches works perfectly)
- 2 mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients, one for wet
- Whisk – for combining dry ingredients smoothly
- Silicone spatula – to gently fold everything together
- Pastry brush – for that essential butter layer before the cinnamon sugar
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required for this cozy autumn treat!
How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Ready to fill your kitchen with the most incredible autumn aromas? Let’s bake this beauty step by step – I promise it’s easier than you think!
- Preheat and prep: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan well – I like using butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the reduced apple cider and vanilla.
- Combine carefully: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as no flour streaks remain – overmixing makes tough bread!
- Pour and prep topping: Transfer batter into your prepared pan. Mix the cinnamon and sugar for the crust in a small bowl.
- Create magic crust: After 10 minutes of baking, pull the loaf out briefly. Brush melted butter evenly over the top, then generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Finish baking: Return to oven and bake another 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Mine always takes exactly 45 minutes total.
- Cool completely: Let cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Resist cutting for at least 30 minutes – this helps set the crumb.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Crust
That crackly sugar topping is what turns this loaf from good to “Oh my goodness, I need another slice!” Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Timing is everything: Adding the crust after 10 minutes of baking lets the loaf set slightly so the topping doesn’t sink in.
- Butter coverage: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface – missed spots won’t get that glorious sugary crunch.
- Generous sprinkling: Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar! I use the full amount and gently pat it into the butter so it really sticks.
- Gentle mixing: Remember, overworking the batter develops gluten, which can make your loaf dense instead of light and donut-like.
See? Simple steps for maximum autumn deliciousness. That first bite through the crisp cinnamon sugar into the tender spiced crumb? Absolute heaven!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Baking should be fun, not stressful! Here are my tried-and-true swaps if you’re missing something:
- Apple cider: No fresh cider? Boil down apple juice to concentrate flavor, or use 1/4 cup applesauce + 1/4 cup water
- Butter: Equal amounts of coconut oil or dairy-free butter work beautifully
- Eggs: Haven’t tested substitutes here – the structure really needs them!
- Spices: These are non-negotiable – cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice create that signature donut flavor
Pro tip: If using store-bought cider, check it’s not pasteurized twice – that removes too much flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Oh, the possibilities! My absolute favorite way to enjoy this loaf? Still slightly warm from the oven with a steaming mug of strong coffee – the spices just sing together. For dessert, try it à la mode with vanilla bean ice cream melting into the cinnamon sugar cracks. Bonus points if you drizzle warm cider over top! Room temperature is perfect for breakfast or afternoon snack time too.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s how to keep your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf tasting fresh and delicious for days – if it lasts that long! (Mine never seems to make it past day two.)
- Room temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days – the cinnamon sugar crust stays perfectly crisp this way
- Freezing: Wrap cooled loaf tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter
- Reheating magic: Pop slices in the toaster oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth
Pro tip: If your loaf gets a bit dry (unlikely!), brush slices with melted butter before toasting – it’ll taste freshly made!
Nutritional Information
Let’s be honest – we’re not eating this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf for its health benefits! But since you asked, here’s the nutritional breakdown per slice (based on 10 slices per loaf). Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on ingredients.
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Important note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used and slice sizes. I calculated these based on standard supermarket ingredients, but homemade apple cider or organic flour might shift the numbers slightly. And let’s be real – that cinnamon sugar crust is worth every single calorie!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things readers ask me:
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes! Reduce 1 cup apple juice by half for similar flavor. But fresh cider gives the best depth – I always grab some from my local orchard when possible.
How do I prevent a dry loaf?
Don’t overbake! Pull it out as soon as the toothpick comes out clean. Also, that melted butter in the batter keeps it incredibly moist – no skimping!
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake 18-20 minutes. Add the cinnamon sugar topping after 5 minutes of baking.
Why wait to add the cinnamon sugar crust?
Waiting 10 minutes lets the loaf set slightly so the topping stays crispy on top instead of sinking in. Trust me – it makes all the difference!
Can I freeze this loaf?
Yes! Wrap cooled loaf tightly in plastic then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on counter – tastes fresh-baked every time.
Print
Irresistible Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful loaf cake inspired by spiced apple cider donuts, topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust.
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
- 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
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs, apple cider, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar for the crust. Brush melted butter over the batter, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, spiced loaf cake
