There’s something about fall that makes your kitchen feel like the heart of the home the warmth of the oven, the scent of cinnamon and apples, and that first slice of something cozy. This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf captures that feeling in every bite. Imagine your favorite apple cider donut soft, spiced, and sugary now transformed into a tender loaf cake with a crackly cinnamon sugar crust that crunches just slightly when you cut into it.
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This loaf is perfect for crisp mornings, weekend brunches, or those evenings when all you want is something sweet and comforting with a mug of tea or warm cider.
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Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup apple cider (fresh if possible)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour. This helps the loaf release cleanly after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside — these spices are the heart of that cozy apple-cider-donut aroma.
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3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add apple cider and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
4. Combine and Mix Gently
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually. Stir just until combined — overmixing makes a dense loaf, and you want it fluffy and moist.
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5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell like a mix of cider donuts and fresh pie at this point.
6. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
While the loaf cools for about 10 minutes, mix the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle (generously!) with the cinnamon sugar mixture. The sugar will create a slightly crisp, caramelized crust as it sets.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve warm — the inside stays tender, buttery, and fragrant. Perfect with a mug of hot apple cider, chai, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Donut Loaf
- Use fresh apple cider – unfiltered cider gives the richest flavor.
- Don’t overmix – stop stirring once the flour disappears.
- For extra flavor, reduce your apple cider by simmering it until slightly syrupy before adding.
- Make it dessert-worthy – drizzle with caramel or top with a quick vanilla glaze once cooled.
- Double the cinnamon sugar for extra crunch if you love that donut coating texture.
Substitutions & Variations
- No apple cider? Use apple juice or buttermilk for a similar result.
- Gluten-free option: Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Dairy-free: Substitute melted plant-based butter or neutral oil.
- Add texture: Fold in ½ cup chopped apples, toasted pecans, or walnuts.
- Mini loaves or muffins: Bake 20–25 minutes at 350°F — same batter, smaller format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes! Apple juice will work fine, though the flavor will be slightly milder. If you can, reduce the juice by simmering it for 10 minutes to concentrate its sweetness.
How do I store the loaf?
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully — wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a just-baked taste.
Can I add a glaze on top?
Absolutely. A simple mix of powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk makes a light glaze that adds a bakery-style finish.
Nutrition Information (per slice)
Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 200mg
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 30mg
Iron: 1.2mg
Cozy Up with This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
If fall had a flavor, this would be it apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of warmth that lingers long after the loaf is gone. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment), this recipe brings the best part of autumn right to your table.
Bake it, slice it, and take a moment to just breathe in that cozy spice-scented air because honestly, that’s half the magic.
If you try this recipe, tag it or share your photo — I’d love to see your version! 🍂
Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust
Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 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 (fresh if possible)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the OvenPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour. This helps the loaf release cleanly after baking.
- Mix the Dry IngredientsIn a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside — these spices are the heart of that cozy apple-cider-donut aroma.
- Mix the Wet IngredientsIn a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add apple cider and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
- Combine and Mix GentlyPour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually. Stir just until combined — overmixing makes a dense loaf, and you want it fluffy and moist.
- BakePour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell like a mix of cider donuts and fresh pie at this point.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar CrustWhile the loaf cools for about 10 minutes, mix the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle (generously!) with the cinnamon sugar mixture. The sugar will create a slightly crisp, caramelized crust as it sets.
- Serve and EnjoySlice and serve warm — the inside stays tender, buttery, and fragrant. Perfect with a mug of hot apple cider, chai, or a dollop of whipped cream.
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