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.