Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf captures all the warm flavors of fall in a tender, moist bread. It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, combining apple cider and cozy spices in every bite.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crust)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for crust)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the loaf cools slightly, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar for the topping in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over it.
8. Step 8: Slice and enjoy the loaf warm or at room temperature for a comforting treat.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try using fresh apple cider or even a splash of maple syrup in place of some sugar.
• Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and depth of texture.
• If you prefer a spicier loaf, increase the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly or add a pinch of ground cloves.

Storage

Store the apple cider donut loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice if apple cider is not available, but the flavor will be slightly less intense and spicy.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking and check again in 5-minute intervals.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, combined with the subtle tartness of apple cider. Topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, this loaf offers a deliciously tender crumb reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• ¼ 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.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly blended.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
5. Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare topping and cool: While the loaf bakes, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar for the topping. When the loaf is done, allow it to cool slightly.
7. Apply topping: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
8. Serve: Slice the loaf and enjoy warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh apple cider to maximize the flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf soft and tender.
• Use a toothpick test to check doneness before removing from oven.
• The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and flavor, don’t skip it!
• This loaf stores well at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be frozen for up to one month.

Keywords: apple cider loaf, spiced loaf, cinnamon sugar loaf, autumn bread, quick bread, spiced apple bread