Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, mouthwatering treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, the Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This loaf combines tender, fluffy cake infused with warm spices and crisp apple cider, all topped with a luscious cinnamon sugar crust that adds an irresistible crunchy finish. Every bite brings a delightful balance of sweet, spice, and that lovely cider tang that makes it feel like autumn captured in dessert form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in delivering that tender crumb, aromatic spice, and perfectly sweet crust, making it straightforward yet wonderfully satisfying to bake.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the loaf’s tender texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise nicely and remain light.
• Baking soda: Works with acidic apple cider to create a moist crumb.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and spiced flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: A key spice for warm, cozy flavor in both the loaf and crust.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds depth with its sweet and nutty undertones.
• Ground allspice: Infuses the loaf with rich, complex spice notes.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the loaf moist and buttery while enriching flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf evenly for that classic donut taste.
• Brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and extra moistness.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a fluffy, tender crumb.
• Apple cider: The star liquid ingredient giving a bright, fresh apple flavor and tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the natural sweetness and rounds out the spices beautifully.
• Cinnamon sugar mixture for crust: Made of sugar and cinnamon, this combination creates the signature sweet, crisp topping.
• Melted butter for crust: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly, forming a delicious crust.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. This step is crucial to ensure your loaf doesn’t stick and the edges come out clean and golden.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This blend of spices mixed into your dry base will infuse the loaf with warm, comforting flavors that sing as it bakes.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Thoroughly

In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until fully combined. Then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract. This mixture is where the magic happens, melding sweetness, moisture, and that fresh apple zing into one smooth batter.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Stir just until everything is combined to avoid developing too much gluten — this keeps the loaf tender and soft, just like a donut you’d crave on a crisp morning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top a bit. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. The bake time ensures the loaf is fully cooked but still moist inside.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

As the loaf cools slightly but is still warm, brush the top generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top with joy — this step transforms the loaf with a golden, crunchy crust that tastes like the best donut glaze you can imagine.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Garnishes

Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar to amplify the sweet-spiced goodness. You can also add a few thin apple slices on top for a fresh, pretty garnish that hints at the loaf’s star ingredient.

Side Dishes

This loaf is perfect for pairing with warm drinks. A steaming cup of chai tea or rich coffee complements the spice notes beautifully. For an indulgent brunch, serve alongside creamy mascarpone or a smear of cinnamon honey butter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf and serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling it with caramel sauce to make a dessert that’s hard to resist. You can also cut it into cubes for a sweet addition to a breakfast bread pudding or as bite-sized treats on a party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the loaf soft and the cinnamon sugar crust fresh and crunchy.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust later, slice and wrap portions individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen slices last for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) until freshly warm and fragrant. This will soften the loaf and revive the delicious cinnamon sugar crust’s crunch.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple juice works in a pinch, but since cider is less sweet and has more depth, it helps keep the loaf moist and flavorful without making it overly sugary. If you use juice, cut back a little on added sugar to balance it out.

Is this loaf gluten-free friendly?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly.

Can I add chopped nuts or apples to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or diced apples will give extra texture and bursts of flavor. Fold them in just before pouring the batter into the pan.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to let the loaf cool slightly before brushing on the butter and cinnamon sugar crust. If it’s too hot, the sugar can melt unevenly, leading to sogginess. The goal is a warm but not hot loaf for that perfect crust.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins instead?

Yes! You can divide the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans. Just reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes for muffins and until a toothpick comes out clean. It’s a fun way to make individual portions perfect for sharing.

Final Thoughts

The Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust is more than just a loaf — it’s a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking it to brighten a Sunday morning or impressing friends at a cozy gathering, this loaf offers the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and crunch. I can’t recommend enough that you try making it soon because it’s one of those treats that just feels like home on a plate.

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