Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – Cozy Fall Flavors with a Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Crust!
This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is like biting into your favorite fall donut—only better! Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and made with real apple cider, this loaf is soft, moist, and bursting with seasonal flavor. The cinnamon sugar crust adds a sweet, crunchy finish that makes every slice irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive brunch, this easy recipe is a must-save for autumn baking lovers!
Equipment
- Medium saucepan (for cider reduction)
- Mixing bowls (wet and dry)
- Whisk and spatula
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Toothpick for doneness check
- Pastry brush (for butter)
- Skillet (optional for reheating slices)
Ingredients
Loaf.
- 1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ¾ cup)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- Optional: ¼ tsp cardamom or clove
- Optional: ½ cup chopped apples or nuts
Cinnamon Sugar Crust
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup superfine sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce the cider: Simmer apple cider in a saucepan until reduced by half (¾ cup). Let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line loaf pan with parchment.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk reduced cider, melted butter, eggs, granulated and brown sugar.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Combine: Gently fold dry into wet until just combined. Add optional mix-ins.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 55–60 minutes. Check with toothpick.
- Cool: Let loaf cool in pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Add crust: Brush loaf with melted butter. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then coat loaf evenly.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Apple cider is preferred over juice for depth of flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the crumb tender.
- Superfine sugar creates a smoother crust texture.
- To reheat, toast slices in a buttered skillet for crispy edges.
- Make ahead: Freeze loaf tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Variations: Try a maple glaze or streusel topping for extra flair.