Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping treat that tastes like autumn in every bite, the Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust will be your new favorite. This loaf brings you the nostalgic delight of a fresh apple cider donut but with a soft, cake-like crumb and an irresistible crackle of cinnamon sugar on top. It’s the kind of cozy bake that perfumes your home with sweet, spiced aromas and is wonderful served warm with your favorite fall beverage.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this loaf is that it uses everyday pantry staples and a splash of apple cider for that signature tang. Each ingredient pulls its weight, enhancing the loaf’s moisture, flavor, or that sun-kissed golden color. Here’s what you need, plus a quick tip for each to guarantee loaf perfection every time.

• All-purpose flour: This gives the loaf structure—make sure to measure it correctly for the perfect tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Guarantees a satisfying lift, giving your loaf that lovely dome.
• Baking soda: Reacts with the acidic apple cider for extra fluffiness.
• Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other flavors!
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers that classic warmth in every mouthful and stars in the glorious crust.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle, fragrant spice that’s pure comfort.
• Ground allspice: Think of it as the secret ingredient—one pinch gives cozy depth.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Buttery richness makes this loaf truly decadent and soft.
• Granulated sugar: Keeps the crumb sweet and also creates that crackly, glistening crust.
• Brown sugar: Lends a lovely molasses note and extra moisture.
• Large eggs: Help bind everything together for a perfect slice every time.
• Apple cider: The heart and soul of this loaf—it’s where all the magic (and flavor) happens!
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch balances the orchard-fresh apple notes.
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust: A simple blend of sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter that transforms the top into pure bliss.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you even reach for a mixing bowl, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan so your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust releases easily when it’s time for the great unveiling. A well-prepped pan is key for gorgeous, bakery-worthy slices.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This is your fragrant backbone—the dry blend ensures the spices are evenly distributed for bite-after-bite flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk the melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Add in the eggs, then pour in the apple cider and vanilla extract. The mixture should look velvety and inviting—think apple orchard in a bowl!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet, gently stirring until just combined. The secret is not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and ensure your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust comes out with that irresistible tender crumb. Overmixing is the enemy of a soft loaf, so keep it relaxed.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the most incredible, nostalgic aroma—like an apple orchard bakery. The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (don’t be tempted to slice too soon!).

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

While your loaf is still warm (but not hot), mix granulated sugar and cinnamon, then brush the loaf’s top with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it with a generous hand—the buttery surface helps all that spiced sweetness stick, creating a crackly crust that makes every bite sing!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the loaf is cool enough to handle, slice thick pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. This loaf has a way of disappearing in minutes, so snag a piece for yourself before sharing with friends or family!

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

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust your slices with powdered sugar, or drizzle lightly with a maple glaze. Thin apple slices fanned across the top add a stunning visual (and hint at what’s inside!).

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs beautifully with creamy Greek yogurt, a strong cup of espresso, or a spiced chai latte. It’s also delightful alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust as a charming afternoon tea centerpiece, or cube it for an autumn-themed dessert platter. You can even toast slices and slather with a touch of apple butter for true orchard-vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cinnamon sugar crust keeps it moist inside, but a quick wrap will help preserve its fresh flavor and texture.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the loaf completely and wrap tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, then pop it in a freezer bag. This loaf freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For that just-baked coziness, rewarm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or toast them gently in the oven. The cinnamon sugar crust becomes delightfully fragrant and crisp again!

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple juice can work in a pinch, but apple cider has a more robust, tangy flavor that gives the Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust its orchard-fresh taste.

What if I don’t have allspice?

If allspice isn’t handy, you can add a pinch more nutmeg or a combination of extra cinnamon and cloves for a similar warming effect.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour—check that your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

How can I tell when the loaf is done baking?

The loaf should be golden and fragrant, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking for maximum moistness.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Let your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing, and use a sharp serrated knife for neat, bakery-style cuts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for bakery-worthy comfort at home, give this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust a try. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and brimming with those magical fall flavors—the perfect treat for sharing, gifting, (or honestly, keeping just for you!).

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