Name: Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf With a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ 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; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted

Ingredients

1½ 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)

4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted (for crust)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined, without overmixing.

Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.

Step 6: Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then remove from the pan and cool until just warm to the touch, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: While cooling, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter separately.

Step 8: Brush all sides of the warm loaf with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 9: Place the crusted loaf back on the wire rack and cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins to the batter before baking.

Use fresh apple cider for the best taste; concentrate it by simmering gently if you want a more intense flavor.

This loaf can be made in a bundt pan for a festive twist.

If you prefer, replace the cinnamon sugar crust with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor might be slightly less robust. Choose a high-quality juice for the best results.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the loaf is done. If wet batter sticks to the skewer, bake a few minutes longer and test again.