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Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf With a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x

Description

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread infused with warm fall spices and apple cider. Topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust, this loaf perfectly captures the essence of a classic apple cider donut in cake form, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Batter

  • 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

Cinnamon Sugar Crust

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the loaf later.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a rubber spatula until just combined and no dry flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
  5. Bake Loaf: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  6. Cool Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully remove the loaf from the pan, placing it directly on the wire rack to cool further until just warm to the touch, about 15-20 minutes.
  7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Crust: While the loaf cools, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt the unsalted butter separately for the crust.
  8. Apply Crust: Brush all sides of the warm loaf liberally with the melted butter. Immediately roll or sprinkle the loaf with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides.
  9. Final Cooling and Serve: Place the crusted loaf back on the wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before slicing with a serrated knife. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh apple cider—not apple juice—if possible.
  • Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a light and tender texture.
  • If you don’t have parchment paper, be sure to grease your loaf pan well to prevent sticking.
  • The cinnamon sugar crust adds extra flavor and texture; be generous with the butter and sugar coating.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider donut loaf, spiced donut loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, fall baking, quick bread, apple cider recipe, autumn dessert

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Find it online: https://bitesbyluna.com/spiced-apple-cider-donut-loaf-with-a-cinnamon-sugar-crust-recipe/