Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf. It combines warm spices and a tender crumb with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients
- 1 ½ 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)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for crust)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Step 6: Let the loaf cool slightly. Meanwhile, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the crust topping.
- Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over it.
- Step 8: Slice and enjoy the loaf warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, you can substitute half of the apple cider with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for a quicker option.
Storage
Store the apple cider donut loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apple cider or concentrate?
Fresh apple cider is best for this recipe to capture authentic flavor. Avoid using concentrate unless it is diluted to the same volume as fresh cider.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture. Bake as directed but keep an eye on baking time as it may vary.
PrintSpiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe
This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf combines warm autumn spices with the sweet tang of apple cider, baked into a moist and tender loaf. Topped with a cinnamon sugar crust, this easy-to-make treat captures the essence of classic apple cider donuts in a convenient loaf form, perfect for slicing and serving at breakfast or as a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ 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
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a 9×5‑inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until fully combined. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, taking care not to overmix to ensure a tender crumb.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf is baking or cooling, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Apply Topping: Once the loaf has cooled slightly but is still warm, brush the top generously with 2 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the top to create a sweet crust.
- Serve: Slice the loaf and enjoy warm or at room temperature as a delightful fall-inspired treat.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf; fold gently until just combined.
- Ensure the loaf has cooled slightly before applying the cinnamon sugar topping to help it stick.
- Apple cider can be substituted with fresh apple juice for a slightly different flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Keywords: apple cider, donut loaf, fall recipe, autumn baking, spiced bread, cinnamon sugar, quick bread

