This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is the ultimate fall dessert, blending the rich flavors of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider into a moist, tender loaf. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust, this recipe mimics the beloved apple cider donuts, giving you the taste of autumn in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, this loaf will fill your home with cozy, festive aromas and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
For the loaf:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
For the cinnamon sugar crust:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set this aside.
- Reduce the apple cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Once the apple cider has cooled, stir it into the wet ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
- Pour the batter into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar crust: While the loaf is cooling, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the loaf is cool enough to handle, brush the top and sides of the loaf with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the loaf into thick, delicious pieces and enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or as an afternoon treat.