Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

If you’re looking for a comforting treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf. This delightful loaf combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with fresh apple cider, creating a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s soft, sweet, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this loaf is versatile enough to shine at any occasion. Slice it up for breakfast with your morning coffee or serve it as a sweet dessert after dinner. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the taste of apple cider donuts—this loaf brings that joy straight to your table!
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. It stays moist and delicious for days.
• Perfect for Sharing: This loaf is ideal for potlucks or gatherings. Slice it up and watch it disappear!
• Fall Flavor Bliss: The combination of spices makes this loaf irresistibly cozy—just like your favorite autumn day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients here! Just some simple and wholesome items you’ll likely have on hand. Let’s gather what you need to whip up this delicious Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf:

For the Loaf

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crunchy Crust

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crust)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for crust)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Add raisins or cranberries to bring a little sweetness and texture.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with cardamom or ginger if you want to switch things up!
• Make It Glazed: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the top for added sweetness.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Greasing the pan ensures that your loaf comes out easily without sticking!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly distributes the spices evenly throughout the loaf.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Then add in the apple cider and vanilla extract. This mixture creates a moist base that enhances the flavor of the spices.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make your loaf dense rather than tender.

Step 5: Bake Your Loaf

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! The smell wafting through your house will be heavenly.

Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

While your loaf is baking, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once baked and slightly cooled, brush the top of your loaf with melted butter before generously sprinkling on this delightful mixture.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Let’s savor this creation! Slice into warm pieces for best flavor and texture—everyone will love every bite of this cozy treat!

Pro Tips for Making Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Creating the perfect Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is all about attention to detail, and these pro tips will help you get it just right!

• Choose fresh apple cider: Using fresh apple cider instead of bottled juice enhances the flavor and provides that authentic fall taste.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to keep your loaf light and tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture that’s not as enjoyable.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and better overall rise.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing your loaf to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting helps maintain its moisture and prevents crumbling.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can give an extra layer of warmth that complements the apple cider beautifully.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Presenting your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is just as fun as baking it! Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast or a gathering with friends, here are some delightful ways to serve this scrumptious loaf.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar drizzle: A simple drizzle of powdered sugar mixed with water creates an elegant finish that adds sweetness without overpowering the flavors.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced loaf.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple slices: Serve thinly sliced apples sautéed in a little cinnamon and sugar. Their warmth complements the loaf perfectly, making for a comforting combination.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fresh fruits. The tartness of yogurt balances the sweetness of the loaf, creating a delightful contrast.

• Coffee or spiced tea: A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea enhances the autumnal vibe of this dish. The warm beverages perfectly complement the cozy flavors of the loaf.

• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or cream cheese can add an interesting savory element to your meal, balancing out the sweet notes from the loaf.

Enjoy every slice and savor those warm, spicy aromas wafting through your kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the loaf to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the loaf into individual servings before freezing for convenience.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• Warm in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking to achieve similar results.

How long does Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf last?

When stored properly, this loaf lasts up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use other types of cider instead of apple cider?

You can experiment with other fruit ciders if you want to change things up, but apple cider provides that classic flavor we all love!

What can I serve with Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf?

This loaf pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for dessert. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf as much as I do! Its warm spices and cozy sweetness make it a special treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone, this loaf is sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience!