Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf. It combines the sweet tang of apple cider with classic autumn spices, baked into a moist, delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For coating: ½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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 small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup, then set aside to cool.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Step 4: In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool slightly but while still warm, brush the top lightly with melted butter.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top to create a spiced coating similar to apple cider donuts.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture and flavor, add ½ cup of finely chopped apples or raisins to the batter before baking.
- Use pumpkin pie spice as a shortcut for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting for a sweeter treat.
Storage
Store the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To refresh, warm slices slightly in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apple cider or bottled cider?
Either works well, but fresh apple cider often has a brighter flavor. Just be sure to reduce it properly to concentrate the taste.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
Cinnamon is the key spice, so if you must omit others, increase the cinnamon slightly for a flavorful loaf. Pumpkin pie spice can substitute for the mixed spices as well.
PrintSpiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe
This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread infused with warm spices and rich apple cider. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, the loaf is baked to golden perfection and then coated with a cinnamon sugar topping, delivering the nostalgic taste of classic apple cider donuts in an easy-to-slice bread form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/4 cup, concentrating the flavor. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and sugar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
- Bake the Loaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the loaf cools, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cooled, brush the top lightly with melted butter or a little apple cider glaze for adhesion, then evenly sprinkle or gently press the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the surface to create a flavorful donut-like crust.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and prevents excess moisture in the loaf.
- Make sure the loaf is completely cooled before coating to ensure the cinnamon sugar sticks well without melting.
- For a glaze alternative, mix powdered sugar with reduced apple cider and drizzle over the loaf instead of the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This loaf can be sliced and toasted for a warm seasonal snack.
Keywords: apple cider, donut loaf, spiced bread, cinnamon sugar, fall baking, apple cider donuts
