If you’re looking to wrap up fall in a loaf pan, look no further than the Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust. This recipe is pure comfort—the inviting aroma of warm spices, rich apple cider, and a buttery cinnamon sugar topping turns an ordinary afternoon into an occasion. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend breakfast, a coffee break treat, or a holiday get-together, this loaf fills the kitchen with nostalgic bakery vibes and delivers pure happiness in every bite.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it relies on kitchen staples you probably already have, yet each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering authentic, donut-like flavor. These simple, essential components bring vibrant color, tender texture, and that unforgettable cinnamon-sugar crust to the Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the loaf, providing structure and a soft, cake-like crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures a lofty rise for a perfectly domed slice.
Baking soda: Reacts with apple cider for enhanced tenderness and lightness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the autumnal flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The must-have warming spice that brings donut shop nostalgia.
Ground nutmeg: Adds sweet, earthy undertones reminiscent of classic cider donuts.
Ground allspice: Rounds out the spice blend with a subtle, peppery warmth.
Unsalted butter, melted: Delivers richness and a moist, indulgent texture in every crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and creates a crisp crust in the topping.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a gentle molasses flavor for extra coziness.
Large eggs: Hold everything together and create a pillowy interior.
Apple cider: The star of the show—it brings fruity brightness and tang.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and tempers the spices beautifully.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter mingle for a bakery-style finish you’ll want on every baked good.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan—this simple step is your insurance policy for a loaf that releases cleanly after baking, letting your cinnamon sugar crust shine.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisk thoroughly so every slice of your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust gets an even distribution of autumn’s best flavors. Blending your spices directly with the flour ensures the whole loaf is warm and fragrant throughout.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl for the wet ingredients: whisk together your melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. The melted butter infuses the batter with richness, while the mix of sugars brings both sweetness and depth. Add the apple cider and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and silky—don’t skip inhaling at this step; it smells like fall in a bowl!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now comes the magic moment: gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches. Stir until just combined—some small lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, but a gentle hand here keeps every bite wonderfully tender, as a great Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust should be.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start smelling like a cider mill—try to resist peeking until it’s ready.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

While the loaf is finishing up in the oven, stir together your cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. As soon as the loaf is baked and has cooled just slightly, use a pastry brush to paint the top with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle on that cinnamon sugar mixture, covering every inch for a crunchy, sparkling finish worthy of any bakery.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the aroma has fully taken over your home, slice up your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust and serve it warm. Each bite gives you a taste of autumn, whether plain, dusted with extra cinnamon sugar, or enjoyed as part of a celebratory spread.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Garnishes

A loaf this gorgeous can shine just as it is, but if you want to add extra flair, try a dollop of whipped cream, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a few thin apple slices for a fresh, fruity touch. A drizzle of caramel sauce can take it straight into dessert territory!

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs beautifully with simple sips and sides: serve alongside mugs of hot coffee, chai, or extra apple cider. For a heartier brunch, try yogurt, fresh fruit, or scrambled eggs to round out the meal and balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust into thick, bakery-style slices and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a festive brunch. For bite-size treats at a party, cube the loaf, skewer with toothpicks, and serve with caramel dip or warm apple butter for dunking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container. It will stay soft and flavorful at room temperature for up to 3 days—just be sure to keep it out of the fridge to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, let the loaf cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf securely in two layers of plastic wrap and a final layer of foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best results, and the flavors will be just as bold and comforting as when freshly baked.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a cozy treat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. The heat revives the signature crunch of the cinnamon sugar topping and makes the whole house smell inviting all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute apple cider with something else?

Absolutely! If you’re out of apple cider, apple juice is a great stand-in and still adds a delightful fruitiness. For a tangy twist, use buttermilk—which makes the loaf extra tender with a subtle zing.

Can I add fresh apples or nuts to the loaf?

Yes, you can! A handful of diced apples or chopped nuts folded into the batter brings even more texture and flavor. Just add them with the final mix of the dry and wet ingredients to keep everything evenly distributed.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust is ready to come out of the oven.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Definitely. Use a good plant-based butter substitute anywhere butter is called for in both the loaf and the cinnamon sugar crust. The result will still be rich, moist, and full of flavor.

What’s the secret to getting that perfect cinnamon sugar crust?

The real trick is brushing the warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar right away. The residual heat ensures the sugar clings and forms that irresistible, crunchy crust unique to this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust enough—it’s cozy, nostalgic, and always disappears fast in my house. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for autumn flavors or homemade comfort, and don’t forget to share a slice (or two) with someone special!