There’s something magical about the first crisp days of fall when the scent of cinnamon and apples fills my kitchen. I swear, nothing says “autumn” quite like biting into a warm slice of this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with its irresistible cinnamon sugar crust. It all started when I was trying to recreate those amazing apple cider donuts from our local farm stand – you know, the ones that disappear in minutes? After more failed attempts than I’d care to admit (let’s just say some loaves could’ve doubled as doorstops), I finally cracked the code.
Table of contents:
This loaf captures everything I love about those donuts – the moist crumb, the cozy spices, that crunchy-sweet topping – but in an easy-to-make package perfect for lazy Sunday mornings. The secret? Reducing fresh apple cider to intensify its flavor and using just enough sour cream to keep every bite tender. Trust me, your house will smell incredible while this bakes, and that first slice with a steaming cup of coffee? Absolute perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Oh my gosh, where do I even start? This loaf is seriously everything you want in a fall treat. First off, the texture – it’s somehow both light and satisfyingly dense, just like your favorite apple cider donut, but in sliceable form. And that cinnamon sugar crust? It crackles when you cut into it, giving way to the most tender, spiced crumb underneath.
- Effortless baking: No fussy frying like traditional donuts – just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Fall flavors in every bite: Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and reduced apple cider create the coziest aroma.
- Moist for days: Thanks to sour cream and reduced cider, it stays fresh tasting longer than most quick breads.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Smells like heaven: Your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing autumnal scent while it bakes.
Seriously, this loaf disappears faster than fall leaves in a windstorm whenever I make it. The combination of that crunchy-sweet top and the soft, appley interior is just magic.
Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Okay, let’s gather everything we need for this cozy masterpiece! I like to separate my ingredients into dry and wet – it makes the mixing process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (trust me, fresh makes a difference!)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup reduced apple cider (see notes below!)
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped apples (I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For That Irresistible Crust:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apple cider: Fresh is best! I reduce 1 cup to 1/2 cup by simmering to intensify flavor. In a pinch? Store-bought works, but avoid apple juice – it’s too sweet.
Sour cream: Plain whole milk yogurt makes a great substitute if needed. The tang and moisture are key!
Apples: Any firm baking apple works – just peel them first if the skins are tough. No apples? Try pears for a fun twist!
Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or allspice if you’re feeling adventurous. Grandma would approve.
How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Alright, let’s get baking! This recipe comes together beautifully if you follow these simple steps. I’ve learned a few tricks through trial and error (mostly error, if I’m being honest), so pay attention to the mixing details – they make all the difference!
- Prep your cider: First, simmer 1 cup of fresh apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup (about 10-15 minutes). Let it cool slightly while you prep other ingredients.
- Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer). Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The mixture should look smooth and slightly ribbony.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix in the reduced apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Don’t worry if it looks a bit curdled at this point – it’ll come together!
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing by hand with a rubber spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Add the crust: While still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Here’s what I’ve learned after many (many) batches:
- Don’t overmix! Stir just until ingredients combine for a tender crumb.
- Check early: Ovens vary – start checking at 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool properly: Letting it rest in the pan prevents crumbling but don’t leave it too long or the crust gets soggy.
- Crust timing: Apply the cinnamon sugar while warm but not piping hot for best adhesion.
Serving & Storing Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Oh, that first warm slice straight from the oven? Pure bliss! I always cut myself a “tester” piece about 15 minutes after it comes out – you know, for “quality control.” The cinnamon sugar crust is at its absolute best when it’s still slightly warm and crackly. Serve it with a steaming mug of chai tea or strong coffee for the ultimate fall breakfast. My kids love it toasted with a smear of honey butter – total game changer!
For storage, I wrap cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays delicious for about 3 days this way. Want to keep it longer? Slice and freeze individual portions in ziplock bags for up to 2 months – just pop a frozen slice in the toaster oven whenever the craving hits!
FAQ About Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t recommend it! Apple juice is sweeter and lacks that deep, spiced flavor real cider brings. If you’re in a pinch, try mixing 1/2 cup apple juice with 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to mimic the tang. But trust me, reducing real cider makes all the difference – it concentrates those cozy fall flavors perfectly.
How do I freeze this loaf?
Here’s my foolproof method: Let it cool completely, then wrap the whole loaf (or slices) tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Pop it in a freezer bag – it’ll keep beautifully for 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or warm slices straight from frozen in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The cinnamon sugar topping stays miraculously crisp!
Can I make this into muffins instead?
Absolutely! Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes. The best part? More surface area for that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust! Just watch them closely – they bake faster than the loaf.
Why did my loaf sink in the middle?
Been there! Usually means either too much leavening (measure carefully!) or underbaking. Next time, try the toothpick test in a few spots – if it comes out with wet batter, give it 5 more minutes. A slightly domed top that cracks is totally normal and delicious!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about nutrition – these values are rough estimates since ingredients vary by brand and your exact measurements. A typical slice has about 250 calories with that perfect balance of cozy carbs and just enough richness from the butter and eggs. Remember, we’re baking for joy here – not counting every gram! The apples and cider do add some natural sweetness, so you might find you need less sugar than expected. As always, adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs and enjoy every delicious bite.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipes section. You might also enjoy our apple fritter waffle donuts for another fall treat!
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Delicious Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf in 8 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful loaf infused with spiced apple cider and topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped apples
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for crust)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for crust)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Mix in apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the loaf bakes, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the crust in a small bowl.
- Once baked, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger apple flavor, reduce 1 cup of apple cider to 1/2 cup by simmering it before use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
