Dessert

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

BySana Jeannette October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for autumn or anytime you crave a sweet, spiced baked good. This loaf combines traditional donut spices with apple cider for a moist texture, topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust that adds the perfect finishing touch.

A rectangular loaf of golden-brown bread sits in the center of a wooden board, topped with a thick layer of sugar crystals that sparkle and create a rough texture. The bread’s surface is cracked and slightly uneven, showing soft, moist crumb inside with specks of darker brown throughout. Around the board, extra sugar crystals are scattered, adding a rustic feel. In the blurred background, two red apples and a cinnamon stick add warm, cozy colors. The scene rests on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground allspice
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup apple cider

1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crust)

2 tbsp melted butter (for crust)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease and flour a 9×5‑inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
Step 5: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Let the loaf cool slightly. Meanwhile, mix together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon for the topping.
Step 7: Brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the surface for a crunchy, sweet crust.
Step 8: Slice and enjoy your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, substitute half of the apple cider with unsweetened applesauce.
Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a richer flavor twist.

If you prefer a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little apple cider and drizzle over the cooled loaf instead of the cinnamon sugar crust.

Storage

Store the donut loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

A loaf of golden brown bread with a crunchy sugar topping sits on a wooden board, showing a rough and cracked crust on top and a moist, textured inside visible on the front side. The sugar crystals sparkle on the surface and around the loaf on the board. In the blurred background, two red apples and a cinnamon stick add warm tones, along with a small white bowl of butter sitting on a white marbled textured surface. The scene gives a cozy, fresh-baked feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute, but apple cider offers a richer, spiced flavor that enhances the loaf’s taste.

How can I make this loaf dairy-free?

Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and ensure your sugars and other ingredients are dairy-free. The loaf will still turn out moist and delicious.