1 Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf That’s Irresistibly Moist

Name: 1 Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf That’s Irresistibly Moist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups apple cider; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; For the cinnamon sugar crust: 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon

Author: lia

Published: August 2, 2025

Updated: August 2, 2025

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust

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Oh my gosh, can we just take a moment to appreciate how incredible my kitchen smells right now? That magical moment when the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with reduced apple cider – it’s pure autumn bliss! This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust is my ultimate fall comfort food hack. Instead of dealing with messy deep-frying, we’re getting all those classic donut flavors in an easy-to-bake loaf. Trust me, that crackly cinnamon sugar crust? Absolute perfection. I developed this recipe after one too many failed attempts at homemade donuts (let’s just say hot oil and I don’t get along). Now it’s become my go-to for cozy mornings with coffee or when friends pop by unexpectedly during sweater weather season.

The secret is reducing fresh apple cider until it’s rich and syrupy – it packs SO much more flavor than just using it straight from the bottle. And that moment when you brush the warm loaf with melted butter and press on the cinnamon sugar topping? Pure magic. The sugar forms this delicate, crackly crust that tastes just like your favorite apple cider donut, but without any of the frying fuss. My kids go absolutely wild for this loaf – they call it “mom’s special donut bread” and beg me to make it every weekend once the leaves start changing color.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust - detail 1

Let me count the ways this loaf will steal your heart (and probably become your new fall baking obsession):

That heavenly smell – Imagine cinnamon, nutmeg and reduced apple cider wafting through your kitchen
No frying needed – All the donut flavor without the messy oil situation
Moist beyond belief – Thanks to reduced cider and buttermilk, every bite stays tender
That crackly crust – The cinnamon sugar topping gives you that signature donut-shop crunch
Kid-approved magic – My little ones go crazy for “mom’s donut bread” every time

Seriously, this loaf disappears faster than autumn leaves in a strong wind at our house!

The Must-Have Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise each one plays a special role in creating that perfect donut-shop flavor without the fryer! The real game-changer? Reducing fresh apple cider transforms it from “nice” to “oh wow” by concentrating all those autumnal flavors.

For the loaf batter:

1 1/2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup – trust me, this step is non-negotiable!)
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, please – no packing!)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to that perfect “finger-dent” stage)
2 large eggs (room temperature helps them incorporate beautifully)
1/2 cup buttermilk (makes the crumb extra tender)
All the cozy spices: 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff – it matters here!)

For that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust:

1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing – use the rest of that stick!)
1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon (this combo is pure magic)

See? Nothing too fancy – just good quality basics handled with love. Now let me show you how these simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary!

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Okay, let’s get baking! This loaf comes together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one so you nail that perfect donut-shop flavor and texture. The key is taking your time with each step – trust me, it’s worth it when you bite into that first slice!

Reducing the Apple Cider

First, pour your apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble away until it reduces down to about 1/2 cup – this usually takes 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks syrupy and coats the back of a spoon. Let it cool completely before using (hot cider + eggs = scrambled eggs in your batter, and nobody wants that!). I like to do this step first so it’s ready when I need it.

Mixing the Batter

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pan really well – I use butter and a light dusting of flour. In a bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder & soda, salt, and all those cozy spices). In another bowl, cream the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy – this takes about 3 minutes with my hand mixer. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour – don’t overmix! Finally, gently fold in that glorious reduced cider.

Baking and Adding the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack. Here comes the magic part: brush the warm loaf all over with melted butter, then generously coat it with your cinnamon-sugar mixture. The sugar will stick to the butter and form that irresistible crackly crust as it cools. Try to wait until it’s fully cooled before slicing – I know, it’s hard!

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Want bakery-level results every time? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:

Room temp is your friend – Cold eggs and butter don’t cream well. Take them out at least an hour before baking (or microwave butter in 5-second bursts until it leaves a slight fingerprint).
Reduce cider early – I often do this the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bring to room temp before using.
Wait for the sweet spot – Apply the cinnamon sugar when the loaf is still warm (about 10 minutes out of the oven), but not piping hot. Too soon and the sugar melts; too late and it won’t stick.
Keep it fresh – Store leftovers in an airtight container with a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture. It stays perfect for 3 days – if it lasts that long!

Follow these simple tricks and you’ll be the apple cider donut loaf hero of your household!

Fun Twists on Our Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic version, sometimes I can’t resist playing with this recipe. Try folding in 1 cup of finely chopped apples (peel them first!) for extra fruity goodness. Walnut lovers? A handful adds wonderful crunch. Feeling fancy? Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after the cinnamon crust sets. And if nutmeg isn’t your thing, swap it for allspice – that warm, peppery note pairs beautifully with the cider. Honestly? You can’t go wrong – this loaf is basically a blank canvas for fall flavors!

Serving and Storing Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Oh, that first warm slice fresh from the oven is absolute heaven – the cinnamon sugar crust crackles just slightly when you cut into it! I love serving thick slices still slightly warm with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. The flavors meld together perfectly.

For storing, pop any leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sugar crust stays crisp this way. You can also freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to a month – just wrap tightly in plastic and foil. To serve frozen slices, I like to warm them in the toaster oven for that just-baked taste all over again!

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf Nutrition

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious slice (based on 10 slices per loaf): about 280 calories with 12g fat (7g saturated), 40g carbs (1g fiber, 25g sugar), and 4g protein. Now, let’s be real – these numbers might dance a bit depending on your exact ingredients and how generous you are with that cinnamon sugar crust! (And who could resist being generous with that goodness?)

FAQs About Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Apple cider is definitely better for its richer, spiced flavor – but in a pinch, you can use apple juice. Just add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to compensate for juice’s milder taste. Still reduce it like cider though – that concentrated flavor is key!

How do I prevent a dry loaf?
Two secrets: Don’t overbake it (check at 45 minutes!) and make sure to properly reduce your cider. That concentrated liquid gold keeps everything moist. Also, room temperature ingredients mix better for even texture.

Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely! Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. The mini versions are perfect for lunchboxes – just reduce the cinnamon sugar coating slightly so it’s not overly sweet.

High altitude adjustments?
At elevations above 3,000 feet, reduce baking powder to 3/4 tsp and add an extra tablespoon of buttermilk. Start checking for doneness about 5 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!