Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

by

Cozy fall flavors in loaf form

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf brings everything you love about classic apple cider donuts into an easy, sliceable quick bread. It’s warmly spiced, perfectly moist, and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that tastes just like your favorite fall treat. Made with reduced apple cider for bold flavor, this loaf is ideal for crisp mornings, cozy afternoons, or holiday gatherings. No yeast, no frying—just simple ingredients and comforting aromas filling your kitchen. If you’re looking for an easy fall baking recipe that feels nostalgic and special, this apple cider donut loaf delivers every single time.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 8–10 slices

📝 Ingredients List

Apple Cider Loaf

  • 1½ cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider.
    Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup, about 15–20 minutes. Cool slightly 🍎.
  2. Preheat and prep.
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  3. Mix dry ingredients.
    In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
  4. Mix wet ingredients.
    In a separate bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, oil (or butter), applesauce, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth.
  5. Combine batter.
    Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick and smooth.
  6. Bake the loaf.
    Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean 🎂.
  7. Add donut-style coating.
    Cool loaf for 10 minutes, then brush with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the loaf.
  8. Cool and slice.
    Let loaf cool completely so the coating sets before slicing 😋.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Extra donut flavor: Add 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt for richness.
  • Even coating: Place parchment under the rack to catch excess cinnamon sugar.
  • Mini loaves: Divide batter into mini pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
  • Storage tip: Wrap while slightly warm for maximum moisture.

🧊 Storage & Freezing

  • Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
  • Freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.

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