Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – The Cozy Fall Recipe You Need

There’s something magical about fall baking. The warmth of the oven, the scent of cinnamon, and the flavor of spiced apple cider fill the kitchen and soul. If you’re a fan of classic apple cider donuts, then this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf will become your new seasonal favorite.

It’s like your favorite donut and moist quick bread had a baby, packed with apple flavor, warm spices, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar crust that brings those cider mill vibes home.

If you’re already a fan of fall quick breads like chocolate chip pumpkin bread, then you’ll love how this loaf combines that comfort with the seasonal zing of apple cider.

What Makes This Loaf Special?

The apple cider donut loaf blends:

• Reduced apple cider for rich, concentrated flavor
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for warm spice
• A buttery cinnamon-sugar crust for texture
• Moist and fluffy interior, similar to banana bread

It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and much easier than rolling and frying donuts!

Ingredients Nedeed For Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this loaf to life:

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ½ cup
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or brown butter, see below!)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar mixture (½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon)
• Apple cider glaze (powdered sugar + cider)
• Chopped apples or pecans for mix-ins

Want a similar breakfast vibe? You might also love the cinnamon pecan coffee cake, another cozy morning winner.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Let’s break this cozy loaf down into simple, no-fail steps:

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

• Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan.
• Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until reduced to ½ cup.
• Let cool completely before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and cooled cider until smooth.
4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Bake the Loaf

• Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Brush the warm loaf with melted butter (optional).
• Sprinkle or roll the loaf in cinnamon sugar for that iconic donut crunch.

Easy Variations to Try

Get creative with these flavor upgrades:

• Streusel Swirl – Add a brown sugar streusel in the middle.
• Apple Chunks – Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped apples.
• Mini Loaves or Muffins – Adjust baking time (20–25 min for muffins).
• Apple Cider Glaze – Drizzle with a glaze of powdered sugar and cider.

Looking for more loaf inspo? Try pumpkin bread with fresh Florida orange juice for a citrusy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to enjoy it:

• Warmed up with a pat of butter
• Served with hot apple cider or coffee
• Packed in a lunchbox or brunch spread
• Toasted for a crispy, caramelized edge

Storage & Freezing Tips

Keep your loaf fresh longer:

• Store at room temperature for 2–3 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to a week
• Freeze sliced (with parchment between slices) for up to 3 months
• Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for that fresh-baked feel

Troubleshooting & Expert Tips

Why did my loaf sink?

• The cider wasn’t reduced enough
• It was underbaked or overmixed

How can I enhance the apple flavor?

• Use apple cider concentrate
• Add a splash of apple extract
• Use finely grated apple for more moisture

How to prevent the crust from over-browning?

• Tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking

Nutritional Info (Estimate)

Per slice (based on 10 slices):

• ~260 calories
• ~10g fat
• ~35g carbs
• ~2g protein

Want a healthier take? Try:

• Replacing butter with applesauce
• Using coconut sugar or maple syrup
• Substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour

FAQs About Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Final Thoughts

This spiced apple cider donut loaf is everything you want in a fall bake, warm, flavorful, nostalgic, and ridiculously easy. Whether you’re enjoying it solo on a chilly morning or sharing it at a fall potluck, this loaf is bound to impress.

So get your apple cider simmering, pull out the cinnamon, and treat yourself to the comfort of this cozy quick bread.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – The Cozy Fall Recipe You Need

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• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: (8–10 slices)

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Description

A cozy fall loaf bursting with spiced apple cider flavor, warm cinnamon, and a sugary donut-style crust. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
½ cup unsalted butter (melted, or browned for extra flavor)
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp allspice
¼ tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Topping
2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and cooled cider.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Brush top of warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture evenly. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

For a stronger apple flavor, reduce cider in advance and allow it to cool completely before adding.
Brown butter can be used for extra richness.
Loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months, sliced and wrapped tightly.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired.
To make muffins, reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: spiced apple cider donut loaf, apple cider loaf, fall quick bread, cinnamon sugar loaf, apple donut bread, apple cider cake, autumn baking