Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Satisfy your fall cravings with this delicious Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust! It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee on a crisp autumn morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp cloves
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the apple cider, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the crust.
7. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the batter and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Popular questions:

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

• Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple juice can be used as a substitute, it may alter the flavor slightly as apple cider has a more robust taste.

• Can I omit the spices?

The spices give this loaf its unique fall flavor, but you can adjust the amounts or omit them according to your preference.

• Can I freeze this loaf?

Yes, this loaf can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Can I replace the sugar with a sugar substitute?

You can try using a sugar substitute, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the loaf.

• Can I add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter?

Feel free to customize the loaf by adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

• Can I glaze the loaf instead of using the cinnamon sugar crust?

You can drizzle a glaze over the cooled loaf instead of using the cinnamon sugar crust for a different topping.

• Is there a way to make this loaf dairy-free?

You can substitute the melted butter with a dairy-free alternative to make this loaf dairy-free.

• Can I bake this in a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan?

You can pour the batter into muffin tins and adjust the baking time accordingly to make individual apple cider donut muffins.

• Can I add a streusel topping to this loaf?

You can sprinkle a streusel topping over the batter before baking for a crunchy topping on this loaf.

Helpful tips:

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of apple pie spice to the batter.
• Serve slices of this loaf warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Make this loaf ahead of time for a quick grab-and-go breakfast option during busy mornings.
• Dust the top of the loaf with powdered sugar before serving for a visually appealing finish.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist on this recipe.
• Try swapping out the apple cider for pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired pumpkin spice donut loaf.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Double the recipe and bake two loaves to share with friends and family or to freeze for later enjoyment.
• Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf.
• Feel free to customize the cinnamon sugar crust with a sprinkle of coarse sugar for added crunch.

Expert Secrets:

• Allowing the loaf to cool completely before slicing will prevent it from crumbling and ensure clean slices.
• Brushing the warm loaf with a simple syrup made from apple cider and sugar will enhance the apple flavor and add moisture.
• Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter will result in a more tender and moist loaf.
• For a glossy finish, brush the loaf with a mixture of honey and warm water right out of the oven.
• To intensify the cinnamon flavor, toast the cinnamon in a dry skillet before adding it to the sugar mixture for the crust.
• Incorporate a tablespoon of applesauce into the batter for extra apple flavor and moisture in the loaf.
• Using room temperature ingredients, particularly the egg and apple cider, will contribute to a lighter loaf with better texture.
• For a crunchy top, sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse demerara sugar over the cinnamon sugar crust before baking.
• Refrigerating the batter for 30 minutes before baking will result in a loftier and more tender loaf.
• Brushing the loaf with melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar crust will help the mixture adhere better and create a nice crispy topping.