The Ultimate Apple Cider Donut Loaf Recipe: Fall Comfort in Every Slice

Apple Cider Donut Loaf transforms the beloved autumn treat into an irresistible quick bread that fills your kitchen with the warm, spiced aromas of fall. Picture this: it’s a crisp October morning, and you’re craving that perfect apple cider donut from your favorite orchard, but you’re still in your pajamas with a steaming cup of coffee.

This recipe brings those same nostalgic flavors right to your countertop, creating a tender, moist loaf that captures all the magic of freshly made cider donuts in an easy-to-slice format.

The beauty of this Apple Cider Donut Loaf lies in its simplicity – no yeast, no rolling, no frying required. Just mix, pour, and bake your way to autumn bliss. The secret lies in reducing real apple cider to concentrate those tart-sweet flavors, while a blend of warming spices creates that signature donut taste we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cider Donut Loaf became my go-to fall baking recipe after a particularly disappointing trip to an apple orchard where the donuts were sold out. Determined to recreate that experience at home, I spent weeks perfecting this loaf version that delivers all the flavors without any of the fuss. The result? A recipe that’s become my family’s most requested treat every autumn.

What makes this loaf truly special is its incredible versatility. Slice it thick for a decadent breakfast, serve it alongside afternoon tea, or wrap individual pieces as thoughtful gifts for neighbors and friends. The cinnamon-sugar crust adds that authentic donut shop texture, while the tender crumb stays moist for days. Explore more seasonal baking recipes here to discover other cozy favorites that capture the essence of fall.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Apple Cider Donut Loaf:

The magic happens when these simple pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary. The combination of three warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice – creates layers of flavor that complement the tangy apple cider perfectly. Find more quick and easy baking ideas here for busy weeknight treats that require minimal prep time.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exact Timing to Make Apple Cider Donut Loaf

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 50-55 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures your Apple Cider Donut Loaf releases perfectly from the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients (3 minutes)
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients (4 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in apple cider and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Batter (3 minutes)
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure a tender loaf.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf (50-55 minutes)
Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Crust (2 minutes)
While the loaf is still warm, brush the top with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle generously over the buttered surface for that authentic donut finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content per slice (assuming 10 slices per loaf):

Key Nutritional Insights: The apple cider provides natural antioxidants and vitamin C, while the warming spices like cinnamon offer anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of both granulated and brown sugars creates the signature donut flavor while providing quick energy. Each slice delivers approximately the same calories as a traditional fried apple cider donut but with added fiber from the flour base.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Apple Cider Donut Loaf into a more nutritious treat with these thoughtful ingredient swaps:

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
• Vegan: Use plant butter and flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg)
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and add 1 tbsp extra apple cider

Explore more healthy dessert ideas here for additional nutritious baking inspiration that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast & Brunch Pairings
Serve thick slices of Apple Cider Donut Loaf alongside freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea for the ultimate autumn morning experience. The loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, or try it toasted with a thin spread of cream cheese and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added texture and protein.

Dessert Presentations
Transform your loaf into an elegant dessert by serving warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. For special occasions, dust individual portions with powdered sugar and garnish with thinly sliced fresh apples that have been quickly sautéed in butter and cinnamon.

Gift-Giving Ideas
Wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine for charming neighbor gifts, or slice the entire loaf and arrange pieces in a decorative tin lined with wax paper. The loaf stays fresh for several days, making it perfect for potluck gatherings, office treats, or care packages for college students craving a taste of home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter
The biggest mistake when making Apple Cider Donut Loaf is overmixing once you add the flour mixture. Stir just until the ingredients are barely combined – you should still see a few streaks of flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, dense loaf instead of the tender, cake-like texture you want.

Skipping the Apple Cider Reduction
Many bakers use apple cider straight from the bottle, but reducing it by half on the stovetop first concentrates the flavor dramatically. This extra step takes only 10 minutes but makes the difference between a good loaf and an exceptional one that truly tastes like apple cider donuts.

Incorrect Oven Temperature
Baking at too high a temperature causes the outside to brown too quickly while leaving the center undercooked. Always use an oven thermometer to verify your actual temperature, as many home ovens run hot or cold. The ideal baking temperature of 350°F ensures even cooking and prevents a gummy center.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage
Your Apple Cider Donut Loaf stays perfectly moist at room temperature for up to 4 days when properly stored. Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or resealable bag. This double-layer protection prevents the loaf from drying out while maintaining that signature soft texture.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, this loaf freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Slice the loaf before freezing so you can remove individual portions as needed. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place all slices in a freezer-safe bag with the air pressed out. Thaw slices at room temperature for 30 minutes, or toast them directly from frozen for a warm treat.

Refrigeration Guidelines
While not necessary, refrigeration extends the loaf’s life to about one week, though it may slightly firm the texture. If you choose to refrigerate, bring slices to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness and enhance the spice aromas.

FAQs

Apple Cider Donut Loaf

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Description

This Apple Cider Donut Loaf is the ultimate fall comfort bake, bringing all the cozy flavors of apple cider donuts into a soft, tender loaf. It’s perfect for crisp mornings or a sweet afternoon treat, and it fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and spice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and lightly dust with flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in apple cider and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and stir until just blended. Avoid overmixing for a soft texture.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
6. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Mix cinnamon and sugar together, then sprinkle evenly over the top for that donut-like finish.

Notes

This loaf stays moist for several days and tastes even better the next morning. Serve thick slices with coffee or wrap in parchment for the perfect fall gift.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: apple cider, donut loaf, fall dessert, quick bread, cinnamon sugar