Cinnamon Sugar Donut Loaf

This hearty Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust brings all the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen. The tender loaf is infused with apple cider and warm spices, then topped with an irresistible cinnamon sugar crust that mimics your favorite apple cider donuts from the orchard.

I first created this recipe during a rainy October weekend when my family was craving something that captured the essence of our favorite fall tradition—visiting the local apple orchard. Now it's become our signature autumn treat, requested from the first cool day until winter arrives.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour provides the sturdy but tender structure for this loaf
• Baking powder and baking soda work together to create the perfect rise and texture
• Cinnamon nutmeg and allspice this trio of warm spices creates that classic apple cider donut flavor profile
• Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create that moist tender crumb
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar the combination provides both sweetness and depth of flavor
• Large eggs bind everything together while adding structure
• Apple cider the star ingredient that infuses the loaf with authentic orchard flavor choose unfiltered cider for the strongest flavor
• Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This preparation is crucial to ensure your beautiful loaf releases easily after baking. I find that a light coating of cooking spray followed by a dusting of flour works perfectly every time.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour baking powder baking soda salt and spices in a medium bowl and whisk thoroughly. This even distribution of leavening agents and spices ensures that every bite has the perfect flavor. Take a moment to inhale the fragrant spice mixture it really sets the mood for autumn baking.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl whisk together the melted butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look slightly thickened and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Then pour in the apple cider and vanilla extract mixing until everything is thoroughly incorporated. The mixture may look slightly separated but that is completely normal.

Combine Everything

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable with no visible streaks of flour. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten resulting in a tough loaf so use a light hand. The batter may have a few small lumps which is perfectly fine.

Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan smoothing the top with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when gently pressed with a fingertip.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Crust

While the loaf is cooling for about 10 minutes in the pan mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. While the loaf is still warm brush the top and sides generously with melted butter then immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture pressing gently to help it adhere. The warm butter will help the cinnamon sugar create that signature donut like crust.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the loaf to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to let the structure set properly. Serve slices warm or at room temperature. Each slice offers that perfect combination of tender spiced interior and sweet crunchy topping just like biting into a fresh cider donut.

Bookmark

I discovered that reducing apple cider by half before adding it to the batter intensifies the apple flavor dramatically. It takes just 10 minutes on the stovetop but transforms the loaf into something truly special. My grandmother taught me this trick when we were baking together last autumn, and now I wouldn't make it any other way.

Storage and Freezing

This apple cider donut loaf keeps beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They'll maintain their quality for up to 3 months. To serve from frozen, thaw at room temperature for about an hour or microwave for 20-30 seconds for that just-baked warmth. The cinnamon sugar crust may lose some of its crispness after freezing, but a quick pass under the broiler will restore that delightful texture.

Perfect Pairings

This loaf shines alongside a variety of fall beverages and accompaniments. Serve it with a mug of hot apple cider for a double dose of autumn flavor, or pair it with coffee or tea for breakfast. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also complements other fall fruits beautifully—try serving slices with sliced pears or a quick compote of sautéed apples for an elegant dessert plate that celebrates the season.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Add finely chopped fresh apples to the batter for more texture and fruity pockets throughout the loaf. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. For a more indulgent version, drizzle the finished loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider. You can even add a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter for a sophisticated adult version that's perfect for holiday entertaining.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, apple juice works as a substitute, though it will provide a slightly milder flavor. For the best results, try reducing regular apple juice on the stove to concentrate its flavor before using it in the recipe.

→ How do I store this loaf to keep it fresh?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen slices in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.

→ Can I add fresh apples to the batter?

Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of peeled, diced apples to the batter for added texture and apple flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties work particularly well, adding pleasant bits of fruit throughout the loaf.

→ What makes the cinnamon sugar topping stick to the loaf?

The key is applying melted butter to the top of the warm loaf before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the sweet coating adhere properly, creating that classic donut-like crust.

→ How can I tell when the loaf is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf - it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. The top should be golden brown, and the loaf will have started to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

→ Can I make this loaf dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with equal amounts of melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the topping, use the same dairy-free alternative brushed on top before applying the cinnamon sugar mixture.