Description
If autumn had a flavor, this loaf would be it. Think of the warm, sugary goodness of an apple cider donut — but transformed into a soft, tender loaf with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar finish. Every bite is filled with cozy spices like nutmeg and allspice and enhanced with real apple cider for that perfect orchard-fresh taste. Serve it as breakfast, an afternoon treat, or the star of your next fall gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prep the pan.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×5 loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly dust with flour.
- Combine the dry ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Blend the wet ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter with both sugars. Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is smooth, then stir in the apple cider and vanilla.
- Bring everything together.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, gently folding until everything is just incorporated. Don’t overmix — that keeps the loaf soft and fluffy.
- Bake.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Create the donut-style topping.
- While the loaf cools slightly, stir the cinnamon and sugar together. Brush the warm loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the top. The butter helps the sugar stick and creates that signature donut crunch.
- Slice and enjoy.
- Let the loaf cool enough to slice, then serve while it’s still warm and fragrant.
Notes
- No apple cider? Apple juice or buttermilk works in a pinch.
- Add chopped apples or nuts for texture.
- For dairy-free needs, use plant-based butter.
- Pair with warm chai, hot cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for peak fall perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg