Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – Cozy Fall Flavors in Every Slice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It delivers all the taste of apple cider donuts without the hassle of frying. It’s moist, tender, and filled with warm spices that make it ideal for fall gatherings or holiday breakfasts. The cinnamon-sugar topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch to every bite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the loaf, keeping it sturdy yet soft.

Baking powder and baking soda – Work together to create a light, fluffy texture.

Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the warm spice flavors.

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice – The classic spice trio that gives this loaf its cozy fall aroma and taste.

Apple cider – The star ingredient that infuses the loaf with real apple flavor. Reduced cider works best for a concentrated taste.

Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture while giving a subtle molasses flavor.

Granulated sugar – Lightens the crumb and helps with caramelization during baking.

Unsalted butter – Creates richness and a tender texture. Melted butter also adds a slight nutty flavor.

Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the moistness of the loaf.

Vanilla extract – Enhances the apple and spice flavors beautifully.

Milk or oat milk – Keeps the loaf moist without overpowering the apple flavor.

Cinnamon-sugar topping – A mix of sugar and cinnamon brushed over the warm loaf for that signature donut finish.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
5. Add the reduced apple cider, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
6. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just incorporated—do not overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter and generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Let cool completely before slicing.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 2 months—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Variations and Customizations

Glazed Apple Loaf – Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of cider for extra sweetness.

Maple-Glazed Version – Replace the cinnamon sugar topping with a maple syrup glaze for a deeper fall flavor.

Crumble Topping – Add a streusel topping made of butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a bakery-style finish.

Apple Chunk Loaf – Fold in diced fresh apples to add bursts of juicy texture throughout the loaf.

Whole Wheat Twist – Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

Vegan Option – Use plant-based butter, oat milk, and a flaxseed egg substitute to make it dairy- and egg-free.

Gluten-Free Version – Swap regular flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Spiced Apple Cream Cheese Loaf – Add a cream cheese layer in the middle of the batter for a rich surprise.

Caramel Apple Drizzle – Top slices with caramel sauce for a decadent dessert-style loaf.

Mini Loaves – Divide the batter into smaller pans for giftable, individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

You can, but cider has a stronger, more complex apple flavor that’s ideal for this recipe.

How do I reduce the apple cider properly?

Simmer it gently over medium heat until it’s thickened and syrupy, about 10–15 minutes.

Why is my loaf dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture—mix just until combined.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?

Yes, but it’s what gives the loaf its “donut” character, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Definitely! Bake in a lined muffin tin for about 18–20 minutes instead.

What type of apple cider works best?

Use unfiltered, fresh apple cider for the best flavor depth.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, vegetable oil or coconut oil can be substituted for a slightly different texture.

How can I make it more moist?

Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes, but warming it slightly enhances the spices and texture.

How should I serve it?

It’s perfect with a cup of hot coffee, spiced tea, or warm apple cider.

Conclusion

The Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf is the ultimate cozy bake for fall. It combines the best elements of a classic apple cider donut—warm spices, sweet apple notes, and a cinnamon-sugar coating—into an easy-to-make loaf that everyone will love. Soft, aromatic, and bursting with seasonal flavor, this loaf is a perfect companion for chilly mornings or festive gatherings. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a yearly favorite.

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