Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf: Warm, Cozy, and Bursting with Fall Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spiced apple cider donut loaf captures everything you love about the classic fall treat — tender crumb, cozy spices, and that signature sugary coating — in a simple, sliceable loaf form. Each bite is soft, warmly spiced, and infused with apple cider for that unmistakable autumn aroma. I once reduced the apple cider for a more concentrated flavor, and the result was irresistible — perfectly moist and fragrant. This loaf brings the nostalgic taste of a cider mill donut right into your kitchen without the fuss of frying. Whether served for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or dessert, it’s a comforting bake that celebrates the very best of the season.

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Ingredients

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

Apple cider — The star of the loaf, reduced for a rich, concentrated apple flavor.

All-purpose flour — Provides structure and softness.

Baking powder and baking soda — Help the loaf rise for a light, tender crumb.

Salt — Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.

Ground cinnamon — The essential spice that defines the classic cider donut flavor.

Nutmeg and allspice — Add warmth and depth to the spice blend.

Butter — Adds richness and keeps the loaf moist.

Brown sugar — Sweetens and brings a caramel note that pairs beautifully with apples.

Granulated sugar — Balances the sweetness and lightens the texture.

Eggs — Bind the ingredients and add structure.

Vanilla extract — Complements the warm spices.

Applesauce — Enhances moisture and apple flavor while keeping the loaf tender.

Milk or buttermilk — Ensures a soft, cake-like texture.

Cinnamon sugar coating — A buttery, spiced finishing touch that mimics a real cider donut.

Directions

Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup (roughly 15–20 minutes). Let cool completely. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. In a separate large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, applesauce, milk, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined — do not overmix.

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan.

While warm, brush the loaf with melted butter and roll or sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar to coat all sides. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

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

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

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 slices. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking about 55 minutes, and cooling 10 minutes. Total time: around 1 hour 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the loaf tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days. To reheat, warm slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven. You can also freeze uncoated slices for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before brushing with butter and adding cinnamon sugar.

Variations and Customizations

Maple Glaze — Drizzle with a simple maple glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating.

Caramel Apple Twist — Add a swirl of caramel sauce through the batter before baking.

Crumble Topping — Top with a brown sugar streusel for extra texture.

Nutty Crunch — Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.

Gluten-Free — Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Mini Loaves — Divide the batter among mini loaf pans for gift-sized treats.

Apple Chunks — Add finely diced fresh apple for a more textured loaf.

Vegan Version — Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs.

Spiced Glaze — Mix powdered sugar with apple cider and cinnamon for a shiny finish.

Extra Moist — Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.

FAQs

Why reduce the apple cider?

Reducing intensifies the flavor, giving the loaf that authentic cider donut taste.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes, but cider has a richer, spiced flavor; add extra cinnamon to compensate.

Do I need to coat the whole loaf in cinnamon sugar?

No, you can just sprinkle it on top, but the full coating mimics the classic donut texture.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes until golden.

How do I prevent the loaf from drying out?

Do not overbake, and store tightly wrapped once cooled.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives.

What type of applesauce works best?

Unsweetened applesauce gives better control over sweetness.

Can I add a glaze instead of the sugar coating?

Absolutely — a vanilla or maple glaze complements it beautifully.

Can I skip the reduction step?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich or aromatic.

What can I serve with this loaf?

Pair it with coffee, hot cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

Spiced apple cider donut loaf brings all the magic of fall baking into one easy, irresistible recipe. With its warm spices, tender crumb, and buttery cinnamon sugar coating, it’s a treat that feels nostalgic and comforting with every bite. Perfect for cozy mornings, autumn gatherings, or holiday brunches, this loaf captures the essence of apple cider donuts — no frying required. Once you bake it, the scent alone will make it a seasonal favorite you’ll crave year after year.

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