Description
At its core, a cozy apple cider doughnut loaf is a brilliant culinary hybrid designed for anyone who loves autumnal flavors but wants to skip the mess of deep-frying. Traditional apple cider doughnuts are legendary for their cakey texture and spiced exterior, but they require rolling, cutting, and dealing with large pots of hot oil. This loaf version takes those identical, beloved flavor profiles and reimagines them into a user-friendly quick bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the loaf
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup apple cider (reduced for stronger flavor if desired)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 apple, peeled and finely diced (optional but recommended)
Cinnamon-sugar topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, apple cider, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Stir in the diced apple if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
- Add the topping: Brush the warm loaf with melted butter. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together and generously coat the loaf.
Notes
There’s nothing better than the aroma of apple cider and warm cinnamon filling the kitchen. This loaf is perfect for slow mornings, afternoon coffee breaks, or sharing with family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 kcal