The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples… does it get any more autumnal than that? I remember as a kid, my grandmother would bake apple cider donuts every October. The entire house would fill with that comforting aroma, a promise of crisp leaves, warm sweaters, and
family gatherings. While those fried donuts are classic, they can be a bit messy to make. This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – Fall’s Best Cozy Bake gives you all those same incredible flavors, in a beautifully simple, oven-baked form. It’s a hug in bread form!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest, sometimes you want that fall feeling, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This loaf delivers maximum cozy factor with relatively minimal effort. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need, you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or special equipment needed.
- Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of apple cider, warming spices, and a delicious glaze is pure autumn bliss.
- Perfect for Sharing: A beautifully baked loaf looks amazing on a Thanksgiving table or as a gift for a friend.
- Makes a Great Breakfast or Dessert: Seriously! It’s good any time of day.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get organized! Here’s what you’ll need to bake this comforting loaf:
For the Loaf:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple juice!)
- ¼ cup sour cream (full fat or low fat both work)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons apple cider (start with 2, add more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Okay, let’s bake! This is a straightforward process. Don’t let the spices intimidate you – they’re what make this loaf so special.
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your loaf releases easily.
2. Blend the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the granulated sugar and whisk again until well combined.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugar:
- In a separate bowl (or using a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, making it lighter.
4. Add the Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in a tough loaf.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
6. Bake the Loaf:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
7. Cool & Glaze:
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely prevents the glaze from melting.
- While the loaf is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Add more cider, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Let’s take this loaf from delicious to divine!
Tips for Success:
- Use Real Apple Cider: Apple juice just won’t cut it. The cider’s complexity is key to the flavor.
- Softened Butter is Crucial: Ensure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. It should be pliable and easy to cream with the sugar.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked bread is dry bread. Check for doneness with a skewer around 55 minutes.
- Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting to dive in, but letting the loaf cool completely before glazing is essential for a beautifully smooth finish.
Variations to Try:
- Add Apples: Fold in ½ – 1 cup of diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) into the batter.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Brown Butter Glaze: Brown the butter before creaming it with the sugar for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Cardamom Spice: Swap out ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon for ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom for a slightly different spice profile.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Butter: A simple slice, toasted and spread with butter, is always a winner.
- Coffee or Tea Companion: It pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Dessert with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates this loaf to a decadent dessert.
- Holiday Table Star: Dress it up with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar and serve it as part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice – assuming 10 slices)
- Calories: 320-380
- Fat: 14-18g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Cholesterol: 50-60mg
- Sodium: 250-300mg
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – Fall’s Best Cozy Bake is a celebration of everything we love about autumn. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to bring a little warmth and joy to your home. Ready to embrace the cozy vibes? Give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it! Happy baking!
