Cinnamon Sugar Loaf Meets Apple Cider Donuts | Cozy Fall Baking Recipe

Fall is officially here, which means the air smells like bonfires, pumpkin patches are in full swing, and honestly—our kitchens should smell like cinnamon sugar and warm apples 24/7. That’s where this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf With Cinnamon Sugar Crust swoops in like the hero of autumn baking.

Imagine everything you love about a freshly fried Apple Cider Donut—soft, spiced, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar—but transformed into a cozy loaf cake that’s perfect for slicing, sharing, and, let’s be honest, hoarding all to yourself with a mug of chai tea.

This recipe takes the soul of a Cinnamon Sugar Loaf and fuses it with that orchard-fresh donut flavor, creating one of the most irresistible Quick Fall Desserts you’ll ever bake. And the best part? It’s super simple, no deep fryer required.

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What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible?

1. That Cinnamon Sugar Crust – The crispy, crackly topping gives the loaf its donut-like personality. Each slice feels like biting into the edge of a freshly rolled sugar donut.
2. All the Cozy Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice team up with Spiced Apple Cider for the ultimate fall flavor bomb.
3. Easy Enough for Weeknights – You don’t need to spend all day baking. This loaf comes together in minutes and bakes in under an hour. (AKA: dessert in your PJs by 9 p.m., IMO.)
4. Perfect for Any Occasion – Brunch with friends? Check. A cozy treat for the kids? Done. Or maybe just you, your couch, and Netflix—that counts too.

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The Story Behind the Loaf

Apple cider donuts have been a fall tradition for decades. Think orchard stands, hayrides, and sticky sugar-covered fingers. But I wanted to take that vibe and turn it into something more shareable—like a Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Loaf but without all the fuss of layering dough.

This loaf is inspired by the nostalgic taste of Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake Bon Appetit style recipes but made even simpler. You whisk, pour, bake, coat in sugar, and suddenly—bam—you’ve got bakery-quality results straight out of your oven.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes the magic happen:

• All-purpose flour – the structure that holds it all together.
• Baking powder + soda – to keep your loaf fluffy instead of flat.
• Warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice = fall in every bite.
• Melted butter – for richness (and because butter makes everything better).
• Granulated + brown sugar – sweet and slightly caramel-like.
• Eggs – bind and add moisture.
• Apple cider – fresh, spiced, and absolutely essential.
• Vanilla extract – because vanilla makes everything taste cozy.
• Cinnamon sugar topping – your ticket to that donut-y crunch.

Pro tip: If you can find fresh orchard cider, use it! It’s the secret to making this loaf sing.

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How to Make This Cozy Loaf

1. Preheat & Prep
   Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and those glorious spices.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients
   Butter + sugars + eggs + cider + vanilla. Smooth and dreamy.
4. Combine
   Stir the dry into the wet—just until mixed. Don’t overdo it or your loaf will sulk and get dense.
5. Bake
   Pour into the pan, slide it into the oven, and let the magic happen for 45–50 minutes. Your house will smell like fall exploded (in the best way).
6. Cinnamon Sugar Crust
   While it’s cooling, brush the top with melted butter, then shower it in cinnamon sugar until it glitters. This is where the “donut” magic happens.

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Pro Tips for the Best Loaf

• Don’t overmix – Stir gently so the crumb stays light and tender.
• Test with a toothpick – Center should come out clean when it’s done.
• Add-ins are welcome – Chopped apples, walnuts, or even a swirl of caramel can elevate this to holiday-showstopper status.
• For more crunch – Double-dip the cinnamon sugar: brush once, sprinkle, let set, then repeat.

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Variations to Try

• Pumpkin Twist – Sub some cider for pumpkin puree and you’ve basically got Pumpkin Spice Muffins in loaf form.
• Nutty Crunch – Stir in pecans or walnuts for texture.
• Glazed Donut Vibes – Drizzle a vanilla or maple glaze on top instead of (or in addition to) the sugar crust.
• Cinnamon Pull-apart Bread In Loaf Pan – If you’re feeling ambitious, layer dough pieces brushed with butter and sugar for a fun twist.

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Best Way to Serve

This loaf is delicious straight up, but here are a few fun pairings:

• A steaming mug of chai or cider for double fall vibes.
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert mode.
• A dollop of whipped cream + caramel drizzle = chef’s kiss.

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Storage & Leftovers

• Room temp – 3 days in an airtight container.
• Fridge – Up to a week (warm it up before eating).
• Freezer – Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months.

Pro tip: Warm frozen slices in the oven for that “just-baked” feel.

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FAQs

1. Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yep! It’ll be a little less punchy in flavor, but still tasty.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

3. Do I have to add the cinnamon sugar topping?
Technically no, but… that’s like skipping sprinkles on a donut. Live a little.

4. Can I add a glaze?
Yes! A maple or vanilla glaze would take this over the top.

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Wrap-Up: Your New Fall Baking Obsession

This isn’t just another loaf cake—it’s a Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf With Cinnamon Sugar Crust that captures everything we love about fall in one cozy bake. It’s the perfect middle ground between a cake and a donut, and it just might become your go-to for crisp mornings, family brunches, or when you’re craving those nostalgic orchard vibes.

So grab your whisk, pour yourself a cup of Spiced Apple Cider, and let’s make some magic. Because once you’ve tasted this loaf, those plain ol’ store-bought Apple Cider Donuts just won’t cut it anymore. 😉

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Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: 320 | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 40g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 22g

Looking for more cozy recipes? Try my Pumpkin Spice Muffins or a batch of cinnamon-glazed scones for your next baking day. 🍁

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