Description

Think of the soft crumb of a cake mixed with the warmth of apple orchards in autumn. That’s exactly what this loaf delivers—sweet apple cider blended with cozy spices and finished off with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Honestly, every bite tastes like your favorite fairground apple cider donuts, just in loaf form.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon allspice
½ cup melted unsalted butter
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup apple cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar topping:

¼ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter

Easy Swaps & Add-Ins

No cider on hand? Apple juice or even tangy buttermilk will do the trick.
Want some crunch? Stir in diced apples or chopped nuts.
Dairy-free option: A plant-based butter works just as well.
Craving extra sweetness? Drizzle caramel sauce on top after baking for dessert vibes.

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour your loaf pan so nothing sticks.
Dry Mix
- In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Wet Mix
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla until smooth.
Bring It Together
- Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients a little at a time. Mix gently until just blended—don’t overmix or the loaf will turn dense.
Bake
- Pour the batter into your pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a fall festival by the time it’s done! Check with a toothpick—it should come out clean.
Add the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
- While the loaf cools a little, stir together sugar and cinnamon in a small dish. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar until you’ve got that dreamy donut-like coating.
Slice & Serve
- Cut into thick slices and serve warm. Warning: this loaf disappears fast!

Notes

Tips for the Best Loaf

Use fresh apple cider for the boldest flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folds = soft, fluffy crumb.
Check doneness with a toothpick right in the center.
Extra crunch? Sprinkle a second layer of cinnamon sugar after the first sets.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Protein: 4 g