The scent of cinnamon and apples. The crispness of the air. A warm mug of something comforting. Fall is all about that feeling, isn’t it? I remember as a kid, piling into my dad’s beat-up pickup truck to visit apple orchards. The air crackled with excitement, the bins overflowed with ruby-red fruit, and the smell…oh, the smell of fresh-pressed apple cider and warm donuts! This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – Fall’s Best Cozy Bake is my way of bottling that feeling and bringing it into your kitchen. It’s a cake-like loaf, infused with the comforting flavors of apple cider and warm spices, and topped with a sweet, crackly glaze. Forget the trip to the orchard, this brings the fall vibes straight to your countertop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a slice of cozy in their life? This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also surprisingly easy. It’s a one-bowl wonder for the most part, minimizing cleanup. Here’s why this donut loaf will quickly become a fall favorite:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves creates a warming, nostalgic flavor profile. It really tastes like autumn.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques needed. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers.
- Moist & Tender: The applesauce and cider keep this loaf incredibly moist and soft. Say goodbye to dry cake!
- Show-Stopping Appearance: Who can resist that gorgeous crackly glaze? It’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
- Freezable: Make it ahead and freeze slices for a quick and satisfying treat anytime.
The Ingredients
Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s what you’ll need to bake this delightful loaf:
For the Loaf:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) apple cider, preferably unfiltered
- ½ cup (120g) applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let’s Bake! – Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall? Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your loaf will release cleanly.
2. Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined—no clumps allowed!
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl (or using a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s key for a tender crumb.
4. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Wet Meets Dry: In a small bowl, combine the apple cider, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the butter-sugar mixture in alternating additions with the dry ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
6. Bake it Beautiful: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Cool Down Time: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from continuing to cook and becoming dry.
8. Glaze Time!: While the loaf is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more cider, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency – you want it thick enough to coat, but pourable.
9. Glaze and Enjoy: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Let’s elevate your Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf game!
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps the batter emulsify properly, resulting in a more even crumb.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of a moist loaf. Start checking for doneness at 55 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Cooling completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting.
Delicious Variations:
- Add Apples: Fold in ½ cup of diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) for extra apple flavor and texture.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for 2 tablespoons of sugar in both the loaf and the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the loaf before baking.
- Brown Sugar Glaze: Substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar in the glaze for a caramel-like flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Coffee or Tea: The classic pairing!
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Take it to the next level with a sweet and creamy topping.
- As a Dessert: Perfect for a cozy fall evening.
- Breakfast Treat: Because who can resist a little sweetness in the morning?
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice)
(These values are estimates and will vary depending on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-5g
This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf – Fall’s Best Cozy Bake is a hug in a loaf form. It’s simple, comforting, and utterly delicious. So gather your ingredients, turn on some cozy tunes, and bake up a little bit of fall magic. What are you waiting for? Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy baking!
