The Ultimate Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake Recipe: A Cozy Fall Treat

Welcome the flavors of autumn into your home with this incredible Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake. Bursting with the warm, comforting notes of chai and cinnamon, and enriched with real apple cider and applesauce, this moist and tender loaf cake is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. Imagine your kitchen filled with the inviting aroma of fall spices and sweet apples as this golden-brown cake bakes to perfection. It’s the ideal treat to enjoy fresh from the oven, still warm and wonderfully soft, or as a delightful afternoon pick-me-up later in the day. Much like a classic pound cake, its dense yet delicate crumb pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea, making it a staple for your fall baking repertoire.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake

This isn’t just another loaf cake; it’s a celebration of fall. Here’s why this Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake will become your new favorite:

• **Irresistibly Moist:** Thanks to the combination of real apple cider and unsweetened applesauce, this loaf cake boasts an incredibly moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
• **Packed with Autumn Flavors:** The unique blend of traditional cinnamon with exotic chai spices creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting, truly evoking the spirit of fall.
• **Easy to Make:** Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this recipe is straightforward and accessible for bakers of all skill levels. No special donut pans required – just a standard loaf pan!
• **Wonderful Aroma:** As it bakes, your home will be filled with the most enchanting fragrance of apples and spices, making it feel extra cozy and inviting.
• **Versatile Treat:** Perfect for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

To create this delectable Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake, you’ll need a selection of common baking ingredients and a few essential pieces of kitchen equipment. Using good quality ingredients and ensuring they are at the right temperature will contribute significantly to the cake’s perfect texture and flavor.

Check out more cozy fall recipes here! 🍁

Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Loaf Cake

Follow these simple instructions to bake a perfectly spiced and incredibly moist Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake that will impress everyone.

Step 1 – Prepare your pan and preheat the oven.
Before you begin mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your 9×5 inch loaf pan by lightly spraying it with cooking oil or butter. Carefully line the pan with a strip of parchment paper, ensuring that the paper extends over the long sides of the pan. This overhang will act as convenient “handles,” allowing you to easily lift the finished cake out of the pan after it bakes and cools slightly, preventing any sticking.

Step 2 (Picture 1 below) – Combine the dry ingredients.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and the aromatic chai spice. Whisking ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor in your cake. If you don’t have a pre-made chai spice blend, you can easily create your own from individual spices!

Homemade Chai Spice Blend:

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• Mix well and store in an airtight container.

Step 3 (Picture 2 below) – Mix together the wet ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer (or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to the cake’s tender texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and unsweetened applesauce, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.

Step 4 (Picture 3 below) – Incorporate the dry ingredients and apple cider.
To complete your cake batter, alternately add the dry mixture and the apple cider to the wet ingredients. Begin by adding about half of the dry mixture, gently mixing until just combined. Then, add half of the apple cider, mixing again. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients and apple cider. The key here is to stop mixing as soon as all the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Pour the smooth batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to gently spread the top evenly. Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through.

Step 5 (Picture 4 below) – Apply the delicious toppings.
Once the loaf cake is out of the oven, while it’s still hot, take your pastry brush and gently brush a thin layer of extra apple cider over the entire top surface. This helps keep the cake moist and adds another layer of apple flavor. In a small bowl, combine approximately 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar with about ¼ teaspoon of chai spice (or cinnamon, if you prefer). Sprinkle this aromatic sugar mixture evenly over the top of the warm, brushed cake. The residual heat and moisture from the cider will help the sugar adhere beautifully. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before using the parchment paper overhang to lift it out and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This slow cooling helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.

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Expert Tips for a Perfectly Moist & Flavorful Cake

Achieving the perfect Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake is easy with these helpful tips:

Use room temperature ingredients: This is a golden rule in baking! For the best results, take your eggs and butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start baking. The applesauce and apple cider should also be at room temperature. When all ingredients are at the same ambient temperature, they emulsify much better, creating a smooth, homogenous batter. This results in a more evenly textured and consistently moist cake.

Ensure fresh baking soda & powder: Leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder do expire and lose their potency over time. If you’re using old ingredients, your cake might not rise as much as it should, leading to a dense or flat loaf. To test baking soda, mix a teaspoon with a bit of vinegar; it should fizz immediately. For baking powder, mix a teaspoon with hot water; it should also fizz. If there’s no fizz, it’s time for new ingredients!

Don’t under or overbake: Loaf cakes can be quite sensitive to baking times. Underbaking can lead to a sunken, gummy center, while overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly cake. I use two reliable methods to check for doneness:

1. Toothpick Test: Insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. It should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
2. Gentle Press Test: Gently press your finger into the center of the cake’s top. If it feels firm yet soft and springs back slightly, it’s likely done. If your finger leaves an indentation, it needs a few more minutes.

Keep a close eye on your oven and start checking a few minutes before the minimum recommended baking time.

Avoid overmixing the batter: Once you add the flour to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough and chewy cake rather than a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Don’t skip the chai sugar topping: The combination of apple cider brushed on top and then sprinkled with chai-spiced sugar creates a delightful “donut-like” finish. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a lovely texture that makes this loaf truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions & Storage Tips

Here are some common questions about making and storing this delightful Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake:

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More Delicious Cake & Loaf Recipes for You

If you loved this Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake, be sure to explore more delightful baking creations from my kitchen. From comforting coffee cakes to quick mug cakes, there’s always something new and delicious to try!