Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake

Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake is packed full of delicious spices like chai and cinnamon and is made with real apple cider and applesauce! This moist loaf cake will make your house smell like autumn has arrived early. The best part? It tastes just as good as it smells so you can eat a slice while still warm from the oven or later on in the day when you need an afternoon pick-me-up. Similar to pound cake, it's the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

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What You Need to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
FAQ & Storage
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

slices of apple cider donut loaf cake stacked on a cooling rack

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What You Need to Make This Recipe

Ingredients:

All purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Chai spice
Salt
Vanilla extract
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Eggs
Apple cider
Unsalted butter
Unsweetened applesauce

Equipment:

9x5 inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons
Scale or measuring cups
Whisk
Spatula
Hand mixer
Pastry brush
Cooling rack

Check out more cozy fall recipes here! 🍁

apple cider donut loaf cake ingredients labeled

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare your pan.
Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with oil and then line a strip of parchment across (as shown in picture 4 below). Leave the sides of the paper hanging over the edges so that you can easily lift the cake out of the pan after it bakes.

Step 2 (Picture 1 below) - Combine the dry ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda & powder, salt, cinnamon and chai spice. If you don't have chai spice, you can easily make your own by mixing a few spices together!

Homemade Chai Spice:

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger

Step 3 (Picture 2 below) - Mix together the wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter & sugars using a hand mixer. When they're light and fluffy, add in the eggs, vanilla extract and applesauce, mixing after each addition.

Step 4 (Picture 3 below) - Add the dry ingredients & cider.
To finish the batter, alternately stir in the dry mixture and the apple cider, half at a time. Stop mixing once everything is totally combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean!

Step 5 (Picture 4 below) - Add the toppings.
After you take the loaf out of the oven, brush a little apple cider over the top and then sprinkle a mixture of sugar & chai spice so that it's evenly coated. Let the cake cool for a bit in the pan, and then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients - Take the eggs & butter out of the fridge and measure out the applesauce & apple cider about 30 minutes before you start to bake. The ingredients will combine better when they're all at the same ambient temperature!

Use fresh baking soda & powder - Did you know these ingredients expire? If you're using ones that are super old, they might not react properly and the loaf may not rise as well!

Don't under or overbake - Loaf cakes can be tricky because if you underbake, the top might sink in, and if you overbake, it'll be really dry. I use two methods to determine if my loaf is done: 1) insert a toothpick in the center - it should come out mostly clean, and 2) gently press a finger into the center - if it feels firm but soft and springs back slightly, it should be good.

Top view of the apple cider loaf cake topped with chai sugar. Two slices are cut and laying next to the loaf.

FAQ & Storage

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider?

No, apple cider vinegar is fermented and therefore more acidic than just plain apple cider. It is not a good substitute for this recipe.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

If you're in a pinch and can't get your hands on cider, you can try substituting with unsweetened apple juice!

Can this be made gluten free?

I haven't tested it with gluten free ingredients, but would love to hear how it goes if you try it!

How should I store leftovers?

In an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. If you're going to freeze it, I recommend cutting it up into slices before placing it in the freezer.