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    Home » Recipes » Cakes & Cupcakes

    Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake

    Published: Sep 12, 2021 · Modified: Sep 27, 2021 by Kayla · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I could earn from purchases made through them. It doesn't add any extra cost to you, but it does help support this blog!

    Jump to:
    • What You Need to Make This Recipe
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Tips for Success
    • FAQ & Storage
    • 📖 Recipe
    slices of apple cider donut loaf cake stacked on a cooling rack

    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.

    a stack of apple cider donut loaf cake slices on a white cooling rack

    Did you try this recipe?
    Tag @brokenovenbaking on Instagram and leave a star review below!

    📖 Recipe

    Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake

    Broken Oven Baking Company
    This tasty loaf cake is spiced with chai & cinnamon and is made with real apple cider & applesauce!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 loaf
    Calories 2551 kcal

    Equipment

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

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • 1½ teaspoons chai spice* plus extra for topping (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
    • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
    • ½ cup granulated sugar plus extra for topping (optional)
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce room temperature
    • ½ cup apple cider room temperature, plus extra for topping (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with oil and line a strip of parchment paper across so that it folds over the edges.
    • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chai spice and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until they're light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, vanilla extract and applesauce, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
    • Stir half of the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, followed by half of the apple cider. Repeat and mix until all ingredients are combined.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth out the top with a spatula, and bake for about 40-50 minutes. When a toothpick comes out mostly clean and the top springs back slightly when gently poked, it's done!
    • While the cake is still hot, gently brush the top with apple cider. Whisk together ~3 tablespoons of sugar with ~¼ teaspoon chai spice, and then sprinkle it evenly over the top.
    • Let the cake cool in the pan for ~30 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Cut into slices and enjoy!

    Notes

    Store at room temperature for 1 week or sliced in the freezer for 1 month.
    To make your own chai spice, combine:
    • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
    • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
    The provided nutrition information is an estimate for the whole loaf, the calorie accuracy is not guaranteed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 2551kcalCarbohydrates: 422gProtein: 40gFat: 81gSaturated Fat: 47gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 3gCholesterol: 553mgSodium: 3123mgPotassium: 748mgFiber: 9gSugar: 222gVitamin A: 2663IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 611mgIron: 16mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    ABOUT KAYLA

    Hey, I'm Kayla! I'm a self-taught baker, recipe developer & food photographer in Chicago! This blog is a way for me to share recipes, tips, and everything I love related to baking & photography. If you have any questions or want to connect, I'd love to hear from you!
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