Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake

5 from 2 votes

This tasty loaf cake is spiced with chai & cinnamon and is made with real apple cider & applesauce!

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: loaf

Calories: 2551kcal

2 cups (250 g) 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 (84 g) unsalted butter room temperature
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar plus extra for topping (optional)
2 large eggs room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons (36 g) unsweetened applesauce room temperature
½ cup (118.29 ml) apple cider room temperature, plus extra for topping (optional)

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!

Store at room temperature for 1 week or sliced in the freezer for 1 month.

To make your own chai spice, combine:

The provided nutrition information is an estimate for the whole loaf, the calorie accuracy is not guaranteed.