Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I strolled through a vibrant farmers’ market one autumn afternoon, the rich scent of spiced apple cider caught my attention, whisking me back to cozy family gatherings of yesteryear. Inspired by that nostalgia, I created this Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake that perfectly embodies the essence of fall. Not only is it a delightful blend of moist cake and tangy apple cider, but it also comes together in a breeze, making it a fantastic choice for those busy mornings or intimate gatherings with friends. Each slice offers a warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg, akin to biting into a beloved cider doughnut. Curious to bring a touch of autumn into your kitchen? Let’s bake this seasonal treasure together! Why Is This Cake a Fall Favorite? Nostalgic Flavors: Each bite of the Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake transports you to childhood memories, brimming with warm spices and sweet apple goodness. Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this cake ready in no time, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests. Crowd-Pleasing: Its delightful aroma and comforting flavors ensure you’ll be the star of any gathering, whether it’s a cozy brunch or an autumn potluck. Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack, easily adapting to your day’s cravings. Make-Ahead Wonder: Store it at room temperature or in the fridge for up to three days, so you can savor this delicious treat whenever you wish! Elevate your fall baking game with this remarkable recipe, and if you’re looking for more delightful desserts, don’t miss out on my Biscoff Cheesecake Indulge and Cookie Butter Cake. Happy baking! Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Ingredients For the Batter • Apple Cider – Adds moisture and a tangy flavor; use raw, unfiltered cider for the best taste. • Sour Cream – Contributes to the cake’s moisture and richness; can be substituted with Greek yogurt. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; opt for pure vanilla for the best results. • Unsalted Butter – Provides fat for moisture and flavor; substitute with coconut oil or margarine if dairy-free. • Eggs – Essential for structure and binding; make sure they are room temperature for better incorporation. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor; granulated sugar can be used but will alter the taste. For the Dry Ingredients • All-Purpose Flour – Creates the cake’s structure and texture; accurately measure for best results. • Cornstarch – Lightens the texture of the cake when combined with flour. • Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential leavening agents; ensure they are fresh for proper rising. • Salt – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients. • Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Infuses a warm, seasonal taste; feel free to adjust to your preference. For the Topping • Granulated Sugar – Creates a crunchy, sweet finish; this adds the classic doughnut coating to your Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake. Embrace the cozy flavors of fall in your kitchen with these simple ingredients, and prepare to delight your taste buds with a deliciously moist cake! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray. For added security, line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This preparation sets the stage for your delightful Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake. Step 2: Reduce Apple Cider In a small saucepan, pour in your apple cider and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes until it reduces to roughly ½ cup. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; the liquid should thicken and intensify in flavor. Once reduced, set aside to cool slightly. Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the reduced apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla extract, stirring until well blended. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid. Allow it to cool just a bit before adding it to the wet mixture, ensuring that it doesn’t cook the eggs when combined in the next step. Step 4: Beat Eggs and Sugar In the bowl of a stand mixer, add your room temperature eggs along with brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and frothy, about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air and will help create a fluffy texture for your Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake once baked. Step 5: Combine Mixtures With the mixer running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the melted butter. Once incorporated, gradually add the apple cider mixture, blending well until fully combined. This creates a rich and moist base for your cake, essential for achieving that heavenly mouthfeel in the final product. Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients with a spatula, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Your batter will be thick and aromatic, perfect for a cozy Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake. Step 7: Bake the Cake Pour the prepared batter into your greased and lined loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, signaling that it’s fully baked and ready to be enjoyed. Step 8: Cool and Sugar Coat Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. While it’s still warm, brush the top and sides with melted butter. Immediately roll the cake in granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon for that classic doughnut finish, enhancing both flavor and texture before slicing. Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Variations Embrace the joy of customizing this delightful cake with your personal touch and unique flavors! Buttermilk Swap: Substitute buttermilk for sour cream for a tangier spin that amplifies the cake’s richness. Your tastebuds will swoon in delight! Add Fruit & Nuts: Toss in chopped apples or walnuts to create a delightful crunch and added flavor. The cake becomes heartier, making each bite a surprise treat! Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to transform this loaf into a gluten-free version. It’s just as delightful, ensuring everyone can enjoy this seasonal gem. Spice It Up: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg for a bolder fall flavor. This simple twist can make your loaf sing with holiday cheer! Brown Sugar Caramel Drizzle: Prepare a quick caramel drizzle using brown sugar for drizzling on top. It’ll add a sweet, sticky finish that takes the cake to new heights of indulgence. Pumpkin Twist: Mix in ½ cup of pumpkin puree for a pumpkin spice twist. It introduces a whole new depth of warmth and flavor into each delectable slice! Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet contrast against the spiced cake. It’s a surprising yet delightful addition that will have everyone coming back for more. Speaking of delightful desserts, don’t forget to check out my Maraschino Cherry Cake for another sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking! What to Serve with Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Enhance your cozy fall experience by discovering delightful pairings that elevate your Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake into a memorable meal. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for a savory brunch spread, their buttery texture contrasts beautifully with the cake’s sweet spices. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm beverage brings out the autumnal flavors in the cake, creating a symphony of seasonal warmth. Apple Crisp: Enhance the apple notes of your loaf by serving alongside a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy, caramelized flavors of Brussels sprouts provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of the cake, making for an interesting flavor combination. Homemade Chai Tea: The exotic spices in chai beautifully mirror the cinnamon and nutmeg in your loaf, creating a comforting experience with every sip. Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, hot chocolate makes a sweet drink option, perfect for pairing with the cinnamon sugar topping of your cake. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit and granola for a refreshing, textural contrast to your cake during breakfast. Spiced Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider to amplify the flavors of your loaf, transporting your guests to a crisp, cozy autumn day. Gingerbread Cookies: Include these spicy treats for a sweet ending to your fall gathering, highlighting the season’s favorite flavors. Maple Syrup Glazed Bacon: For an unexpected savory hit, the sweetness of bacon pairs delightfully with the doughnut loaf’s flavors—and adds a satisfying crunch! Expert Tips for Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Weigh Your Flour: Make sure to use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement. This prevents a dense, heavy cake and ensures a light, airy loaf. Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the batter just until combined is key. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, ruining the soft crumb of your Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and prevents crumbling, allowing for perfect slices every time. Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation, leading to a smoother batter and fluffier cake. Fresh Leavening Agents: Double-check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Stale leavening agents can hinder the cake’s rise, resulting in a dense loaf. Make Ahead Options These Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator. For added convenience, you can also measure out your dry ingredients (flour, spices, and leavening agents) and keep them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, bring everything to room temperature, combine, and pour into a prepared loaf pan; bake as directed. This will save you time during busy mornings, and the flavors will still be just as delicious, capturing the essence of fall! How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Room Temperature: Store the loaf loosely covered with parchment or foil at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and delicious flavor. Fridge: If you need it to last longer, refrigerate the cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to a week. This helps preserve the fresh taste of your Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. Reheating: To warm individual slices, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly for a delightful treat that’s reminiscent of fresh baking! Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Recipe FAQs What type of apple cider should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For the best taste in your Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake, I recommend using raw, unfiltered apple cider. This type brings a rich, tangy flavor to the cake that really enhances the overall experience. How should I store my loaf cake to keep it fresh? Store your cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring it retains its delicious flavor and moisture. For ultimate freshness, you can also wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months! Can I freeze the Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake? Absolutely! To freeze your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double-layer protection prevents freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, you can warm it gently in the microwave or oven for a fresh-baked experience. What should I do if my cake turns out dense? If your cake is dense, there are a few things you can check: First, ensure you’re measuring the flour accurately—using a kitchen scale can be very helpful. Also, be cautious not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough texture. Finally, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to guarantee proper rising. Is this recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies? Yes! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine. Additionally, replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to maintain the delicious creaminess in your Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake. Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake This Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake captures fall's essence with its warm spices and apple goodness, creating a nostalgic treat for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 55 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: CakesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter1 cup Apple Cider Use raw, unfiltered cider for best taste.1/2 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with coconut oil or margarine.2 large Eggs Use room temperature.3/4 cup Brown Sugar Granulated sugar can be used.For the Dry Ingredients1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour1 tablespoon Cornstarch1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensure freshness.1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure freshness.1/2 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adjust to preference.1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Adjust to preference.For the Topping1/2 cup Granulated Sugar For coating. Equipment Loaf panMixing bowlsstand mixerSaucepanwire rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and coat a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray, lining the bottom with parchment paper.In a saucepan, bring apple cider to a gentle boil and reduce to ½ cup, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.Combine reduced apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Melt unsalted butter, let cool slightly, and add to mixture.Beat eggs and brown sugar until light and frothy, about 3 minutes.Slowly drizzle in melted butter and mix in apple cider mixture until combined.Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Fold into wet ingredients.Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for approximately 55 minutes, checking with a toothpick.Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Brush with melted butter and roll in sugar mixed with cinnamon. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg NotesWeigh your flour for accuracy and avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture. Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
