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To make a delicious Moist Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 cup apple cider - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best) - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping) - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping) Each ingredient plays a key role in our loaf cake. The flour gives structure, while the baking powder and soda help it rise. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. Butter and sugar create a rich, moist cake. Eggs bind everything together. Apple cider adds a sweet flavor and moisture. Diced apples give texture and freshness. The brown sugar and cinnamon topping provides a sweet crunch. I find that using fresh, crisp apples enhances the flavor. Choosing the right apple is a game-changer. Always opt for a good quality apple cider for the best taste. You can find the full recipe [here](Full Recipe). Enjoy the process of baking this tasty loaf! Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. Lining the bottom with parchment paper helps with easy removal later. Mixing Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside for later. Mixing Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix it until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Now, stir in 1 cup of apple cider and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is just combined. Creaming Butter and Sugar Creaming the butter and sugar is key. This step adds air to your batter. It helps the loaf rise and stay fluffy. Adding Eggs and Flavorings Adding the eggs one at a time is important. This keeps the mixture smooth. The apple cider gives the loaf its rich flavor. Incorporating Dry and Wet Mixtures Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a gentle hand to avoid overmixing. Once mixed, fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples. This adds a lovely texture. Pouring Batter into the Pan Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps it bake evenly. Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Topping In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. Baking Time and Doneness Bake your loaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! The top should be golden brown. You can find the full recipe for the Moist Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake in the recipe section. Enjoy! - Ensuring Moisture and Texture: Use fresh apple cider for the best taste. It adds flavor and moisture. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. This step helps keep your loaf light and airy. - Recommended Baking Time and Temperature: Bake your loaf at 350°F (175°C). Check it around 50 minutes. Your loaf should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean. - How to Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your loaf is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and test again. - Choosing the Best Apples for Flavor: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They balance sweetness and flavor in your cake. - Organic vs. Conventional Apples: Organic apples have fewer pesticides. They often taste better too. If you can, choose organic for your baking. - Serving Suggestions: Slice your loaf and serve warm. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. - Garnish Ideas: Dust the top with powdered sugar. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. You can also top it with warm apple slices for a delightful touch. {{image_2}} You can make this moist apple cider doughnut loaf cake even more fun. - Adding Nuts or Dried Fruits: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also try raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet twist. Just fold them in gently when mixing the batter. - Incorporating Other Spices: If you love spice, add some ginger or allspice. A dash of cardamom can give it a warm flavor. Experiment and see what you like best. Some folks have different diets. Here are some easy swaps. - Gluten-Free Alternatives: Use gluten-free flour blends instead of regular flour. They work great in this recipe. Just make sure the blend has xanthan gum for the right texture. - Vegan Substitutions: To make it vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Instead of eggs, use flax eggs or applesauce. These changes keep the cake moist and tasty. This loaf cake is great for many occasions. - Pairing with Beverages: A hot cup of cider or coffee goes well with this cake. You can also serve it with herbal tea for a cozy treat. - Perfect Occasions for Serving: This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, brunch, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. It adds a warm touch to any table. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for all the steps to make this delightful cake! You can store your loaf cake in two ways: at room temperature or in the fridge. If you plan to eat it within two days, keep it at room temp. Just wrap it in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and moist. If you want to save it longer, put it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid drying out. The cold air in the fridge can make cakes lose moisture. To freeze the loaf, first, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection. This way, it won’t get freezer burn. For best results, eat it within three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. If you want to eat it warm, just pop it in the oven for a few minutes. This moist apple cider doughnut loaf cake lasts about three days at room temperature. In the fridge, it stays good for about a week. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. Enjoy your delicious cake while it’s fresh for the best taste! You can find the full recipe above. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make this loaf cake ahead of time. It tastes great after a day or two. Just store it in an airtight container. What should I do if my doughnut loaf is too dry? If your loaf is dry, try adding a bit more apple cider. You can also brush it with melted butter. This helps add moisture back into the cake. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? Apple juice can work, but it lacks the rich flavor of apple cider. If you use juice, consider adding a splash of vinegar for tang. How do I adapt baking recipes for high altitudes? At high altitudes, reduce sugar by one to two tablespoons. Increase flour by one to two tablespoons. You might also need to bake longer. What is the best way to prevent cakes from sticking to the pan? Greasing the pan well with butter or cooking spray helps. Line the bottom with parchment paper, too. This makes for easy removal. What can I use instead of butter? You can use vegetable oil or applesauce as a butter substitute. Both will keep your loaf moist and tasty. Is there a substitute for eggs in baking? Yes, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. This works well to bind your ingredients together. This blog covered all aspects of making a moist apple cider doughnut loaf. You learned about the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for success. I shared variations and ways to store leftovers, ensuring your cake stays fresh. Baking is both an art and a science, so follow these tips closely. Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family. You now have the tools to bake a delicious loaf full of flavor. Happy baking!

Moist Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this moist Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake! Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this delicious recipe blends the richness of apple cider and diced apples for a delightful treat. Easy to make, it's perfect for gathering around with loved ones or enjoying a cozy afternoon. Ready to bake something special? Click through to discover the full recipe and impress everyone with your baking skills!

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup apple cider

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

        Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until just combined.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

            Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula until evenly distributed in the batter.

              Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

                In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

                    Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8-10 slices

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the loaf cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top and a side of warm apple slices or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!