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- 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 pure vanilla extract - 1 cup finely diced apples - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping) - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) Choosing the best apples for the recipe When picking apples, go for tart varieties. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great. Their firm texture keeps the apples intact in the cake. The tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar. Importance of fresh apple cider Fresh apple cider adds rich flavor. It makes the loaf moist and gives it a nice sweetness. Store-bought cider can work, but fresh is best for taste. Always check the label for quality. This makes a big difference in your cake. This recipe calls for fresh apple cider and finely diced apples. Each adds texture and flavor, taking your loaf to the next level. For the full recipe, please refer to the earlier section. Enjoy baking! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. - Line the bottom with parchment paper to help with removal. - In a bowl, whisk 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and set aside. - In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add 2 large eggs into the butter mixture one at a time. Mix until each egg is fully combined. - Stir in 1 cup of fresh apple cider and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until blended. Be careful not to over-mix! - Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to mix gently. Ensure no dry flour remains but avoid overworking the batter. - Fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples, being gentle to keep them intact. - Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. - In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter. - Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden brown. - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. You can find the full recipe to explore more details and tips! To get a perfect bake texture, follow these simple steps. First, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). This helps the loaf rise evenly. Use a light hand when mixing. Over-mixing can cause the loaf to be dense. Mix until just combined. To check the doneness of your loaf, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your loaf is ready. The top should be golden brown. If it is browning too fast, cover it with foil for the last part of baking. When serving the loaf cake, presentation matters. Slice it into even pieces. Place them on a nice plate. For an extra touch, dust the top with powdered sugar. You can also pair this loaf with warm caramelized apple slices. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a nice contrast. This makes a delightful treat for any occasion. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavors in your loaf cake easily. Here are some fun ideas: - Incorporating different spices: Try adding ginger or cloves. These spices bring warmth and depth. You can mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of ground cloves for a cozy twist. - Adding nuts or additional fruit: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. You can also toss in dried cranberries or raisins. They give a sweet bite and make each slice more exciting. Making this loaf fit your diet can be simple. Here are a few changes you can try: - Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the loaf soft while catering to gluten-free diets. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better texture. - Vegan adaptations: Replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use a plant-based butter substitute to keep it vegan. These changes help maintain moisture and flavor in the cake. For more details on how to make these changes, check the Full Recipe. To keep your moist apple cider doughnut loaf cake fresh, let it cool fully. Once cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. This helps to keep the moisture in. Store the wrapped loaf in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. For freezing, slice the loaf into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. To thaw, remove a slice from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also heat it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Enjoy your slice warm for the best taste! For the full recipe, visit the recipe section above. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this loaf ahead of time. It stays fresh for several days. Store it in an airtight container. For the best taste, enjoy it within three days. What is the best way to slice the loaf? To slice the loaf, use a sharp bread knife. Make sure it’s cooled first. Slice gently and evenly for nice pieces. This helps keep the loaf intact. Can I substitute the apple cider with another liquid? You can use apple juice as a substitute for apple cider. It will change the flavor slightly but still tastes great. You can also use water or milk, but cider gives the best flavor. My loaf didn’t rise—what went wrong? If your loaf didn’t rise, check the leavening agents. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid over-mixing the batter. Why is my cake too dense? A dense cake could mean you overmixed the batter. Mixing too long can develop gluten. Make sure to fold gently when combining ingredients. How do I know when it’s done baking? To check if your loaf is done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. The top should also be golden brown. In this article, I shared a simple apple cider loaf recipe. We discussed key ingredients like fresh apples and apple cider. I provided step-by-step instructions and baking tips to ensure success. I also highlighted variations and storage methods for your leftovers. Remember, baking is all about practice and joy. With these tips, you can create a tasty treat that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking journey!

Moist Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Moist Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake! This easy recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon, fresh apple cider, and tender apples for a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Bake this scrumptious loaf in just over an hour and impress your guests with its deliciously sweet crust. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love!
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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 to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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

1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions
 

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

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.

      In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender loaf.

        Incorporate the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, gently stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until just blended — being careful not to over-mix at this stage.

          Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Ensure there are no dry flour pockets but avoid overworking the batter to keep the loaf light.

            Carefully fold in the diced apples using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them apart too much.

              Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.

                In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter, creating a delightful sugary crust as it bakes.

                  Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top of the cake is a golden brown.

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

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

                        - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful finish, serve the loaf cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Add a side of warm, caramelized apple slices or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence!