Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake brings together all the best flavors of fall in one cozy treat. This cake has the delicious taste of apple cider and warm spices, wrapped up in a soft, moist, loaf form with a sweet, cinnamon sugary crust just like your favorite doughnut. It’s like having a doughnut and a cake all rolled into one!
I love making this loaf cake when the weather starts to cool down because it fills the kitchen with a wonderful scent of cinnamon and apples. One tip I have is to use fresh apple cider for the best flavor and to serve it slightly warm — it’s amazing how the spices and cider come alive when the cake is a bit heated up.
This cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially with a cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea. I’ve found that slicing it thick and spreading a little butter on top makes it even more special. It’s the kind of treat that brings smiles during a quiet morning or a casual weekend gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The star of this loaf! It adds moisture and a sweet, tangy flavor. If fresh cider is hard to find, you can use apple juice mixed with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger create that cozy doughnut taste. If you want a simpler version, just use cinnamon and nutmeg. Freshly ground spices give the best aroma.
Butter and Sugar: Butter makes the cake tender, and sugar sweetens it perfectly. You can swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a richer, caramel note which pairs great with apple cider.
Buttermilk: It keeps the cake moist and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating?
The cinnamon sugar crust mimics that classic doughnut feel and adds texture and extra flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Brush the warm but not hot cake with melted butter right after baking. This helps the sugar stick well.
- Roll or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly all around the loaf while the butter is still wet.
- Do this gently so the sugar layer stays intact without damaging the cake’s surface.
- Let the loaf cool completely on a rack after coating to make the sugar coating set nicely.
This step is what gives the cake its charming doughnut-like finish and makes each slice extra special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – I like a standard size because it gives the loaf a nice shape and even baking.
- Mixing bowls – for mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately, making the process easier.
- Whisk or electric mixer – helps you blend the batter smoothly and aerate it for a light texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure all ingredients are precise for the best results.
- Rubber spatula – great for scraping the bowl and spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Pastry brush – to brush the melted butter onto the warm cake for perfect adhesion of the cinnamon sugar.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) sprinkled on top before baking add crunch and richness.
- Swirl in apple chunks or diced dried apples into the batter for even more apple flavor and texture.
- Add a splash of caramel or maple syrup to the batter for extra sweetness and depth.
- Use a nutmeg and ginger blend instead of cloves for a different spicy kick that still complements the apple cider.
Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow another 10 to 15 minutes for cooling and adding the cinnamon sugar coating. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This mix of spices gives the cake its warm, cozy flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps make the cake tender and airy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is well combined before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider and buttermilk.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry ingredients and apple cider mixture alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the loaf soft.
7. Bake the Loaf:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the cake bakes, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow dish.
9. Add the Coating:
When the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully remove it from the pan and brush the entire loaf with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle or roll the cake in cinnamon sugar so it sticks to the butter.
10. Cool and Serve:
Place the coated loaf on a wire rack and let it cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious, warm-spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake!
Can I Use Fresh Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
Yes! If you don’t have apple cider, fresh apple juice works well. For a bit more tang, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the cider’s tartness.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Add Nuts or Fruit to This Loaf?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, and adding small apple chunks or dried fruit can boost the apple flavor. Fold them into the batter just before baking.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bake the loaf a day ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature to maintain freshness. Apply the cinnamon sugar coating right after baking for the best texture.
