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Bakery-Style Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake

Tender, ultra-moist spiced loaf cake infused with concentrated reduced apple cider, warm cinnamon, and fresh nutmeg, coated in a crunchy butter-brushed cinnamon sugar crust.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Desserts
Cuisine: American, Autumn Bakes
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Loaf Cake Batter
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider (simmered and reduced to 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted European butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup whole buttermilk (or Greek yogurt)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
  • 4 tbsp unsalted European butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Method
 

Baking Steps
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer 2 cups fresh apple cider for 15-20 minutes until reduced to exactly 1/2 cup of intense amber concentrate. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper with an overhang for effortless removal.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until blended. Whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, cooled reduced cider, and buttermilk.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients with a rubber spatula just until combined without overmixing. Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
  6. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  7. While cake is still warm, generously brush melted butter over all sides and top, then thoroughly dredge in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Slice thick and enjoy!