Apple Cider Donut Loaf

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup apple cider - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping) When it comes to making this loaf, precise measurements are key. I always use a kitchen scale for flour, as it gives more accuracy. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can swap unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you want to cut sugar, reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter cup. You can also use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, but remember to reduce the liquid by a few tablespoons. Choosing the right apples makes a big difference. Look for firm apples that feel heavy for their size. Varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well for their sweetness and flavor. When picking cider, go for fresh, unfiltered apple cider if you can. Avoid cider with preservatives, as they can affect the taste. Fresh cider enhances the loaf’s flavor and gives it a delightful aroma. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup apple cider - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping) Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine these well and set the bowl aside. In a large bowl, blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. This mix should be smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually pour in the apple cider and mix until everything is combined. Now, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; this can make the loaf dense. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your loaf is ready. To check if your loaf is done, look for a few signs: - The edges should pull away from the pan. - The top should be golden brown. - A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Always keep an eye on the time. Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, rich smell! Baking can be tricky. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the loaf can become tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Another mistake is not greasing the pan well. The loaf may stick if you skip this step. Always use a good amount of butter or cooking spray. Start by whisking the dry ingredients. This helps to blend the flour, baking powder, and spices evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the sugars and melted butter. This creates a nice base. Add the eggs one at a time and blend well. Pour in the apple cider slowly while stirring. Remember to combine gently when you add the dry mix. This keeps your loaf light and airy. To get a soft and moist loaf, use fresh apple cider. The flavor will be deeper and more vibrant. Also, make sure your butter is melted but not hot. Hot butter can cook the eggs. Lastly, let the loaf cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring it. This gives it time to set and helps keep its shape. {{image_2}} You can enjoy a gluten-free version of this loaf. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a good mix of starches and proteins. This blend helps give the loaf structure. The baking powder and baking soda remain the same. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly for the right texture. Mix-ins can take your loaf to the next level. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and flavor. Chocolate chips are another great choice. They melt and create gooey pockets of joy. Dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, bring sweetness and chew. Just fold in about half a cup of your chosen mix-ins to the batter. To elevate flavors, try adding spices. A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can add warmth. You can also experiment with extracts. Almond or maple extract can enhance the apple flavor. Just a teaspoon will do. These small changes can make a big impact, turning a good loaf into a great one. Store your Apple Cider Donut Loaf in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. This will keep the loaf fresh for several days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first. To freeze your loaf, first let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If stored properly, your Apple Cider Donut Loaf can last about 4 to 5 days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. If frozen, enjoy it within three months for the best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can enjoy Apple Cider Donut Loaf in many ways. Here are some ideas: - Serve it warm with a cream cheese glaze. - Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. - Enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee or tea. - Top it with applesauce for a fruity twist. - Add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. These options boost flavor and make each bite special. Yes, you can use fresh apples, but it changes the taste. If you want to use apples, follow these steps: - Peel and core two large apples. - Chop them into small pieces. - Cook them in a pot with a little water until soft. - Blend the cooked apples to make a smooth puree. This will give you a fresh apple flavor, but it won’t be as sweet or tangy. To keep your loaf light and fluffy, follow these tips: - Make sure to measure your flour correctly; too much can cause density. - Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined. - Ensure your baking powder is fresh; old leavening agents can affect rise. - Allow the loaf to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it. These steps help create a soft and airy loaf every time. You learned how to make a delicious Apple Cider Donut Loaf. We covered the key ingredients, tips for choosing apples, and step-by-step baking instructions. I shared common mistakes to avoid, ways to mix ingredients properly, and how to store your loaf. Incorporating variations can spice up your recipe. Keep these tips in mind for a tasty treat. Enjoy it fresh, and don’t forget to share your loaf with friends or family!$

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cider Donut Loaf! This easy recipe combines the sweetness of apple cider, warm spices, and a crispy cinnamon-sugar topping for a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. In just over an hour, you can create a moist and flavorful loaf that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Click through to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup apple cider

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

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

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until well blended.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the apple cider into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix generously over the batter.

Bake in the oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

- Presentation Tips: Slice the loaf and serve it warm with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze (mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of apple cider) on top, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.