As the leaves start to turn and that crisp air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the smell of baking to bring warmth to your home. My Apple Cider Donut Loaf for Fall Baking is my go-to recipe when I want to embrace the cozy vibes of this beautiful season.
I remember making this loaf with my grandmother, who would always say that the secret ingredient was love (and maybe a little extra cinnamon!).
This loaf is a delightful blend of sweet apple cider and warm spices, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cider or coffee. Trust me, it’s like a hug in every slice!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup apple cider
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare the Apple Cider Donut Loaf for Fall Baking
Getting ready to whip up this delightful loaf is super simple, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas! So, let’s dive right into the steps to make your Apple Cider Donut Loaf for Fall Baking perfectly moist and flavorful.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that loaf to rise beautifully!
Next, grab a loaf pan and grease it well; you want that loaf to come out easily.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will be your dry mix.
In a separate large bowl, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk until everything is well blended and smooth — it should smell heavenly!
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t worry if there are a few lumps — that’s perfectly okay!
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just keep an eye on it as every oven is a bit different!
Once it’s baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness!
And there you have it! Your kitchen is about to smell like fall, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a slice of this comforting loaf in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Captures the cozy essence of fall in every slice
Deliciously spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
Easy to prepare with minimal fuss
Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo
Moist and flavorful, it pairs wonderfully with your favorite warm beverages
Dusting of powdered sugar adds a delightful finishing touch
Tips for Success
To make your Apple Cider Donut Loaf for Fall Baking truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you want a little extra texture, feel free to mix in some chopped apples or even walnuts for a delightful crunch. If you’re out of apple cider, you can substitute it with apple juice, but trust me, the cider brings that authentic fall flavor!
Be sure not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy — this helps keep the loaf tender. And don’t skip greasing the loaf pan; it’s the key to a clean release! Finally, always check for doneness a few minutes early, as ovens can vary. A toothpick should come out clean, but a few moist crumbs are just fine! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Apple Cider Donut Loaf for Fall Baking fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For a warm, cozy treat, you can slice and gently reheat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Enjoy the comforting aromas all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of my Apple Cider Donut Loaf for Fall Baking. Each slice contains about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 20g of sugar and 150mg of sodium per slice. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence this fall!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum in it for the best texture.
What if I don’t have apple cider? No worries! You can use apple juice as a substitute, but it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor. If you have some apple cider vinegar, you can mix it with water to create a cider-like taste!
Can I add mix-ins to this loaf? Definitely! Chopped apples, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins would be fantastic additions. Just be mindful not to add too much, as it can affect the loaf’s texture.
How can I tell when the loaf is done? The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! If it’s still wet, give it a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I bake this in a different pan? Yes! You can use a round cake pan or even make muffins with this batter. Just adjust the baking time accordingly; muffins will take less time, about 20-25 minutes.
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