Description
A budget-friendly, single-bowl loaf cake that tastes like fall. This easy recipe uses apple cider for flavor and is coated in cinnamon sugar for a doughnut-like experience without the frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Optional: Simmer 1 cup of apple cider in a small saucepan for 5-10 minutes until reduced to 1/2 cup. Let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the apple cider until combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 10 minutes.
- While the loaf is still warm, brush the top with melted butter (if using).
- Mix the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the buttered top and press gently to adhere.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf. Ensure baking powder is fresh for proper rising. Coat the loaf while it is warm, not hot, to prevent the sugar from dissolving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple cider, loaf cake, doughnut loaf, fall recipe, budget baking, cinnamon sugar, easy breakfast, one bowl recipe