Full of autumn essence, this Apple Cider Donut Pound Cake Loaf is incredibly moist and flavorful, combining the taste of apple cider donuts with the dense texture of an apple pound cake loaf. The addition of a sweet caramel topping perfectly completes this delightful fall dessert, making it a must-have for the season.
Yay for apple picking season! Get ready to bake up a storm with all those delicious apples. Homemade apple desserts are simply the best, right? Let’s dive into the world of fall treats and enjoy every sweet bite!
Things You’re Going to Need
- Butter – Ensure it is at room temperature for a moist and tender outcome
- Shortening – Added to promote a higher rise, help the cake maintain its shape, and create a softer and lighter texture
- Unsweetened applesauce – Included for increased apple flavor and a more moist cake. Cinnamon applesauce can also be used for a richer, spicier taste
- Sugar – Functions as a sweetening agent
- Eggs – Provide the cake with its structure. Ensure they are at room temperature for easier integration with other ingredients
- Vanilla extract & salt – Enhance the overall flavors
- Unbleached flour – Forms the cake’s structure and yields a soft, delicate crumb akin to an apple cider donut
- Baking powder – Serves as the leavening agent
- Warming spices such as cinnamon & nutmeg – Introduce a fall flavor profile that complements apple cider
- Apple cider – Opt for apple cider over apple juice for a richer flavor and a fluffier texture
- Caramel topping – While optional, it provides the perfect finishing touch to this apple cider donut cake
Variations
- You can enhance the apple cake’s texture by incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element.
- To intensify the cinnamon flavor, consider swapping the unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon applesauce.
- Instead of the caramel glaze, opt for a chocolate drizzle or an apple cider glaze. To make the apple cider glaze, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, ¼ cup of apple cider, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- For a more pungent taste, substitute apple pie spice for cinnamon and nutmeg, which includes allspice, ginger, cardamom, as well as cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your preference.
- To prepare a gluten-free version of this apple cider cake, replace the unbleached flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour containing xanthan gum.
Step by Step
- Start by creaming the butter and shortening together.
- Next, incorporate the applesauce and continue to mix.
- Continue mixing while gradually adding the sugar.
- Beat the mixture until it becomes lighter in color and fluffy to help aerate the batter.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until the yellow color disappears.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with apple cider. Mix until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to a drier cake.
- Transfer the mixture into the pan and place it in the oven to bake.
- Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it over onto a wire rack.
- It’s time for the enjoyable part! Position a cookie sheet covered with wax paper beneath the cake. Proceed to pour caramel all over the top. Doesn’t that make you crave it?
Indulge in the incredible moistness of this apple cider donut cake, crafted with authentic apple cider and applesauce. The cake practically dissolves in your mouth, enhanced by the decadent caramel glaze that, along with the fresh apple flavor, evokes memories of caramel apples.
Apple Cider Pound Cake is truly an ideal autumn or winter delight! The aroma of baking apples filling a cozy kitchen perfectly complements cool fall days. Savor the experience!
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Apple Cider Donut Pound Cake Loaf
Full of autumn essence, this Apple Cider Donut Pound Cake Loaf is incredibly moist and flavorful, combining the taste of apple cider donuts with the dense texture of an apple pound cake loaf. The addition of a sweet caramel topping perfectly completes this delightful fall dessert, making it a must-have for the season.
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Yield: 9 1x
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 eggs room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup apple cider
1/2 cup Caramel topping you can make your own or use a jarred variety
Instructions
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Start by preheating the oven to 325 degrees. Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it, lining the bottom with parchment paper, and spraying it with nonstick spray.
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Cream together the butter and shortening.
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While continuing to mix, add the applesauce, then gradually mix in the sugar a little at a time. Mix at medium-high speed for 5 minutes to help aerate the batter and create a lighter pound cake.
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Add the eggs one at a time until the yellow just disappears, then add the vanilla. Be careful not to overmix!
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and spices. Add this mixture alternately with the cider to the batter, beating until just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1-½ hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack.
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While the cake is still warm, drizzle caramel topping over the top and down the sides. To minimize mess, place a wire rack over a cookie sheet to catch any excess drippings.
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Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack. Store it loosely wrapped in aluminum foil at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake tightly covered for up to 3 months.
Notes
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- First and foremost, opt for apple cider over apple juice for a more robust flavor that will evoke memories of those delightful cinnamon-coated cider donuts from the apple orchard.
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- Ensure thorough greasing and flouring of the loaf pan to facilitate easy removal once the cake has cooled.
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- To achieve a moist and tender cake, avoid overmixing the ingredients and mix only until just combined.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
Speaking of delicious autumn flavors, you might be interested in exploring the rich history of apple cider, which has been a beloved beverage for centuries. If you’re curious about enhancing your baking skills, learning about the pound cake tradition can provide great insights into this classic dessert. And for those who enjoy seasonal festivities, don’t miss out on the significance of harvest festivals, where you can find a variety of delicious apple-based treats and celebrate the fall season to its fullest!
