Description
A tender, moist, and cozy fall dessert that captures the flavor of apple cider doughnuts in a simple one-bowl cake. This recipe uses basic pantry staples and fresh apples for authentic flavor, ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium fresh apple, peeled and diced
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, optionally lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until no clumps remain.
- In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the melted butter, apple cider, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; do not overmix. Lumps are acceptable.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the 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 or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 20 minutes.
- While the cake bakes, make the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider. Add more cider as needed to reach a drizzle-able consistency.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb. Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for best texture. The cake is best eaten within two days and should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. For a stronger cider flavor, reduce the cider in the glaze by simmering it for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: fall dessert, apple cider cake, doughnut cake, easy baking, one bowl recipe, autumn treats, gluten-free option