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Cinnamon Apple Cider Loaf

PREP TIME 21 minutes
COOK TIME 45 minutes
TOTAL TIME 1 hour 6 minutes
servings12 slices
Whether you’re using sparkling or regular apple cider, it’s super easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Cinnamon Apple Cider Loaf
Ingredients

For the loaf

  • cup (75g) salted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200g) white granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (or any neutral flavored oil)
  • 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder (do not use baking soda/bicarbonate of soda)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (add ½ teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (120ml) sparkling apple cider (see note 1)

For the glaze

  • 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 3 - 4 teaspoons (15 - 20 ml) sparkling apple cider or water
Instructions
  • Grease and line a 8.5 x 4.5 inch (21 x 11cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. Ensure it hangs over the sides of the tin for easy removal after baking. (See note 2)
  • Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat to 356° F / 180° C (160° C fan)
  • Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and white granulated sugar until just combined, then mix in the vegetable oil.
  • Continue beating until the mixture is light and pale in color, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  • Add the one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined before adding the next.
  • Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon and salt.
  • Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sparkling apple cider. Start and end with the flour, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  • Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake is getting too dark during baking, you can tent it with foil without letting it touch the surface of the loaf.
  • Cool the loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the glaze

  • Once the loaf is cool, mix together the powdered (icing) sugar and sparkling apple cider or water in a small bowl until smooth. For a thicker glaze, use less sparkling apple cider or water For a thinner glaze, add more.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes

   1.  Apple cider 

 
  • Why Sparkling Apple Cider Works Best: It’s important to use sparkling apple cider in this recipe because, without the carbonation, the loaf will be denser and may not rise as well. If you have regular cider, you can make your own sparkling version by adding sparkling water (2 -3 tablespoons) to your ½ cup of regular apple cider
 
  • Avoid Using Apple Juice Don’t use apple juice mixed with sparkling water in this recipe because you need the cider for its flavor and acidity to achieve the correct taste and texture in the loaf.
 
  • Don’t Use Apple Cider Vinegar Avoid using apple cider vinegar, as its strong, tangy flavor can alter the loaf's taste. It’s much more acidic than apple cider, which may result in a denser texture and affect the rise of the loaf. It also lacks the sweetness and natural sugars found in cider, which will lead to an undesirable sour flavor instead of the warm, sweet flavor you want.
 
  • Check for Alcohol You can find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic apple cider depending on where you are. Any type can be used in this recipe, but be sure to check the label if you’re serving it to children or people who do not consume alcohol.

2. Loaf pan size

 
  • I used an 8.5 x 4.5 inch (21 x 11 cm) loaf pan for this recipe.
 
  • If you choose to use a larger pan, like a 9 x 5 inch (23 x 13 cm) pan, your loaf may come out a bit shorter and bake faster. Be sure to keep an eye on it and start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
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