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Cozy Apple Cider Donut Loaf Cake with Easy Brown Butter Maple Glaze

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A warm and comforting apple cider donut loaf cake with a rich brown butter maple glaze, perfect for cozy fall gatherings and quick baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, preferably fresh or unfiltered, simmered down to reduce by half
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened for batter
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter for browning (glaze)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half (about 15 minutes). Stir occasionally. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Fold in the cooled reduced apple cider gently.
  8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 50 minutes.
  10. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the glaze, melt 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it foams, turns golden, and smells nutty (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in ⅓ cup (80 ml) maple syrup. Let cool slightly.
  12. Drizzle the warm brown butter maple glaze evenly over the cooled loaf. Let set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Simmering the apple cider concentrates flavor and prevents a wet batter. Use softened butter, not melted, for creaming with sugars to trap air and ensure a tender crumb. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent toughness. Watch the brown butter closely to avoid burning; the nutty aroma is a good indicator. Cool the loaf completely before glazing to keep the glaze stable and glossy.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider, donut loaf cake, brown butter maple glaze, fall dessert, cozy cake, easy loaf cake, autumn baking

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/cozy-apple-cider-donut-loaf-cake-easy-brown-butter-maple-glaze-recipe/