Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Loaf:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Enjoy!
Tips:
- For a more intense apple flavor, use a mixture of fresh grated apple and apple cider.
- If you don’t have apple cider, you can substitute with apple juice.
- To make mini loaves, divide the batter between two smaller loaf pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- For a fun twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
This moist and flavorful loaf cake is perfect for a cozy fall day. Serve it with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate autumn treat.