Applesauce Crumb Loaf Cake with Apple Cider

This moist and flavorful applesauce crumb cake made with apple cider and a buttery cinnamon topping is the ultimate cozy treat. A must-try fall-inspired dessert!

Nothing says cozy comfort like a warm slice of applesauce crumb cake. This recipe blends the rich moisture of applesauce, the seasonal tang of apple cider, and a thick, buttery cinnamon crumb topping. It’s the kind of cake that makes your home smell like autumn and invites everyone to the table.

Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together, brunch, or just want something sweet with your afternoon tea, this applesauce crumb cake hits the mark. And the best part? You don’t need a mixer or fancy equipment, just a bowl, a whisk, and a craving for something delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Crumb Cake

This isn’t just another loaf cake, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to all year long. Here’s why:

• Incredible Moisture: Applesauce and apple cider keep the crumb soft and tender.
• Big Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and apple cider give this cake a warm spice that’s perfect for cooler months.
• That Crumb Topping: A thick, buttery cinnamon-sugar crumb topping adds the perfect texture contrast.
• Easy to Make: No mixer required and minimal prep time.
• Versatile Treat: Serve it with coffee in the morning or drizzle on glaze for a dessert-worthy finish.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup applesauce, room temperature
• ¼ cup apple cider, room temperature
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ginger

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Optional Vanilla Glaze:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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How to Make Applesauce Crumb Cake

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to make the cake easier to remove after baking.

2. Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon using a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, applesauce, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

4. Add Spices & Flavor

Mix in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to infuse the batter with warm spice.

5. Whisk in the Apple Cider

Add the apple cider and whisk until fully incorporated.

6. Add the Eggs

Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully combined before adding the next.

7. Combine the Dry Ingredients

Fold in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

8. Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the top.

9. Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a different size pan, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

10. Cool & Glaze (Optional)

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. If desired, mix the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled cake before slicing.

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Tips for the Best Applesauce Crumb Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a uniform bake.
• Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar it boosts the tang and helps activate the baking soda for a lighter crumb.
• Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

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Why This Applesauce Crumb Cake Belongs on Your Baking List

This applesauce crumb cake is a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and tender. It’s a great way to use pantry staples like applesauce and brings in all the best flavors of fall. You’ll love how the apple cider brightens the flavor without overpowering the cozy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. And that crumb topping? Irresistible.

Whether you’re baking this for a holiday gathering, gifting a loaf to a friend, or slicing it up for breakfast with coffee, this applesauce crumb cake always delivers.

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More Cozy Cakes to Try

If you love this applesauce crumb cake, you might also enjoy:

• Buttermilk Peach Cobbler Cake
• Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• Spiced Banana Loaf with Maple Glaze

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