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!
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crumb Topping – In a bowl, mix melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, applesauce, vinegar, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add Flavor – Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Incorporate the Apple Cider – Whisk in the apple cider until combined.
- Add the Eggs – Mix in one egg at a time until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and baking powder until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Assemble the Loaf – Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
- Bake – Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a smaller loaf pan, baking time may need to be adjusted.
- Cool & Serve – Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze – Mix melted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before slicing.