Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, look no further than this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread. This bread is bursting with warm spices and a delightful apple cider sweetness that melds beautifully into each tender slice. The luscious cinnamon sugar topping adds a crisp, sweet finish that will make it your new favorite comfort food to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is sure to bring a cozy, delicious hug to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step to baking this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread. Each one is simple and classic, but comes together to create a bread that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Let’s meet the stars of the show!

• Apple cider: Reduced down to intensify its sweet, tangy essence which infuses the bread with natural apple flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to add rich moisture and a tender crumb to the bread.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness from the cider and adds light sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and a subtle molasses undertone that complements the spices.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together beautifully.
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Introduces tang and extra moisture that keeps the bread soft.
• All-purpose flour: The base ingredient that creates the perfect sturdy yet tender bread texture.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure the bread rises light and fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon: The warming spice star that pairs perfectly with apple.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle nutty depth and earthiness to the flavor.
• Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of fragrance that rounds out the rich flavors.
• Cinnamon sugar topping: Granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon and melted butter to create a delightful crispy crust on top.

How to Make Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring 1 1/2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces down to about 1/2 cup. This concentrates the flavor, making the bread taste wonderfully apple-y and rich. Once reduced, set it aside to cool – this step is key to infusing your bread with loads of fruity goodness without making it soggy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your loaf comes out effortlessly. This simple prep helps your bread bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. This mixture sets the flavorful and moist base for your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread, melding richness and tanginess in one bowl.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the spices and leaveners separately ensures they’re evenly distributed, so every bite has a balanced dose of warmth and lift.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until everything is combined. Resist the urge to overmix – a few lumps are totally fine! Overworking the batter could make the bread tough rather than soft and tender.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is ready! Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the bread is still warm, brush the top generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly across the surface, pressing lightly so it sticks. This final touch creates a lovely, sweet crust that perfectly complements the soft bread beneath.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

One of the joys of Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is how versatile it is with garnishes. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar look beautiful and add an extra touch of freshness. A drizzle of honey or a smear of your favorite nut butter can elevate the experience even further. These simple additions add texture, visual appeal, and flavor contrast that make each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage like chai tea, spiced latte, or house-roasted coffee. For a heartier snack or brunch, serve alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt topped with granola and fresh fruit. The sweetness and spice of the bread complements these sides beautifully, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Slice your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread into thick pieces, toast lightly, and top with cream cheese and a drizzle of apple butter for a festive twist. You can also cut into cubes and serve as a delightful addition to a fall-themed bread pudding or French toast casserole, soaking up sauces and custards brilliantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed preserves moisture, so your bread stays soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the fully cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or gently warm it for a fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth and aroma, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it or the bread can become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of sour cream or Greek yogurt?

While you can substitute milk, the bread might lose some of its moistness and tangy richness. Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the apple cider flavors.

What if I don’t have apple cider on hand?

Apple cider reduction is key to the unique flavor of this bread, but you can experiment with apple juice as a substitute. Reduce it down to intensify the flavor, but keep in mind it may be a bit sweeter and less tangy.

How can I make this bread dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap out butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The texture and flavor will still be delicious, though slightly different.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins would add great texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter right before pouring it into the loaf pan.

Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing can develop too much gluten, making the bread dense and tough instead of tender and soft. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and help keep the texture light.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket of sweetness and spice. It’s perfect for the moments when you want to feel comforted by simple flavors done right. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste it, this will be the treat you reach for again and again!

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