Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf You’ll Love to Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is a warm, cozy loaf perfect for crisp fall mornings or an afternoon treat. Its tender crumb and spiced aroma make it a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season.

A sliced loaf cake with a golden brown outer crust and a soft, light beige inside is placed on a white plate with black floral designs. The top of the cake is coated with a layer of sparkling white sugar crystals, adding texture and shine. The cake is cut into thick, even slices with ridged tops, showing the moist crumb inside. The cake and plate are sitting on a wooden surface, with blurred background objects including yellow fruits and other items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider (for reducing)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly.
  9. Step 9: While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered surface. Press lightly to help it stick.

Tips & Variations

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
  • If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugars by 2 tablespoons each.
  • Add chopped nuts or diced apples to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the reduced cider is completely cool before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave until just heated through.

How to Serve

A golden-brown cake with a soft, bumpy texture on top sits on a white plate with a dark floral pattern around the edge, resting on a white marbled surface. The cake has multiple rounded sections forming neat rows, each with a slightly crisp, caramelized edge dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The lighting softly highlights the moist, tender crumb inside while the outside is darker and textured, creating a warm and inviting look. In the background, blurred red apples and green plants can be seen, adding a cozy home setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cider for this bread?

Yes, you can use pear cider or even a non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider if you prefer. Just be sure to reduce it down as directed for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and works well in this recipe to keep the bread moist and tender.

Print
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Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf You’ll Love to Bake Recipe


  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 1012 slices) 1x

Description

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is a delightful fall treat featuring a moist, tender crumb infused with warm spices and the sweet tang of reduced apple cider. Topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust, this cozy loaf is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert during the cooler months.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread

  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider (for reducing)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apple cider until it has reduced to about 1/2 cup. This concentrates the flavor and sweetness. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  5. Combine Batter: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the bread dense.
  6. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
  7. Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before adding the topping.
  8. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the bread is still warm, brush the top with the melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered surface. Press lightly to help the topping adhere.

Notes

  • Ensure the apple cider reduction cools completely to prevent curdling the eggs when mixed.
  • Use sour cream or Greek yogurt interchangeably based on preference for moisture and tang.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a festive twist, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
  • This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider bread, cinnamon bread, fall baking, spiced bread, homemade loaf, cozy bread recipe

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