Name: Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoons baking soda; 0.5 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup apple cider; 2 cups peeled and diced apples (e.g. Honeycrisp or Fuji)

You know those recipes that just feel like a warm hug? The ones that fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma, instantly making everything feel cozier? Well, this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is *exactly* that for me. It’s the kind of bread that makes even a regular Tuesday feel like a special occasion. Honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for last-minute get-togethers or just when I’m craving something incredibly comforting. I remember the first time I made it, completely on a whim. I had a little bit of apple cider leftover and a serious need for a sweet fix, and boy, did it deliver! It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and moist that you just can’t get enough of. If you’ve ever loved a good quick bread, like a Banana Bread or a zucchini bread, get ready to meet your new favorite. This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is seriously a game-changer, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

What is Cinnamon Bread?

So, what exactly is this magical loaf we’re talking about? Think of it as the ultimate fall-inspired quick bread, but honestly, it’s delicious year-round. It’s not quite a cake, but it’s definitely sweeter and more decadent than your average loaf of bread. The star of the show is, of course, the apple cider. It’s not just about the flavor, though that’s amazing – it’s also what makes the bread incredibly moist and tender. We’re combining that with the warm, cozy spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, which create this unforgettable aroma when it’s baking. It’s got a lovely crumb, a slightly crisp exterior, and is often finished with a simple, sweet glaze that just ties everything together. It’s essentially a slice of pure comfort, baked into a loaf. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it always makes my kitchen smell like a bakery!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why do I love Apple Cider Cinnamon Breadflavor is just out of this world. The apple cider brings a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly, and the cinnamon and other spices create this wonderfully warm, inviting flavor profile. It’s like autumn in every single bite. Then there’s the simplicity. Seriously, this is a lifesaver on busy days. You mix a few things in one bowl, a few in another, and then bring them together. No fancy techniques, no long waiting times. It’s genuinely beginner-friendly, and I’ve found that even if I’m rushing, it turns out beautifully. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effectiveWhat are some great ways to make apple cider withoutversatility! While it’s incredible on its own, it’s also perfect with a smear of Cream Cheese, a dollop of whipped cream, or even toasted and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert. What I love most about this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread, though, is how it makes people feel. It brings smiles, it sparks conversations, and it just makes everything a little bit brighter. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s for a family breakfast, a potluck, or just a quiet afternoon treat.

How to Make Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread

Quick Overview

Making this delicious Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll be mixing your dry ingredients, then your wet ingredients, and combining them into a luscious batter. A simple cinnamon-sugar filling gets swirled in for extra flavor and texture, and then it’s off to the oven for about an hour. Once cooled, a sweet glaze finishes it off. It’s a process that takes maybe 20 minutes of active time, making it perfect for those days when you want homemade goodness without all the fuss. The result? A tender, aromatic, and utterly delicious loaf of Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (I like to use a good quality unbleached flour for best results)

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda (Make sure it’s fresh! Old baking soda is no fun and won’t give you the lift you need)

½ teaspoon salt (Just a touch to balance all the sweetness)

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but I think it adds a lovely depth)

1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor)

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (You can use salted if that’s all you have, just adjust the salt in the recipe a bit)

2 large eggs, at room temperature (Room temperature eggs incorporate better)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract makes a difference!)

1 ½ cups good quality apple cider (not apple juice – you want that slightly tangy cider flavor!)

For the Filling:

⅓ cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons apple cider (start with 2, add more for a thinner glaze)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but lovely)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is super important for even baking. While the oven is warming up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to grease it really well with butter or cooking spray, and then I dust it lightly with flour. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides – this makes it a breeze to lift the bread out later. This prep step is key to making sure your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread doesn’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if you’re using them). Giving these dry ingredients a good whisk ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This little step prevents those dreaded pockets of baking soda or clumps of spice in your finished loaf. You want that uniform flavor and texture in every single slice!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a couple of minutes with an electric mixer, or a bit longer if you’re doing it by hand (which is a great arm workout, by the way!). Then, beat in your eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This combination forms the rich, moist base of our Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread.

Step 4: Combine

Now, it’s time to bring those wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients. So, add about a third of the dry mixture, mix until just combined, then add half of the apple cider, mix, another third of the dry, mix, the remaining apple cider, mix, and finally the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix *just* until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make your bread tough, so be gentle here! A few little lumps are totally okay. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating that perfect batter for our Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for the filling. You want to combine these until they look like coarse crumbs. This simple mixture is what gives your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread that incredible spiced layer throughout. It’s so easy, but it makes a huge difference in flavor and visual appeal!

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Pour about half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle about half of the cinnamon-sugar filling mixture over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it gently. Sprinkle the rest of the filling mixture over the top layer of batter. Now, here’s the fun part: grab a butter knife or a skewer and gently swirl the filling into the batter. Don’t go too deep or overdo it, you just want to create those pretty ribbons of cinnamon throughout. This step is what makes your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread look as good as it tastes!

Step 7: Bake

Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens can be a bit quirky, so start checking around the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during this time is pure bliss – a sure sign that your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is almost ready!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set up properly. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s really important to let it cool completely before glazing, otherwise, the glaze will just melt off. While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider, and vanilla extract (if using) for the glaze. Add more cider, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Once the bread is fully cool, generously drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, it’s time to slice into your beautiful Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread! A sharp serrated knife works best for clean cuts. Serve warm or at room temperature. It’s wonderful on its own, but I also love it with a cup of coffee or tea. The texture is so tender, and the flavors are just perfect. Enjoy every delicious bite!

What to Serve It With

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is so versatile, it’s practically a culinary chameleon! For a simple, cozy breakfast, it’s fantastic on its own with a steaming mug of your favorite coffee or a crisp cup of tea. I sometimes toast a slice and add a tiny bit of butter – pure heaven. If you’re planning a lovely brunch, this bread adds a touch of elegance. Serve it on a nice platter with some fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. It pairs wonderfully with a mimosa or a warm spiced cider. For an easy yet impressive dessert, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla bean Ice Cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce is also divine! And for those moments when you just need a comforting snack, this bread is your best friend. Grab a slice (or two!) with a glass of cold milk. My kids always ask for seconds when it’s snack time and this is on the counter. It’s just that good!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread

After making this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really elevate it. For the apple cider, don’t skimp on quality. Using a good, unfiltered apple cider (the kind that’s a little cloudy and has a robust flavor) makes a noticeable difference compared to a thin, watery apple juice. Trust me on this one! When it comes to mixing the batter, the biggest tip I can give you is to avoid overmixing. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix *just* until the flour disappears. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and actually preferable to a tough loaf. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a dense, chewy texture. For the swirl, don’t be afraid to get a little creative! You can make straight lines, zig-zags, or even just random swirls. The goal is to distribute that delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture, not to create a perfect pattern – rustic charm is what we’re after here! If you’re looking for ingredient swaps, I’ve tested this with whole wheat flour, substituting about half of the all-purpose flour, and it turned out quite nicely, though a bit denser. For the sugar, you can use all brown sugar if you prefer a deeper, molasses-like flavor, but it might make the bread a touch more moist. When it comes to baking, make sure your oven is accurately preheated. Using an oven thermometer is a lifesaver if you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy. If you find your loaves tend to get too dark on top before the center is cooked, don’t hesitate to loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. And for the glaze, consistency is key. It should be thick enough to drizzle but not so thin that it runs off the bread. If it’s too thick, add apple cider a teaspoon at a time; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is how well it keeps. For room temperature storage, once it’s completely cooled (and the glaze is set!), wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays wonderfully moist and flavorful for about 2-3 days. This is my preferred method for enjoying it fresh. If you need it to last a bit longer, refrigerator storage is your friend. Wrap it well, just like you would for room temperature, and it should be good for up to 5 days. The texture might firm up a little in the fridge, but it will still be delicious. For freezer instructions, this bread freezes like a dream! Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight at room temperature. For a lovely warm slice, you can reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. For glaze timing, I always recommend glazing after the bread has cooled completely, especially if you plan to store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you’re freezing it, you can either glaze it before freezing (the glaze will hold up fine) or glaze it after thawing and reheating for the freshest finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you absolutely can! To make this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread gluten-free, I recommend using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You’ll likely need to use about the same amount as the recipe calls for, but the texture might be slightly different – sometimes a bit more dense or crumbly. It’s always a good idea to weigh your gluten-free flour for accuracy. You might find that adding an extra tablespoon or two of apple cider can help keep it moist. Bake times might also vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Actually, this recipe doesn’t use zucchini! It’s an Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread. If you were thinking of another recipe and perhaps mixed them up, for most zucchini breads, peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds a bit more fiber and color to the bread, but if you prefer a smoother texture and lighter appearance, you can certainly peel it. For this apple cider bread, we’re focusing on the delicious flavors of apple and cinnamon, so no peeling is involved in any way!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Oh, absolutely! This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread batter transforms beautifully into muffins. Simply fill your prepared muffin liners about two-thirds full. You’ll want to adjust the baking time significantly, though. Start checking for doneness around 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. You can even swirl a little of the cinnamon filling into the muffin batter before baking, just like in the loaf. They make for fantastic grab-and-go treats!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can try reducing the granulated sugar in the main batter to ¾ cup. For the filling, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly as well. You can also opt for a less sweet apple cider, though be mindful that it might slightly alter the moisture content. If you want a sweeter finish without adding more sugar to the batter, you can simply skip the glaze or use a lighter drizzle. The cinnamon flavors will still shine through!

What can I use instead of the glaze?

The glaze is delicious, but definitely not essential! If you prefer not to make or use a glaze, you have a few other lovely options. You can simply dust the cooled bread with a bit of powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve for a delicate finish. Another popular choice is to make a streusel topping – mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of melted butter until crumbly, then sprinkle it over the batter before baking. Or, for a really simple approach, just serve the bread plain; it’s still incredibly flavorful on its own!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolute favorite Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread Recipe! I really hope you give this one a try. It’s so much more than just a quick bread; it’s a little piece of comfort that you can create right in your own kitchen. The way it smells while baking, the tender crumb, that perfectly spiced flavor… it’s truly something special. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple, the one you reach for again and again when you need a little sweetness or a lot of comfort. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipes for Spiced Pear Crumble or my Classic Apple Pie. They both capture that wonderful fall-inspired magic! I can’t wait to hear how your Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think, or share your own favorite variations. Happy baking!