Apple Cider Bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This easy-to-make quick bread combines the rich flavor of apple cider with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of fresh apples. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just over an hour, with minimal prep time.
- Flavorful and Moist: Apple cider and fresh apples ensure a moist, flavorful loaf.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, toasted, or with your favorite toppings.
- Perfect for Fall: The warm spices and apple flavors make it ideal for autumn gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to include nuts, raisins, or other mix-ins.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bread. For a healthier option, you can use half whole wheat flour.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the apple flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it adds richness and tenderness to the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- Apple cider: The star ingredient, adding a unique, rich flavor.
- Chopped apples: Adds texture and natural sweetness.
When selecting ingredients, opt for fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best flavor. If you’re using apples, choose a variety that holds up well during baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Alternating Ingredients: When adding the dry and wet ingredients, start and end with the dry mixture. This technique helps prevent overmixing and ensures a tender crumb.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is cooled before mixing with the sugar to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
- Baking Time: Check the bread at 55 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.
- Doneness Cues: The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top springs back when lightly touched.
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense, tough texture. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Spiced Up: Increase the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
- Raisin Surprise: Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins for a sweet, chewy texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum.
- Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and vegan butter. Replace the apple cider with a non-dairy milk alternative.
- Cranberry Twist: Swap out the chopped apples for 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries.
- Maple Infusion: Replace 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Treat: Serve warm slices with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
- Afternoon Snack: Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy break.
- Dessert Delight: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Brunch Addition: Slice and serve alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait.
- Presentation Tip: Dust the top with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant finish.
- Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a glass of apple cider or a warm spiced cider for a complete autumn experience.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make-Ahead: The batter can be prepared and refrigerated overnight. Bake as directed the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but apple cider has a richer, more complex flavor that enhances the bread.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to achieve the right texture.
Q: What type of apples should I use?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold up well during baking and add a nice tartness.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Nuts, raisins, or cranberries can be added to customize the bread to your taste.
Q: How can I make the bread vegan?
Use a flax egg, vegan butter, and a non-dairy milk alternative in place of the eggs, butter, and apple cider.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and use two loaf pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: How should I serve the bread for a special occasion?
Slice the bread and arrange it on a platter, then drizzle with a caramel glaze and sprinkle with chopped nuts for an elegant presentation.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Bread is a versatile and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture, rich flavor, and ease of preparation make it a must-try for home bakers. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread is sure to impress.
Give it a try and share your experience on social media. Don’t forget to tag us and let us know how you enjoyed this delightful autumn treat!
Apple Cider Bread
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup chopped apples peeled and diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.