Delightful Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread: Your Perfect Fall Baking Companion
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home, especially when those scents evoke the cozy essence of autumn. This recipe for Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread is more than just a treat for your taste buds; it’s an experience that transforms your kitchen into a warm, inviting haven. Imagine walking into a house filled with the sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon and baked apples, perfectly complemented by the rich, fruity aroma of apple cider. This bread delivers exactly that, making it an absolute must-bake as the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp.
What makes this particular recipe stand out? It’s a harmonious blend of simplicity and incredible flavor. I’ve perfected it over many seasons, and it consistently yields two wonderfully moist and tender loaves. While I often opt for readily available store-bought apple cider, which works beautifully and is incredibly convenient, I do dream of one day trying it with my own homemade cider. But truly, don’t let the thought of homemade cider deter you; the affordable store-bought variety ensures a delicious result every time. For those adventurous bakers, you might even consider experimenting with apple juice, though that’s a culinary journey I’ve yet to embark upon myself.
Why Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread is a Fall Must-Have
This Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread isn’t just another quick bread; it’s an emblem of fall baking. The generous 2 full cups of apple cider, combined with 2 cups of fresh, chopped apples, infuse each slice with a profound apple flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating. The cinnamon provides that classic autumnal spice, creating a bread that’s moist, tender, and bursting with seasonal goodness. It’s the kind of bread that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy a slice with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
The recipe is designed to yield two full-sized loaves, making it perfect for sharing with neighbors, friends, or family, or for keeping one loaf for immediate enjoyment and freezing the other for a future craving. As you can see in the image, I’ve adorned one of my loaves with a sprinkle of walnuts. These add a delightful crunch and nutty depth, but if you’re not a fan of nuts or simply don’t have any on hand, feel free to omit them. The bread is so flavorful on its own that it truly doesn’t need them to be utterly delicious.
Simple Adjustments: Halving the Recipe and Essential Baking Tips
One of the beauties of this Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread recipe is its flexibility. If you find yourself with fewer mouths to feed or simply don’t need two loaves, the recipe is remarkably easy to halve. This means you can still enjoy a fresh, warm loaf without being overwhelmed by leftovers. For those tricky measurements, like halving an egg, a simple trick is to crack it into a small cup, whisk it, and then measure out two tablespoons. It’s a handy tip that ensures your proportions remain perfect for a single loaf.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for the Best Flavor
The foundation of any great bread lies in its ingredients. For this Apple Cider Bread, selecting the right components is key to achieving its signature moistness and rich apple flavor.
- Flour: The recipe calls for all-purpose flour. For best results, I always recommend weighing your flour. The original recipe specifies 18 oz (500 grams) for 4 cups, which means each cup is approximately 4.5 oz. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, make sure to fluff and aerate your flour before gently spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents over-packing, which can lead to a dense, dry bread. For added complexity and fiber, I’ve found that using a mix of 2 cups whole wheat flour and 2 cups all-purpose flour also works exceptionally well, adding a pleasant nuttiness without sacrificing tenderness.
- Apple Cider: The quality of your apple cider significantly impacts the flavor of the bread. Opt for a good quality, unfiltered apple cider if possible. While homemade cider offers an unparalleled depth, a good store-bought brand will still deliver fantastic results. Avoid “apple drink” or highly diluted versions, as they won’t provide the robust apple flavor needed.
- Apples: Choose firm, flavorful apples that hold their shape well when baked. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices. Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture in the finished bread, but if you prefer a rustic touch, you can leave the peels on thinner-skinned varieties.
- Butter and Sugar: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the granulated sugar. This process incorporates air into the batter, contributing to a light and fluffy texture.
- Spices: Cinnamon is the star here, bringing warmth and classic autumnal notes. Don’t skimp on it, as it truly complements the apple and cider flavors.
Expert Tips for Baking Perfection
Achieving a perfect loaf of Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread is straightforward, especially with these helpful tips:
- Properly Grease and Flour Pans: Don’t rush this step. Thoroughly greasing and flouring your loaf pans ensures easy release and prevents your beautiful bread from sticking. You can also use parchment paper slings for an extra layer of protection.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the bread’s texture.
- Adding Eggs One at a Time: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This allows each egg to fully emulsify into the mixture, creating a stable batter and preventing a curdled appearance. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
- Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients: When combining the flour mixture with the egg mixture, alternate with the apple cider. Begin and end with the flour mixture. This technique helps to develop the gluten in the flour gently and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough bread. Use a heavy-duty rubber spatula or wooden spoon for the final mix-in, folding just until no streaks of flour remain.
- Evenly Distribute Apples and Topping: Ensure the chopped apples are well distributed throughout the batter. When adding walnuts (if using) and the cinnamon sugar topping, spread them evenly over the batter in the pans.
- Checking for Doneness: The suggested baking time is 50-60 minutes, but ovens vary. Always rely on the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached, your bread is ready. If it comes out wet, continue baking in 5-minute increments.
- Cooling: Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from collapsing and makes them easier to handle.
Serving, Storing, and Sharing Your Homemade Treasure
Once your Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread is baked to golden perfection, the possibilities for enjoyment are endless. It’s incredibly versatile and makes a wonderful addition to any meal or occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
- Breakfast Bliss: Serve warm slices for breakfast, perhaps toasted lightly and spread with a dollop of butter or cream cheese.
- Afternoon Treat: Enjoy it with your afternoon coffee or tea. The sweet and spicy notes pair perfectly with a hot beverage.
- Dessert Delight: A slice warmed up and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, perhaps drizzled with a caramel sauce, makes for an indulgent dessert.
- Thoughtful Gift: Wrap a loaf in cellophane and tie it with a festive ribbon for a beautiful and delicious homemade gift during the fall season or holidays.
Storing Your Apple Cider Bread:
To keep your loaves fresh and moist, store them at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this bread freezes exceptionally well.
Freezing for Later:
To freeze, ensure the bread is completely cooled. Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. You can even warm it gently in a low oven for that “freshly baked” experience.
Explore More Fall Baking Delights
If you’re looking for other recipes that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and flavors, don’t stop here! This Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread is just the beginning of your autumnal baking adventure. Consider trying this recipe for Spicy Dark Gingerbread, another fantastic option for creating a wonderfully fragrant and delicious treat. Or, why not double the joy and make both? The more delightful aromas, the better!
For more inspiration and a deeper dive into the world of fall baking, check out these related articles:
- Cookie Madness Fall Baking 2022
- Top 10 Apple Recipes
- Homemade Vegan Butter Recipe
- Pumpkin Brownie Pound Cake
- Top Ten — Late Fall 2009
Recipe
Cinnamon Apple Cider Bread
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour** (18 oz/500 grams)
- 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 8 oz unsalted butter, softened (228 grams)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (250 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups chopped apples peeled
Topping
- Walnuts
- ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans.
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until creamy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg and scraping the bowl often.
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Using a heavy dutyscraper or a mixing spoon, add flour mixture to egg mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Stir in the chopped apples.
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Divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans and spread it evenly in the pan. Sprinkle with walnuts (if using).
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Mix together the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the batter.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes for or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes