This moist apple cider bread is a delightful quick bread perfect for autumn mornings or as a sweet afternoon treat. Infused with the warm, spiced flavors of apple cider and cinnamon, it boasts a tender crumb and a wonderfully comforting aroma.
Embracing the cozy flavors of fall, this apple cider bread recipe brings the essence of apple orchards right into your kitchen. It’s a wonderfully simple bake that fills your home with an irresistible scent, promising a delicious slice of homemade goodness with every bite. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up extra apple cider you might have on hand, transforming it into a delightful baked good that’s sure to become a family favorite. For more inspiration on incorporating seasonal fruits into your baking, explore these fall baking recipes.
What is Apple Cider Bread?
Apple cider bread is a type of quick bread that uses apple cider as a primary liquid ingredient, lending it a distinct apple flavor and a wonderfully moist texture. It’s typically spiced with cinnamon and sometimes nutmeg or cloves, evoking the comforting tastes of autumn. This homemade apple cider bread is often enjoyed plain, but can also be enhanced with nuts, dried fruit, or a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
This delicious quick bread is a staple during apple season, but its warm spices and tender crumb make it a welcome treat year-round. It’s a fantastic option for a weekend brunch, a comforting snack, or even as a simple dessert served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re looking for other delightful apple-themed bakes, you might enjoy this apple crumble cake with cream cheese.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Bread
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious apple cider bread. Using good quality apple cider will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor, so opt for a fresh, unfiltered variety if possible. For the spices, fresh cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg will enhance the warm, autumnal notes.
Another favorite of ours is the Apple Crumble Cake With Cream Cheese.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended for extra warmth)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour into the cup, which can lead to a dense loaf. If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, you can omit them or try substituting with dried cranberries for a burst of tartness.
How to Make Apple Cider Bread
Creating this easy apple cider bread is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The key is to combine the dry and wet ingredients properly to ensure a tender crumb and even bake.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the correct temperature before you bake. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, to prevent the bread from sticking. This preparation step is crucial for easy removal of the finished loaf.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg if you’re using it. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is vital for a consistent rise and flavor. This step also helps to aerate the flour slightly, contributing to a lighter texture.
Don’t miss out on our guide to Apple Cinnamon Bread.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps the bread rise and creates a tender texture; using an electric mixer makes this step easier and more effective. For a detailed guide on achieving perfectly creamed butter and sugar, check out this helpful resource on how to cream butter and sugar.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of comforting flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and result in a tough bread. Overmixing is a common pitfall that can affect the texture of quick breads.
Fold in Nuts (Optional)
If you are using chopped walnuts or pecans, gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the apple cider bread, complementing the sweet and spiced notes. Ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent texture in every slice.
Don’t miss out on our guide to Apple Crumb Bars.
Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it with a spatula to ensure a level surface. This helps the bread bake evenly and creates a beautiful appearance once sliced. A smooth top will also make it easier to apply any optional glaze or topping.
Bake the Bread
Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. The top of the bread should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool the Bread
Once baked, let the apple cider bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool in the pan briefly helps it set, while cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture and for easy slicing.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Bread
Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful apple cider bread is all about a few key techniques and ingredient choices. Paying attention to these details will elevate your homemade apple cider bread from good to truly exceptional.
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- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more tender crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, dense loaf. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Quality Apple Cider Matters: Opt for a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. The cider is a star ingredient here, so its quality will significantly impact the final taste of your spiced bread recipes.
- Accurate Measuring: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly can compact the flour, leading to a dry loaf.
- Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is accurately preheated. An oven that’s too hot can cause the outside to brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool properly on a wire rack. This prevents steam from accumulating and making the bottom soggy, ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior and tender interior.
For those seeking a vegan version, you can experiment with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers and a plant-based butter substitute to create a delicious vegan apple cider bread. Similarly, using a gluten-free flour blend can make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, resulting in a delightful gluten-free apple cider bread.
Serving and Storage
This delightful apple cider bread is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple drizzle of a brown sugar glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of warm apple cider itself, making it perfect for autumn desserts.
For storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm or humid climate, it’s best to refrigerate it to prevent spoilage, though refrigeration can sometimes dry out baked goods slightly. This bread also freezes beautifully; wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently reheat slices in the oven.
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apple cider bread Recipe
- Total Time: PT1H10M
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and fragrant quick bread infused with the warm flavors of apple cider and spices. Perfect for a cozy autumn treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can brush the top of the warm bread with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a little apple cider.
- This bread is delicious served plain or with a smear of butter.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT55M
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
