Few things capture the essence of fall quite like the warm aroma of apples, cinnamon, and sugar wafting through your kitchen. This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread embodies that cozy, comforting feeling in every bite. Soft, moist, and coated in a crackly cinnamon sugar crust, it’s everything you love about an apple cider donut — transformed into an easy-to-slice loaf.
Perfect for breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this loaf brings together the nostalgic flavors of autumn in the simplest, most delicious way.
🍂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fall flavor: Made with reduced apple cider and warm spices for an authentic autumn taste.
- Perfect texture: Soft and tender inside with a crisp cinnamon sugar crust.
- Quick & easy: No mixer required — just mix, pour, and bake.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacking with coffee or tea.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (for reducing)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
🍏 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce to about ½ cup, about 15–20 minutes. This concentrates the flavor — the secret to that deep apple taste. Let it cool slightly.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, both sugars, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and the cooled reduced cider until smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed.
4. Combine & Pour
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
While the bread is still warm, brush the top and sides with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle generously over the loaf. Lightly press to help it stick.
🎃 Tips for the Perfect Loaf
- Don’t skip reducing the cider: It’s key to that deep apple flavor.
- Use fresh spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg lose flavor over time.
- Avoid overmixing: Keeps the crumb light and soft.
- Be generous with the topping: It’s what gives that signature donut-like crust.
☕ Serving Ideas
This cozy loaf is versatile and pairs beautifully with fall favorites:
- Warmed with a pat of butter or drizzle of maple syrup.
- Served with coffee or a mug of hot cider.
- Topped with cream cheese or caramel drizzle for dessert.
- Toasted lightly for a crunchy breakfast treat.
🍁 Storage & Freezing
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 6 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
🔄 Recipe Variations
- Add chopped apples or toasted pecans for extra texture.
- Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
- Drizzle with a maple glaze for added sweetness.
- Make into muffins or mini loaves for gifts or portion control.
🧁 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the cider reduction: Leads to weak flavor.
- Overbaking: Remove when moist crumbs cling to a tester.
- Undermixing the topping: Mix evenly for a crunchy crust.
- Using apple juice instead of cider: You’ll lose that signature fall depth.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely — it works perfectly and adds a touch of tang.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
It’s not ideal. Fresh, unfiltered apple cider gives the best flavor.
Is it too sweet for breakfast?
Not at all! It’s perfectly balanced — just sweet enough to enjoy any time of day.
🍎 Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is everything you love about fall baked into one loaf — sweet, spiced, and irresistibly cozy. Whether you enjoy it warm with coffee or gift it to friends, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices