Description
This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is a delightful fall-inspired loaf featuring richly reduced apple cider, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crackly cinnamon sugar crust. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack, the bread offers the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar donuts in an easy-to-slice, moist loaf.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider (for reducing)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer 1 1/2 cups apple cider until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and cool it in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool further.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the loaf is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture (granulated sugar combined with ground cinnamon) and press lightly to help it set into the crust.
Notes
- Ensure the apple cider is fully reduced to concentrate its flavor and avoid excess liquid in the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender and moist crumb texture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tang and moisture.
- Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, gently warm slices in the oven or toast them lightly to bring back freshness.
