Name: Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

If you’re looking for a warm and inviting treat that screams fall coziness, you’re in the right place. This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf Recipe has become my go-to when I want something sweet, spiced, and utterly comforting. Imagine the lovely aroma of apple cider and cinnamon filling your kitchen as you bake – it’s just the start of how delicious this loaf is. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail this recipe in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Fall Flavor: Apple cider reduction combined with warm cinnamon and nutmeg tastes like autumn in loaf form.
Moist & Tender Texture: The sour cream (or Greek yogurt) ensures every slice stays soft and moist.
Easy To Make: The steps are straightforward, making it an accessible weekend baking project.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this loaf disappears fast from my kitchen!

Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread, Fall Loaf Recipe, Cozy Autumn Baked Goods, Spiced Bread with Apple Cider, Easy Fall Baking - A rectangular cake is sliced into seven even pieces, each slice showing a light golden brown inside with a darker, crisper crust along the edges. The top of the cake is covered in large, sparkling sugar crystals that catch the light. The cake sits on a white plate with a delicate black floral pattern. The surface under the plate is a white marbled texture, and the background is softly blurred with warm tones, making the cake the clear focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf Recipe plays a role in flavor, texture, or that perfect fall aroma. Plus, a few simple pantry staples turn into something that feels so special. A quick heads-up: the apple cider reduction is key—it intensifies the flavor without watering down your bread.

Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread, Fall Loaf Recipe, Cozy Autumn Baked Goods, Spiced Bread with Apple Cider, Easy Fall Baking - Flat lay of fresh whole apples with green leaves, cinnamon sticks bundled together, a small pile of ground cinnamon and nutmeg powders, a clear glass of golden apple cider, a pat of creamy unsalted butter, brown sugar crystals heaped in a bowl, white granulated sugar spilled artistically, two large brown eggs with smooth shells, and a dollop of thick sour cream swirled gently, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates flavor and sweetness, giving a natural fruity base that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the spices, and you control the salt level better.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Together, these balance sweetness and add a hint of molasses flavor from brown sugar.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture so the bread holds together and stays tender.
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds creaminess and moisture, keeping the bread soft for days.
All-purpose flour: Creates the body of the loaf—nothing fancy needed, just good-quality flour.
Baking powder & baking soda: Work as leaveners for a nice rise, making the bread light, not dense.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Classic warming spices that scream cozy fall vibes.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle sweetness and aroma.
Cinnamon sugar topping: Adds a delightful crunch and extra cinnamon flavor right on top.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found that this recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to give it your own spin. I’ve made it with a little extra cinnamon because I’m a spice lover, but you might enjoy adding some chopped nuts or even dried apple chunks for extra texture. It’s all about making it feel like your homemade creation.

Variation: I once stirred in chopped walnuts for crunch, and it was a fantastic twist — perfect for nibbling alongside a hot cup of tea.
Dietary tweaks: Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream works just as well, and it’s a bit tangier.
Spice level: Feel free to bump up the cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger if you want that extra warmth.
Gluten-free: I’ve experimented with gluten-free flour blends, but stick to blends designed for baking to maintain the right texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider to Maximize Flavor

Start by pouring your apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently until it’s reduced from 1 1/2 cups down to about 1/2 cup. This concentrates all those lovely apple notes without making your bread soggy. When it’s done, set it aside to cool completely—hot cider will mess with your batter and eggs.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

While your cider is cooling, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, both sugars, eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vanilla extract, and that beautifully reduced cider. I like to do this by hand to avoid overbeating—just mix until combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures everything’s evenly distributed, so you don’t get clumps of spice or leavening in your bread.

Step 4: Gently Bring it All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until everything is incorporated. Trust me, the secret to tender bread is not overmixing — you don’t want gluten development here. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps.

Step 5: Bake and Add That Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, keeping an eye after 40 minutes in case your oven runs hot. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Once out of the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes to firm up.

While it’s still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle on your cinnamon sugar topping. Press it lightly into the bread so it sticks and forms a delicious crunchy crust. That little extra step is what takes this loaf from great to unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf Recipe

Cool Your Cider Properly: Patience here pays off—make sure your reduced cider is completely cool before mixing, or it can curdle your wet ingredients.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to avoid a tough loaf—some lumps are totally fine!
Use a Timer for Baking: Ovens can be unpredictable; check your loaf a few minutes before 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Apply Topping While Warm: Brushing butter and sprinkling cinnamon sugar immediately after baking helps it stick and crisp up beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf Recipe

Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread, Fall Loaf Recipe, Cozy Autumn Baked Goods, Spiced Bread with Apple Cider, Easy Fall Baking - A rectangular cake with six rounded, raised sections is shown on a white plate with a green leaf pattern around the edge, set on a wooden table. The cake's top is golden brown and covered with coarse white sugar crystals, adding a crunchy texture. The inside of the cake is light yellow and moist, visible because the front section is sliced open. The background is softly blurred, showing a yellow fruit on another white plate and wooden chairs. The light is warm, giving the cake a fresh and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this bread, I love a light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey on each slice — it complements the spices without overpowering them. Sometimes I even add a dollop of whipped cream cheese, especially for brunch gatherings. For a festive touch, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top looks pretty and adds texture.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. If you’re serving it as part of a spread, fresh fruit like apple slices or pears complements the flavors nicely. On chillier days, I love to pair it with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup to keep the cozy vibe going.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifts or gatherings, I wrap slices of the Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread in parchment paper tied with twine—it looks rustic and inviting. You can also serve it warm in a basket lined with cozy cloth napkins. If you want to get fancy, a small pot of apple cider glaze for dipping is a crowd-pleaser and super easy to whip up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps great for 2–3 days that way, but if you want to stretch it, refrigeration is fine too—just let it come to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. I slice it first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw just the amount you need. When I’ve been pressed for time, frozen slices come to life in the toaster, which gives a wonderful fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I find that a few seconds in the microwave (around 15 seconds) works perfectly for a soft, tender slice. For a crispier top, a quick toast does the trick. Just watch it carefully so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of apple cider?

While fresh apple juice can work, it’s generally sweeter and less spiced than apple cider, which tends to have a more robust, autumnal flavor. If you use fresh juice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or other warm spices to mimic cider flavor before reducing it.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor and sweetness, so your bread tastes rich and balanced instead of watery. It also prevents the bread batter from becoming too wet and heavy.
Can I make this bread vegan?

You can try swapping butter for a plant-based alternative and using flax or chia eggs instead of real eggs. However, texture and rise might be different, so it may take a few trials to get just right.
How long does this bread stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh for about 2–3 days. Refrigeration can extend this by a few days but may slightly dry it out without warming before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Fall Loaf Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of simple homemade comfort that sparks joy on crisp autumn mornings or chilly afternoons. Baking it feels like wrapping yourself in a warm sweater, and sharing it makes the moment even sweeter. I truly hope you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do—it’s a recipe to keep coming back to each fall, and really, any time your soul needs a little cozy love.