Best Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread – Moist, Spiced, & Perfect for Fall

Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread is a cozy, fragrant loaf that brings autumn flavors right to your kitchen. Soft, moist, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, this bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

Using apple cider instead of milk or water adds a naturally sweet, fruity flavor and extra moisture, making this loaf irresistible. Its simple ingredients and easy method mean you can enjoy homemade spiced bread without any fuss.


Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread

  • Moist and soft with a delicate crumb
  • Rich cinnamon swirl for flavor in every bite
  • Perfect for fall or holiday mornings
  • Quick and easy – no yeast needed
  • Great for gifting – looks beautiful sliced in a basket

Ingredients

For the Bread

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Add Cinnamon Swirl

Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl, then sprinkle over the batter. Top with remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers.

6. Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve

Slice and enjoy plain or with butter. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat.


Tips for the Perfect Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread

  • Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and tender.
  • Swirl gently to create a defined cinnamon layer without overmixing.
  • Brush the top with a little melted butter or sprinkle sugar for extra sweetness.
  • Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Variations

  • Apple Chunks: Fold in ½ cup diced apples for extra texture.
  • Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
  • Glaze: Drizzle with simple icing (powdered sugar + apple cider) for a sweet topping.
  • Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a richer autumn flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with butter, honey, or cream cheese.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee, chai, or hot apple cider.
  • Great for brunch spreads, fall gatherings, or holiday mornings.

Fun Facts

  • Apple cider adds natural sweetness and moisture to quick breads.
  • Cinnamon is known for its warming flavor and antioxidant properties.
  • Cinnamon swirl bread has been a classic breakfast staple in North America for generations.

Best Apple Cider Cinnamon Bread

Moist and flavorful bread made with apple cider and swirled with cinnamon sugar. Perfect for fall breakfasts and brunches.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Bread
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.5 cup apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Loaf pan
  • Whisk
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, beat melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture, then top with remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife.
  6. Bake for 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  7. Slice and serve plain or with butter.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.