Name: Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups apples, chopped and peeled (about 2 medium apples); 1/2 cup apple cider; 1 tablespoon salted butter; 6 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 59 reviews

If you love cozy, comforting baked goods, then this Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. I’m telling you, this isn’t just any spiced bread—it’s packed with tender chunks of apple and a warm cinnamon flavor, all finished off with a sweet apple cider glaze that makes it utterly irresistible. Whether for a weekend brunch or a holiday treat, you’ll find this bread delivers the kind of homey goodness that’s impossible to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Spiced: The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg warms your kitchen and your heart with every bite.
Moist & Chunky Texture: Tender apples folded into thick batter keep the bread moist and delightfully chunky.
Decadent Cider Glaze: The apple cider reduction glaze adds a subtle fruity sweetness that takes this bread next-level.
Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps — just simple ingredients and a little love.

Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe uses ingredients that you’re likely familiar with, which makes it super approachable. The combination of spices and fresh apples really shines here, so be sure to pick apples that are crisp and sweet or whatever variety you love for baking.

Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe - Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving you structure without heaviness.
Granulated sugar: Adds straightforward sweetness and helps balance out the spices.
Light brown sugar: This brings moisture and a subtle caramel note that’s just perfect.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this bread feel like fall in every bite.
Ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth, so don’t skip it even if it seems subtle!
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure your bread rises beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch is enough to highlight all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender — I always use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the flavors.
Apples (peeled and chopped): Fresh apples lend juicy bursts and texture. I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp.
Apple cider (for the glaze): Reduces down to a sweet, concentrated glaze that feels special.
Salted butter (for glaze): Adds creaminess and richness.
Powdered sugar: For that perfect smooth and sweet glaze finish.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Just a hint to tie the glaze into the bread’s flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe my own by swapping in different apples or adding mix-ins. Feel free to experiment to match your family’s tastes or whatever you’ve got on hand.

Adding nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch — my family absolutely loves the texture contrast.
Substitute maple syrup for sugar: For a deeper, woodsy sweetness, swapping some sugar for maple syrup works beautifully.
Gluten-free version: Using a gluten-free baking flour blend can work well; just be sure to check your blend’s instructions for best results.
Spice it up: If you like a bit of zing, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry mix — it turns the flavor into a cozy spice medley.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to grease my 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, remembering to grease the parchment as well. This double-greasing trick ensures your bread releases perfectly without sticking or tearing — trust me, it’s saved me from pan frustration more than once!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial to distribute the spices and leavening agents evenly, so your bread bakes uniformly with every slice.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy, then add the oil and vanilla extract. This combination keeps the bread moist and helps those vanilla notes blossom through the spices. Whisk well so everything is combined smoothly.

Step 4: Bring Together Wet and Dry, Then Fold in Apples

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. The batter will be thick — that’s perfect, so don’t overmix; a few lumps are totally fine. Now, fold in the chopped apples carefully so they’re spread evenly without breaking down.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top lightly. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, but start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re all set. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Apple Cider Glaze

While the bread cools, bring the apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer until it’s reduced by half, intensifying that lovely apple flavor. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the glaze is smooth and shiny. Drizzle this over your cooled bread for an irresistible finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe

Use Room Temperature Eggs: I learned that eggs at room temp help the batter mix more evenly and improve texture.
Don’t Skip the Double Grease: Trust me on greasing both the pan and parchment—it makes removing the loaf a breeze.
Watch the Glaze Consistency: If your apple cider glaze seems too thin, just simmer a bit longer until it thickens up.
Timing the Apple Chop: Chop the apples just before folding them into batter to avoid them browning and keeping that fresh taste.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar or chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze just before it sets for some texture and extra visual appeal. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar works wonders if you want a snowy look. These little touches make your bread look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This bread is hearty enough to enjoy on its own or alongside a simple smear of butter. But I especially like pairing it with a warm cup of chai tea or apple cider, or even a dollop of whipped cream for dessert vibes. It makes a lovely breakfast treat with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait on the side too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve wrapped individual slices in parchment with a cinnamon stick tied on top as a charming gift or party favor. You can also cut small cubes for a unique bread pudding or serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra cider glaze for a dessert everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It usually stays fresh for up to 3 days but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house! For longer storage, refrigeration helps but can dry it out, so be sure to warm slices slightly before eating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bread many times and it freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or sliced pieces in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to thaw, just leave it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. The glaze might slightly soften but the bread’s flavor stays just as fantastic.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is by placing slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 8-10 minutes — this helps re-crisp edges and warm it through without melting the glaze completely. Microwave works in a pinch but can make it a bit soggy, so I generally avoid it if I can.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe?

You can use frozen apples, but it’s best to thaw and drain them really well before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bread gummy.
Can I make this bread vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and swap the butter in the glaze for a plant-based alternative. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious!
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. If it needs more time, bake in 5-minute increments checking frequently afterward.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?

I recommend using crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith to provide a nice balance of sweetness and texture in the bread.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe is honestly one of those treats I keep coming back to, especially when the weather turns crisp and you’re craving something homey. I love how versatile it is—perfect sliced for breakfast, packed as a lunchbox surprise, or served as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream. Plus, the cider glaze adds such a lovely touch that makes this bread feel extra special without a lot of extra fuss. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and enjoy every sweet, spiced bite as much as I do!