Description
This Apple Bread with Cider Glaze is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. Bursting with tender chunks of apple and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, the bread is topped with a luscious apple cider glaze that enhances its sweet, fruity flavor. Easy to make and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe yields a wonderfully dense, spiced loaf that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
Apple Cider Glaze
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, and grease the parchment paper to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. The batter will be thick and dense, so avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter, spreading them evenly throughout without overworking the mixture to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Apple Cider Glaze: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over high heat. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider reduces by half, concentrating its flavor and sweetness.
- Finish the Glaze: Remove the reduced cider from heat and whisk in the salted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the warm apple cider glaze evenly over the cooled apple bread, allowing it to soak in and add a delicious, sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture within the bread.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to promote even mixing and a light texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to prevent a tough bread.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets nicely without melting away.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American