Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a warm, spiced loaf baking in the oven to transport you straight back to childhood, is there? This Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in bread form, brimming with tender apple chunks, warming cinnamon, and a delightful, sweet cider glaze that dances on your tongue. It’s the kind of comforting treat that makes every moment feel a little more special, a little more magical.

I remember countless autumn afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and apples always lingering. We’d experiment with quick breads, sometimes adding nuts, sometimes dried cranberries, but always, always with a generous hand of spice. This recipe brings back those cherished memories, proving that the simplest ingredients, handled with love, create the most profound flavors.

This easy-to-bake quick bread is incredibly family-friendly, perfect for brightening any breakfast table or serving as a delightful afternoon snack. My top tip for this particular bake? Don’t be shy with those apples – they’re the heart and soul of this wonderfully moist loaf!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Creating this delightful loaf begins with a few pantry staples, like all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, alongside the star players: crisp, sweet apples and rich buttermilk for that signature tenderness. I always reach for real vanilla extract, as it truly deepens the flavor profile of this comforting Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below!

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

Whipping up this cozy Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze is a joyous journey, not a complicated task! You’ll begin by combining your dry and wet ingredients separately, then gently bringing them together with those lovely, diced apples. The quick bread bakes to golden perfection, filling your home with an irresistible autumn scent, before you whisk up a simple, tangy apple cider glaze to drizzle generously over the cooled loaf.

Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

This moist and flavorful quick bread is packed with warm cinnamon and sweet diced apples, then finished with a vibrant apple cider glaze. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional, but recommended
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk with 1/2 tsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 mins
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup apples peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 2 medium apples, e.g., Honeycrisp, Granny Smith)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour for tossing with apples

For the Apple Cider Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp apple cider or apple juice
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract optional

Equipment

• 9×5 inch Loaf Pan
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Wire Rack

Method

 

Prepare the Quick Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.
5. In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
6. Gently fold the floured apples into the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan to cool completely on the wire rack. The bread should be mostly cool before glazing.

Make the Apple Cider Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more apple cider 1/2 teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
2. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the apple cider glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, make sure your butter is melted but not hot, and your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly and results in a more even texture. This quick bread can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 2-3 months.

Pro Tips for Making This Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

To ensure your Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze turns out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered a few of my most cherished baking secrets. These are the little tricks I’ve learned over the years that truly make a difference, transforming a good quick bread into an extraordinary one.

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  Perfectly Diced Apples: When preparing your apples, aim for small, uniform dice. This ensures they soften evenly throughout the quick bread, releasing their sweet juices into every slice without making the loaf soggy. A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, often creates the most balanced flavor.

  
  
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  Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for quick breads! Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough, dry loaf, and we want that wonderfully tender crumb in our Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze.

  
  
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  My Secret Trick: I always let my butter and egg come to room temperature before I begin. This allows them to emulsify better with the sugars, creating a smoother batter and a more even texture in the final quick bread. It’s a small step that makes a big impact!

  
  
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  The Glaze is Key: Don’t skip the apple cider glaze! It adds a fantastic tang and an extra layer of apple flavor that truly elevates this quick bread. Ensure the bread is completely cooled before glazing, otherwise, the glaze will simply melt right off.

  
  

Fun Variations for Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

While the classic is absolutely divine, I love encouraging fellow bakers to get creative in the kitchen! This Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to play with flavors and textures to make it uniquely yours.

Nutty Additions

For a delightful crunch and a bit more richness, try folding in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the apples. My sister always asks me to add toasted pecans – she says they truly complement the warm spices!

Spice It Up

If you’re like me and adore a deeper spice profile, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg. It brings a subtle warmth that enhances the apple flavor beautifully.

A Touch of Citrus

A friend of mine loves to add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter. It brightens the flavor of the Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze wonderfully, adding a fresh counterpoint to the sweetness.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

This delightful Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze is truly versatile, making it a perfect companion for so many occasions. Whether it’s a cozy morning or an afternoon treat, here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it.

I absolutely adore a thick slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a whisper of cinnamon swirled in. My mom always pairs it with a steaming mug of hot cocoa on a chilly evening, which is such a comforting combination. For a more substantial breakfast, a slice alongside a simple yogurt parfait or a steaming cup of coffee makes for a perfect start to the day. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a slightly warm piece is simply heavenly.

How to Store Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

To keep your delicious Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze tasting as fresh and tender as the day it was baked, proper storage is key! After all the love you put into it, we want every bite to be perfect.

Keeping It Fresh

Once completely cooled, store your quick bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The glaze helps seal in moisture, but a good container is your best friend here. For longer storage, or if your kitchen is on the warmer side, you can pop it into the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing for Later Enjoyment

This Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze freezes beautifully! To freeze, ensure the loaf is completely cooled and unglazed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. My personal tip? I like to glaze it after it’s thawed for the freshest look and best texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful quick bread isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; the apples contribute a good source of dietary fiber, helping to make this Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze a satisfying indulgence. It’s a testament to my philosophy of combining simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit nourishing.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can often substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in this Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and follow the recipe as written.

Faq 2

What kind of apples are best for quick bread?
For this Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze, I recommend using firm, crisp apples that hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn are all excellent choices that provide a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness.

Faq 3

Can I make this quick bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze is wonderful for making ahead. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld beautifully overnight. Simply store it as directed, and the glaze will stay lovely.

Faq 4

How can I tell if my quick bread is fully baked?
The best way to check if your Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze is done is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

Conclusion

Baking, for me, has always been about more than just food; it’s about connection, comfort, and creating sweet memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone. This Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread with Apple Cider Glaze embodies that spirit perfectly. It’s a simple joy, a taste of home, and a gentle reminder that with a little flour, fruit, and spice, we can create something truly magical. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and let the warmth and wonderful aromas fill your kitchen and your heart. Happy baking, sweet friends!