If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a cozy, comforting recipe that’s perfect for cool mornings or a sweet afternoon treat. This Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe is exactly that—a delightful twist on classic quick bread with the lovely warmth of autumn spices and a tangy, smooth glaze that keeps you coming back for more. What makes this bread special is how the spiced apple chunks keep it moist and flavorful, while the cider glaze adds just the right balance of sweet and tart that feels utterly irresistible.

Whenever I bake this, it fills my kitchen with such a welcoming aroma that I can’t help but slice it early to steal a taste. This Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe is great for breakfast alongside your coffee or as a cozy dessert on chilly evenings. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy day, so I promise you’ll love having it in your repertoire for family gatherings or simply when you want to treat yourself to something homemade and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s chat about these ingredients—each one plays a role in bringing together the perfect texture and flavor combination. The dry spices bring those classic fall notes, while fresh apples add moisture and sweetness. When shopping, try to pick crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best texture in the bread.

All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread, giving it structure. Measuring it properly (spoon and level) helps keep the texture light, not dense.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps develop the bread’s tender crumb.
Light brown sugar: Offers a bit of molasses flavor for depth and moisture.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and a subtle complexity to the spice profile.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise properly—don’t skip or substitute!
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature to mix evenly.
Oil: Keeps the bread moist. I like using neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma that enhances flavor.
Apples (peeled and chopped): Fresh is best here, as they provide those juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
Apple cider (for glaze): Make sure to use real apple cider (not just apple juice) for the authentic tangy glaze.
Salted butter (for glaze): Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze to just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): A little touch of vanilla rounds out the glaze flavor.

Variations

I love that this Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe is flexible—perfect for mealtime tweaks or special diets. Don’t hesitate to experiment based on what you have or prefer. It’s your kitchen, your bread!

Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great results, just watch for slightly different baking times.
Spice It Up: Adding ground cloves or cardamom adds a lovely twist; I tried this once at a holiday brunch and it was a total hit.
Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, which balances the softness of the bread beautifully.
Reduce Sugar: If you want a less sweet bread, I recommend cutting the sugars down by 1/4 cup each—you’ll still get plenty of apple sweetness.
Vegan Swap: For a vegan take, replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter or coconut oil in the glaze—that’s a fun test I tried and loved.

How to Make Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly

Start by whisking together your flour, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Make sure you give it a good mix so all those spices are evenly distributed—this step ensures each bite bursts with flavor rather than pockets of spice. I find sifting the flour and spices helps avoid lumps and creates a lighter bread.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Apples

In a separate bowl, whisk your room temperature eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Then gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples. I always peel mine to avoid bits of tough skin, but you can skip peeling if you prefer more texture. Mixing these wet ingredients separately helps keep the batter consistent once you add the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Gently Fold Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix here—overworking the batter can make your bread tough instead of tender. You’ll still see a few small lumps, and that’s completely fine.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Toothpick-Clean

Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-70 minutes. I recommend checking around 55 minutes with a toothpick—when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfect. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze

While the bread is cooling, simmer the apple cider and salted butter in a small saucepan until reduced by half—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. I like to drizzle it while the bread is still warm so it seeps in slightly, adding moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe

The image shows nine white bowls and four brown eggs on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl is filled with white flour, and next to it on the right is a bowl with light brown sugar. Below the flour is a small bowl with white granulated sugar, and to its right is a small bowl with cinnamon powder. On the right side of the cinnamon and sugar bowls are four whole brown eggs arranged in two rows. Below the sugar bowl is a small bowl with light yellow oil, and next to it on the right is a bowl with dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. At the bottom left is a bowl with chopped light yellow apples, and on the bottom right is a bowl with a square piece of pale yellow butter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simple garnishes like a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top—it adds a pretty finishing touch without competing with that luscious cider glaze. Occasionally, I top slices with a pat of softened butter or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for breakfast. For brunches or dessert, I like serving it alongside a sharp cheddar cheese plate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These combinations highlight the sweet and savory contrasts beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve placed this apple bread on a wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks—makes for a rustic, inviting presentation. You could also cut the loaf into mini slices and serve as bite-sized treats with toothpicks for easy sharing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover apple bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays surprisingly moist thanks to the apples and oil. If your kitchen’s warm, you might want to keep it in an airtight container or the fridge to prevent spoilage.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to make a double batch. I slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and foil. They thaw quickly at room temperature or can be popped straight into the toaster for a fresh-from-the-oven taste. I’ve done this many times with no loss of flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I like wrapping slices in foil and warming them in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the bread soft and revives that freshly baked warmth without drying it out. Microwave reheating tends to make it a bit doughy for my taste, so I avoid that if I can.

FAQs

Can I use apple sauce instead of chopped apples in this Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe?

While using applesauce can add moisture, it will change the texture and make the bread denser and less chunky. Chopped apples provide bursts of sweetness and texture that are key to this recipe’s character, so I recommend sticking with them if possible. If you do use applesauce, reduce the oil slightly to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make the cider glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cider glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it gently before drizzling to loosen it up. Fresh glaze on warm bread, however, always tastes best!
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

I suggest crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet bread. Softer apples might turn mushy and alter the texture.
Can I substitute the oil with butter in the Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe?

Butter can be substituted for oil, but keep in mind it may change the moisture level and crumb tenderness slightly. Melted butter works best as a replacement. I’ve tried it both ways, and while butter adds richness, oil tends to keep the bread moister for longer.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center of the loaf—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Also, the bread will have a golden-brown top that feels firm to the touch.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread with Cider Glaze Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to cozy treats that never fails to bring a smile. It’s easy enough for a weekday bake but special enough to share during holidays or brunches. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s really nothing like that first warm slice, glossy with glaze, fresh from the oven. Give yourself the treat of this comforting, flavorful bread—you deserve it!