Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple cider (reduced for stronger flavor if desired)
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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 to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Mix in the apple cider and sour cream gently until the batter is smooth and uniform. The cider provides moistness and a subtle tanginess.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet batter using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Layer with Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon-sugar topping. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture lightly through the batter for an appealing marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and helps set its structure.
Notes
- For a stronger apple flavor, simmer the cider until reduced by half before using to concentrate its taste.
- Add chopped apples or pecans into the batter to introduce extra texture and flavor.
- Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- This bread freezes well: wrap the cooled loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert / Snack / Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian