Hard Cider Bread Recipe

This Hard Cider Bread is a delicious twist on a classic quick bread recipe but with the subtle sweetness and tang from the cider. It bakes up with a soft, moist center and a perfectly crispy and buttery golden crust, making it an easy and flavorful side for any meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple Ingredients: This Hard Cider Bread recipe uses basic pantry staples like flour, salt, and baking powder, along with hard cider to give the bread its unique flavor. No yeast is required, which makes it a fast and fuss-free homemade bread option.
• Flavorful Twist: The hard cider adds a sweet, tangy flavor that sets this bread apart from traditional beer bread. It’s perfect for apple season and pairs well with everything from butter to hearty stews.
• Crispy and Buttery Crust: Pouring melted butter over the batter before baking creates a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft and moist interior.

Supplies Needed

To make this delicious hard cider bread, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

• A large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients
• A 5-inch loaf pan or standard loaf pan, greased with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking
• A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing the dough
• Measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy
• An oven preheated to 375°F
• A wire rack for cooling the bread after it’s baked

Having these simple tools on hand makes the process straightforward and ensures you get the best results every time.

Ingredients

This hard cider bread recipe is made with a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen:

• Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which creates a nice balance between fluffy and dense. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Baking Powder: The key ingredient that helps the bread rise without using yeast. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
• Salt: A bit of salt enhances the flavors in the bread. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
• Hard Cider: The star of the show! Using a hard cider at room temperature helps the bread rise properly. You can experiment with different cider flavors—try a crisp Granny Smith apple cider for a more tart flavor or a sweeter variety if you prefer a more sugary bread.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and moisture. You could swap this for maple syrup or even brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Butter: Melted butter is poured on top before baking, creating a buttery crust. For a richer flavor, try using real butter or even maple butter.

You could also add in extras like apple chunks, cinnamon sugar, or even a teaspoon of cinnamon to bring more of that cozy fall flavor into the loaf.

Expert Tips for Making the Hard Cider Bread

Here are a few tips to help ensure your hard cider bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Sift the Flour: Sifting the flour ensures your bread is light and airy. It prevents clumps and allows the dry ingredients to blend together more evenly, helping the bread batter come together smoothly.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Your hard cider should be at room temperature to allow the bread to rise properly. Cold cider can affect the texture and rise, so pull your cider out of the fridge a little before you start baking.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet ingredients (cider and honey) with the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the bread dense rather than light and tender. Fold gently until everything is just combined.
• Keep a Close Eye on Oven Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the type of bread pan you use. Start checking around the 40-minute mark. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, and the top of the loaf is golden brown.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

This hard cider bread is a perfect companion to just about any meal, whether it’s a hearty stew like this Ductch oven Beef Bourguignon, a plate of fresh apples, or even alongside a platter of apple cider donuts for a seasonal treat. Spread a bit of butter or try my maple pumpkin butter on a warm slice, or serve it with a drizzle of honey for a sweet twist.

For a more savory take, try pairing it with soups or stews. This bread is also an excellent side for any fall gathering or holiday meal—it’s got plenty of fall flavor with that tangy, crisp apple taste from the cider.

To store your hard cider bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days on the counter. If you’d like to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw on the counter or warm it up in the toaster oven to bring back its crunchy crust.

If you’re making this bread for the first time, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Want a bit more sweetness? Add a bit of brown sugar or raw sugar to the dough. For an extra burst of apple flavor, try tossing in some apple chunks or even a dash of apple juice to the batter. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking for that cozy apple cider donut vibe.

More Recipes To Try

Easy Apple Cider Brine Recipe

Smoked Apple Cider

Frozen Apple Cider Mimosa

Apple Cider Whiskey Smash