Apple Cider Bread Machine Recipe for Perfect Homemade Loaf

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, especially when it carries the subtle sweetness and spiced notes of autumn. This Apple Cider Bread Machine Recipe is the perfect way to combine the cozy flavors of apple cider with the ease of bread machine baking.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a foolproof method to create a moist, slightly sweet, and tender loaf that pairs wonderfully with breakfast spreads, afternoon tea, or even a hearty soup.

Best of all, you don’t have to slave over the oven for hours—your bread machine does the hard work for you!

In this post, I’ll walk you through why this recipe is a must-try, the exact ingredients and equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and some handy tips to customize your loaf. If you love experimenting with seasonal flavors and easy home baking, this apple cider bread is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple cider bread machine recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. Unlike traditional bread recipes that require multiple steps and waiting times, this one leverages the convenience of the bread machine to deliver consistent results every single time.

Moist and Flavorful: The apple cider adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread tender without needing excess sugar or fat. The slight tang from cider vinegar (if added) balances the sweetness beautifully.

Perfect for Every Season: While apple cider is often associated with fall, this bread tastes great year-round—enjoy it fresh or toasted with your favorite spreads.

Customizable: You can add nuts, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to make it uniquely yours.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to make use of leftover or homemade apple cider, reducing waste while creating something delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh or unsweetened for best flavor)
• 3 cups bread flour (can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries

Equipment

• Bread machine with a standard 1.5 to 2-pound loaf capacity
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula (for optional add-ins)
• Cooling rack (to cool the bread after baking)

Instructions

1. Prepare your bread machine: Ensure the baking pan is clean and properly installed in the bread machine.
2. Add wet ingredients first: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into the bread pan. This helps prevent the yeast from activating prematurely.
3. Add dry ingredients: Carefully add 3 cups of bread flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg on top of the cider, ensuring they cover the liquid completely.
4. Add butter: Place the 2 tablespoons softened butter in small chunks on top of the flour.
5. Add the yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour (without reaching the liquid) and add the 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast into this well. This helps keep the yeast separate until the machine starts mixing.
6. Select your bread machine settings: Choose the Basic/White Bread setting with a medium crust color and a 1.5-pound loaf size.
7. Start the machine: Press start and let the bread machine do its work. During the first kneading cycle, you can add your optional nuts or dried cranberries if you like.
8. Cool the bread: Once baking is complete (usually takes 3-4 hours depending on your machine), remove the bread pan carefully. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For a more pronounced apple flavor, reduce the sugar slightly and use a spiced apple cider. Adding a touch of apple cider vinegar (about 1 teaspoon) can help enhance the bread’s texture and rise.”

• Add Fruits & Nuts: Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples for added texture and bursts of flavor. Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.
• Spice it Up: Increase cinnamon and nutmeg quantities or add a pinch of allspice or cloves for a festive twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread machines. Note that texture and rise may vary.
• Sweetener Variations: Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweet note.
• Make It Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
• Use Different Flours: Try whole wheat flour for a denser, healthier loaf; just adjust liquid amounts slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This apple cider bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or your favorite fruit preserves for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

For a cozy meal, pair it with a bowl of your favorite soup or stew. It goes especially well with creamy butternut squash soup or a hearty vegetarian chili.

You might also enjoy it toasted with cream cheese and a drizzle of honey, or use it as a base for an open-faced sandwich topped with avocado and sprouts.

For more delicious vegetarian and vegan meal ideas that complement homemade bread, check out these recipes:

• Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food
• Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas
• Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Conclusion

Baking homemade bread can sometimes feel intimidating, but with this Apple Cider Bread Machine Recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, moist, and subtly spiced loaf with minimal effort. The natural sweetness and aroma of apple cider make this bread perfect for any time of day, adding a comforting, seasonal touch to your meals.

Plus, the flexibility in ingredients means you can adapt the recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences easily.

Whether you’re new to bread making or an experienced baker looking for a new twist, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins and spices to create your perfect loaf.

Happy baking, and be sure to explore more wonderful recipes like Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals to keep your kitchen inspired and delicious!

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