Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely diced apples (optional)
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer until it reduces to exactly 1/2 cup. This process takes about 10 to 12 minutes and concentrates the flavor. Set it aside to cool completely before using.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For easy removal, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the edges.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure there are no large clumps of spices so the flavor distributes evenly throughout the loaf.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider reduction. Stir until the mixture is fully incorporated and glossy.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain. If you are using diced apples, fold them in at this stage. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes