Nothing says cozy quite like the smell of apples, cinnamon, and fresh-baked bread filling the kitchen. If you're looking for an easy quick bread that's perfect for brunch, gifting, or a lazy Sunday afternoon, this Cinnamon Apple Beer Bread delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
This recipe comes from Stand By Your Pan, our July Cookbook Club pick. Equal parts comforting, clever, and packed with recipes you'll actually make, it's the kind of cookbook that earns a permanent spot on your kitchen counter.
Whether you're already cooking along with Cookbook Club or looking for your next favorite cookbook, Stand By Your Pan is full of approachable Southern-inspired recipes that make home cooking feel fun—not fussy.
Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Apple Beer Bread
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No yeast, no kneading, no waiting.
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Hard cider keeps the loaf incredibly moist and flavorful.
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A buttery brown sugar cinnamon layer creates a sweet ribbon through the center.
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Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break.
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Makes a thoughtful homemade gift during apple season and the holidays.
One warning: your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Cinnamon Apple Beer Bread Recipe
Makes: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Batter
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3 cups self-rising flour
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1½ tsp salt
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1 (12-ounce) bottle hard cider (such as Angry Orchard)
Apple Topping
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1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
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3 Tbsp sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Layer
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Butter Topping
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½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the hard cider and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
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In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla until combined.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop the brown sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter. Pour the butter topping over the loaf, allowing it to run around the edges of the pan. Arrange the apple slices on top and sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar if desired.
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Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the loaf is risen and golden brown.
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Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Slice and serve warm. To reheat, microwave individual slices with a small pat of butter for 10–20 seconds.
Chef's Note: Use a true hard cider (such as Angry Orchard or Strongbow), not an apple-flavored hard seltzer.
About Stand By Your Pan
Our July Cookbook Club pick, Stand By Your Pan, is filled with approachable recipes, comforting flavors, and plenty of personality. It's the kind of cookbook you'll reach for on busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and whenever you're cooking for people you love.
From nostalgic desserts to crowd-pleasing dinners and Southern-inspired favorites, every recipe feels welcoming and achievable. If this Cinnamon Apple Beer Bread is any indication, you're in for plenty of recipes worth making again and again.
Join Our July Cookbook Club
Every month we feature a cookbook we can't stop talking about, cook from its pages, and share our favorite recipes with fellow book lovers and home cooks.
July belongs to Stand By Your Pan.
Grab your copy, bake this Cinnamon Apple Beer Bread, and cook along with us all month long.