Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans or 18 muffin cups. Cream the butter and 1 1/4 cup of the sugar together in large bowl. Add eggs and cream thoroughly. Sift the dry ingredients together. Add them to the egg mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Stir in the chopped apples. Divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl, and sprinkle it over the batter. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 to 70 minutes for bread, or for 30 to 40 minutes for muffins, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Yields 2 loaves or 18 muffins.