In a large bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and bread. Melt butter, add the lemon juice, and stir into the crumbled bread mixture.
Cover the bottom of the greased baking dish with a layer of the crumbs (about one third of the mixture), add half the apples, a layer of crumbs, the rest of the apples, and the remaining crumbs.
Pour the apple cider over the top, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Remove the cover and bake for 20 minutes longer.