Say hello to your new favorite cozy bake! This Apple Fritter Bread brings together soft, buttery crumb with juicy apples, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a dreamy vanilla glaze—all the magic of a classic apple fritter, but in a shareable loaf. Each slice is bursting with comforting fall flavors and an irresistible aroma that turns any kitchen into a bakery. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe balances sweetness and spice perfectly for apple lovers and bread fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple Fritter Bread relies on a handful of staple ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build its tender crumb, signature swirls, and fruity richness. The beauty of this loaf is how the basics transform into bakery-style perfection when you layer them just so. Every ingredient has a role to play!
- Light brown sugar: Gives a caramel warmth and helps create a beautiful cinnamon ripple throughout the bread.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice and that must-have aroma that pairs so naturally with apples.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter yields a moist, tender bread and carries all the other flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the loaf.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of fragrant vanilla deepens the flavors and adds an inviting bakery note.
- All-purpose flour: The structure behind your apple bread; sturdy but still fluffy.
- Baking powder: Provides just the right lift for a soft, sliceable loaf.
- Milk: Moistens the batter and ensures a tender, plush crumb.
- Peeled and chopped apples: Juicy apple bites keep every slice fresh and full of flavor—choose a crisp variety for the best texture.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, a smooth drizzle that takes this bread from “yum” to “wow.”
- Milk (for glaze): Thins out the powdered sugar for easy pouring and a glossy finish.
How to Make Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything nice and toasty. Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous greasing—this ensures that your Apple Fritter Bread will release easily once it’s baked, leaving every swirl intact.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, combine your light brown sugar and cinnamon. This duo is the secret to that signature, gooey swirl that threads through every bite of the bread. Set this magic mixture aside for later layering.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step is what creates the delicate crumb in Apple Fritter Bread, so don’t rush it—let the mixer work its magic for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely depth of flavor. Your kitchen will already start to smell like a bakery!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures even rising and a no-lump batter when you add the dry ingredients to the wet.
Step 6: Mix Batter and Add Milk
Add your dry mixture to the creamed ingredients in thirds, alternating with splashes of milk. Mix gently, just until everything is incorporated—overmixing leads to a tougher loaf, and we want Apple Fritter Bread to stay melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 7: Layer the Batter, Apples, and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then distribute half the apples over top. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Layer the remaining batter, top with the rest of the apples, and the last of the cinnamon-sugar. For that signature swirl, gently run a knife through the layers a couple of times.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your loaf into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick snagged from the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack so the glaze won’t melt right off.
Step 9: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Once the bread is mostly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread
Garnishes
A finishing touch makes all the difference! Try a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts, or a few thin apple slices fanned across the glaze. If you love a bit of sparkle, a pinch of coarse sugar while the glaze is still tacky adds a bakery-style crunch.
Side Dishes
A thick slice of Apple Fritter Bread is blissful alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a more decadent breakfast, pair it with Greek yogurt and honey or a platter of fresh fruit—think grapes, berries, or thinly sliced pears to play up the fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, cut the bread into thick cubes and arrange it on a platter with small forks or toothpicks for easy sharing. It’s also fantastic toasted and served with a pat of butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. The loaf’s eye-catching swirls and glossy glaze make it a lovely edible gift, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Apple Fritter Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld and intensify overnight, making the bread even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze Apple Fritter Bread (either whole or sliced) wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight at room temperature for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that “just-baked” warmth, pop slices in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven until heated through. If the glaze looks a little dull after storing, add a fresh drizzle for a bakery-worthy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Breakfast
Absolutely! Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work especially well, but you can use whatever apples you have on hand. Mixing different types offers a nice contrast in flavor and texture, too.
Is it possible to make Apple Fritter Bread dairy-free?
Yes—swap in a plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk. The bread holds up beautifully with these adjustments, so everyone can enjoy a slice!
How can I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
Be sure to dice the apples fairly small and layer them as instructed, rather than mixing them straight into the batter. You can also toss them in a teaspoon of flour before layering to help them “hold” throughout the loaf.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Of course! Simply divide the batter between two loaf pans and watch the baking time; two loaves on one oven rack may need a few extra minutes. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
What’s the best way to slice Apple Fritter Bread without squishing it?
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing, and use a serrated bread knife for clean cuts. If you like warm slices, heat individual pieces after cutting to keep the loaf’s shape beautiful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bake that feels like a warm hug, Apple Fritter Bread won’t disappoint. There’s nothing quite like the scent of apples and cinnamon drifting from the oven—except, perhaps, that first sweet, buttery bite! Give this recipe a try and share the joy with loved ones; it’s comfort food at its sweetest.
Print
Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Apple Fritter Bread, a moist and aromatic loaf packed with cinnamon-sugar apples that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium)
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half of the apples and cinnamon-sugar. Repeat layering, then swirl the top with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing.
Notes
- For extra apple flavor, toss chopped apples in lemon juice and sugar before layering.
- This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
