If you’re looking for a cozy, sweet treat that’s bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple, this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love this because it captures the essence of those delicious apple fritters we all crave, but in an easy-to-slice loaf form that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. When I first tried this recipe, the balance of tender bread, cinnamon-spiced apples, and that irresistible glaze won me over instantly.
You’ll find that this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is not only fantastic fresh from the oven but also keeps wonderfully for days, making it great for sharing or prepping ahead. Plus, it’s quick to throw together with simple pantry staples and fresh apples, so it’s a joyful project whether you’re baking for the family or a casual gathering. Let me walk you through everything to help you nail it with confidence and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Cinnamon-Apple Pairing: The apples get perfectly tender with just the right cinnamon-sugar kick, making each bite a cozy delight.
- Simple Ingredients & Steps: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to get impressive results.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: It stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it over several days or share with friends.
- Irresistible Glaze Finish: The sweet vanilla glaze adds that extra touch of bakery-worthy charm that’ll have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe lies in the balance of the cinnamon-sweetened apples mixed into a tender, moist batter. Each ingredient plays a role—whether it’s adding richness, lightness, or that iconic apple fritter flavor.
- Apples: I like using tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet cinnamon sugar.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds that deep, molasses note for the best cinnamon sugar flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and richness to the apples and sugar mixtures.
- Butter: Softened for the batter and melted to coat the apples, butter adds moisture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly without changing texture.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and help create a lovely crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure or artificial, it boosts the sweetness and ties the flavors together.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the bread, providing structure.
- Baking Powder: Makes the bread light and puffy.
- Milk: Balances the batter’s moisture for tender results.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and moisture — don’t skip it!
- Powdered Sugar: For the glaze that tops off this loaf perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is how beautifully it adapts to your personal tastes or pantry staples. Feel free to experiment with toppings, flours, or even add-ins to make it truly your own.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped in a gluten-free flour blend before — just make sure it has xanthan gum for structure, and the bread still comes out delicious.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar can give a more complex warm flavor that’s fantastic in fall.
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples for an extra crunch that my family adores.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free butter for a tasty alternative.
How to Make Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Cinnamon Sugar
Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small cubes—this helps them cook evenly inside the bread. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a teaspoon of melted butter. This buttery coating helps the apples stay tender and flavorful when baked. Next, mix up your cinnamon sugar by combining the remaining ½ cup brown sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon—this will create that signature sweet cinnamon crust.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and really helps create a tender crumb. Add in eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition and scraping down the sides to make sure everything combines evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract last for that extra pop of flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Blend with Wet
Whisk your flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together in a separate bowl. In another small bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream to keep things nice and smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture while alternating with the milk-sour cream combo. Be gentle here—mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your bread soft and tender.
Step 4: Layer the Batter with Apples and Cinnamon Sugar
Now comes the fun part! Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the diced apples over the batter, then scatter half the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar for a beautiful layered effect that replicates those classic apple fritter swirls.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake your Apple Fritter Bread Recipe for about 50 minutes at 350°F until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean—with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it near the end; ovens vary, and you don’t want it to dry out.
Step 6: Make the Glaze and Finish
While the bread is cooling on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the loaf is completely cool—this is key to avoid melting your glaze—drizzle it over the top for that perfect sweet finish.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Don’t Overmix Batter: I learned the hard way that overmixing can make the bread dense; mix just until the ingredients are combined for a perfect crumb.
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples provide the best texture and balance the sweetness, so avoid overly ripe or soft apples.
- Keep the Glaze Thick but Drizzle-able: If your glaze is too thin, it’ll run off; add powdered sugar gradually to get a nice coating consistency.
- Check for Doneness Early: I always start testing at 45 minutes because oven temps vary — you want moist crumbs, not wet batter.
How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love to garnish slices with just a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or extra drizzle of the glaze for that bakery feel. Sometimes I add a little dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese if we’re feeling extra indulgent for brunch!
Side Dishes
This Apple Fritter Bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a fuller breakfast, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a small fresh fruit salad — it balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch or dessert, slice the bread and serve it as mini sandwiches with cream cheese and a sprinkle of apple pie spice. Or, arrange slices in a pretty basket lined with a cloth napkin and decorate with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Apple Fritter Bread wrapped tightly in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps moist for up to 3 days, perfect to grab a slice for a quick snack or breakfast.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread whole or sliced. I wrap it tightly in foil, then place it in a freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. It freezes well up to 3 months, so it’s a great option if you want to bake a batch ahead of time.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to toast slices lightly in a toaster oven or warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This refreshes the bread’s softness without making it soggy, and if you want, add a quick drizzle of warm honey or maple syrup to mimic that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice tang and hold their shape, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too if you prefer a sweeter loaf. Just peel and dice them similarly, and the flavor will still be amazing.
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Is it possible to make this Apple Fritter Bread recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap dairy butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. These swaps won’t drastically change the texture but keep the bread moist and flavorful.
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How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf. If it comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached, it’s done. If it’s wet or batter sticks, give it a few more minutes and test again.
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Can I make this recipe without a mixer?
Definitely! You can hand-mix the butter and sugar with a sturdy wooden spoon until creamy, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients gently by hand works fine but take care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Fritter Bread Recipe truly holds a special place in my heart—it’s like a warm hug in bread form, filled with the classic flavors that remind me of cozy family mornings and festive fall baking. I hope you give this a try soon, whether for a lazy weekend treat or a thoughtful gift to someone who loves homemade sweets. Once you taste that buttery cinnamon swirl and soft apple bites, I’m confident it’ll become your new favorite, too!
Print
Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful cinnamon-spiced loaf layered with sweet diced apples and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. This moist and tender bread is finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Apples
- 2 apples, peeled and cut into small dice
- 1 tbsp dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Batter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, pure or artificial
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅛ tsp salt (assumed, as referenced in instructions)
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside for later.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Apples: In a bowl, combine the diced apples, 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of melted butter over the mixture and mix well to coat the apples evenly.
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, blend ½ cup dark brown sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for layering on the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, mixing after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Mix Milk and Sour Cream: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together milk and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Liquids: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed while gradually drizzling in the milk and sour cream mixture. Stir gently until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure even mixing.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon apples over the batter, then sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Spoon the remaining batter over the first layer and smooth it out. Top with the remaining cinnamon apples and cinnamon sugar mixture to finish the layers.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and an inserted knife or toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is baking, mix the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When fully cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top of the bread before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the apples with other fruits like pears or peaches for a twist.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Ensure the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
