If you’re craving the cozy flavors of autumn wrapped up in a loaf, Apple Fritter Bread will become your new obsession. Imagine bites of soft, buttery bread ribboned with spiced apples and cinnamon sugar, all topped off with a sweet vanilla glaze. It delivers all the nostalgia of a bakery apple fritter in a much simpler, sliceable form. Best of all, this bread is just as perfect for breakfast as it is for dessert—making it a must-bake classic for anyone who loves apples and cinnamon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This irresistible treat comes together using simple, familiar ingredients, and every one of them plays a starring role. From the tart crunch of apples to the warmth of cinnamon, each element helps build the signature taste and texture of Apple Fritter Bread.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to the cinnamon swirl and compliments the apples.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread and apple layers with classic fall spice.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the bread batter and apple mixture for balanced flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides tenderness and rich, buttery flavor throughout the loaf.
- Large eggs: Bind the bread and create a soft, moist crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the other flavors and adds a gentle, aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender structure of the loaf.
- Baking powder: Offers just the right lift for a perfectly fluffy slice.
- Milk: Keeps the bread moist and helps to blend the batter smoothly.
- Peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith): The star of the show—choose tart apples for contrast or go sweeter if you prefer.
- Granulated sugar (for apple mixture): Balances the tartness of the apples in every bite.
- Cinnamon (for apple mixture): Doubles down on that warm cinnamon flavor in the apple layer.
- Powdered sugar: Whisks up a lusciously sweet, simple glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps the glaze achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
How to Make Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your Apple Fritter Bread won’t stick and will release from the pan beautifully once baked. Lining the pan with parchment can also help for easy removal and less cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup light brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture is destined for those gorgeous, bakery-style cinnamon swirls layered throughout your loaf, so set it aside for later.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs
Using a large bowl, cream together 2/3 cup granulated sugar and the softened unsalted butter until the texture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. This step sets the foundation for a moist, chewy bread with an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder to distribute it evenly. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet bowl, alternating with the 1/2 cup of milk. Mix only until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want this Apple Fritter Bread super soft.
Step 5: Toss the Apples
For maximum apple flavor in every mouthful, toss your peeled and chopped apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl. This gives the apples a little boost while they bake, ensuring they’re sweet, spicy, and perfectly tender.
Step 6: Layer Everything Up
Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then top with half of the apple mixture and sprinkle on half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture you made earlier. Repeat with the remaining batter and toppings to create decadent, beautiful layers. Lightly swirl a knife through the layers for that signature apple fritter look.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. This resting time lets the bread firm up so it’s easy to slice.
Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze
While the loaf cools, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Drizzle your sweet, vanilla glaze generously over the cooled bread to finish off that classic Apple Fritter Bread flavor. Allow the glaze to set before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of glaze if you like a touch more sweetness. For a visual pop and added texture, sprinkle a little cinnamon or scatter a few finely chopped toasted nuts over the top just before serving. The glaze already adds bakery-style charm, so you don’t need much to make every piece look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot mug of coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or your favorite tea. For brunch, try it alongside a simple yogurt parfait or a platter of fresh fruit—the creamy-tart flavors balance out the sweetness perfectly. Apple Fritter Bread is also right at home as a sweet finish to any autumn-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Apple Fritter Bread the star of your dessert table, try slicing and layering the pieces slightly on a platter with fresh apple slices fanned around for color. Arrange thick slices in a bread basket lined with a festive cloth napkin for a cozy, inviting feel. Or cut thick, hearty slabs and serve with small ramekins of warm caramel sauce for dipping—always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Fritter Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bread stays surprisingly moist and flavorful, thanks to the apples, but if your kitchen is warm or humid, consider refrigerating to keep it fresh even longer.
Freezing
Apple Fritter Bread is fantastic for freezing—just let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you plan to glaze your bread, add the glaze after thawing so it looks and tastes fresh.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm, just-baked feel, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for about 10 minutes. This revives the tender crumb and helps release all the lovely apple-cinnamon aroma. If you froze the loaf, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and glazing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a wonderful tartness and hold their shape, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add more sweetness and a softer texture. Choose whichever apple best fits your taste or whatever you have on hand.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Apple Fritter Bread is done. Be sure to check several spots to avoid uncooked batter hidden beneath apple pockets.
Can this bread be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure your baking powder is also certified gluten-free, and check that your apples aren’t coated in any gluten-containing products.
How should I store the glaze if I’m making the bread ahead?
If you want to make the glaze in advance, store it in a covered jar or bowl in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to use, bring it up to room temperature and give it a good stir for the right drizzling consistency.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This Apple Fritter Bread recipe doubles easily—just mix up two loaves and bake them side by side. Keep an eye on the baking time, as two loaves might need a few extra minutes in the oven to bake through fully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples, give Apple Fritter Bread a try. It’s easy enough for a weekday bake but impressive enough for any special gathering. Each slice is a nostalgic, flavor-packed treat you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Apple Fritter Bread, a moist and flavorful dessert bread filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack with your favorite hot beverage.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
Apple Mixture:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Brown Sugar Mixture:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Cream Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, cream together 2/3 cup granulated sugar and softened butter until smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: Toss chopped apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, layer with half the apple mixture, and sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Tart apples like Granny Smith work best for this recipe.
- Bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
