I love how this recipe fills my kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and baked apples. The texture is soft and moist, with little pockets of sweet apple throughout. I also enjoy how the cinnamon sugar creates a slightly caramelized swirl inside the bread. It feels like a perfect mix between a loaf cake and a classic apple fritter, which makes it great for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 apples, peeled and chopped
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup plus 1 to 3 tablespoons milk or almond milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar
salt to taste
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
I mix the light brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set it aside. Then I toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
I cream together the softened butter and remaining sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. I mix until just combined.
I spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. I sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, then add half of the apples. I repeat the layers with the remaining batter, cinnamon sugar, and apples.
I bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
I mix powdered sugar with a little milk to make a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled bread.
I slice and serve it once everything is set.
Servings and timing
I get about 9 servings from this loaf, which makes it perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days. I usually need around 15 minutes to prepare everything, then 50 to 60 minutes for baking, bringing the total time to about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes switch the apples depending on what I have, using sweeter or more tart varieties for a slightly different flavor. I also like adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture. When I want a richer taste, I mix a little caramel sauce into the layers or drizzle it on top along with the glaze. Occasionally, I add a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer spice profile.
Storage/reheating
I store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When I want to enjoy it warm, I reheat a slice in the microwave for a few seconds. I also like warming it in the oven to keep the texture closer to freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
I can use any type of apple I like. I prefer a mix of sweet and tart apples for more balanced flavor.
How do I know when the bread is done?
I check by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I make this dairy-free?
I can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
Why is my bread too dense?
I find that overmixing the batter can make the bread dense, so I mix just until everything is combined.
Can I freeze apple fritter bread?
I can freeze it once it has cooled completely. I wrap it well and thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this Apple Fritter Bread because it is simple, comforting, and full of warm flavors. The combination of soft bread, spiced apples, and sweet glaze makes it a recipe I like to prepare whenever I want a homemade treat that feels both cozy and satisfying.
The Best Apple Fritter Bread with layers of tender apples, buttery batter, and cinnamon sugar, topped with a delicious vanilla glaze.
Author:Emma
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:55 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:9 servings
Category:Dessert, Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 apples (any kind), peeled and chopped
2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup + 1–3 tablespoons milk or almond milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix Cinnamon Sugar and Apples
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, toss chopped apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Set both aside.
Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, cream butter and remaining granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Alternate Mixing
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Assemble the Bread
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar and half the apples. Repeat layers with remaining batter, cinnamon sugar, and apples.
Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar with enough milk to form a drizzle and pour over cooled bread.
Serve
Slice and enjoy as a sweet breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Notes
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.