Country Apple Fritter Bread

Country apple fritter bread is the perfect combination of a soft, buttery loaf and the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples. This bread is incredibly moist, with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon swirl throughout that mimics the deliciousness of apple fritters, but in a convenient loaf form. Whether I’m enjoying it as a sweet breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a dessert, this bread is always a crowd-pleaser and fills the house with an irresistible aroma as it bakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the flavors of apple fritters—without the frying—with the ease of baking. The soft bread, along with the cinnamon-sugar apple filling and crunchy topping, makes each bite incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for fall or any time I’m craving something warm and sweet. The apples keep the bread moist, and the swirl of cinnamon sugar adds the perfect balance of sweetness. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert after dinner.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup milk

• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix.

5. Gently fold in the diced apples. The batter will be thick.

6. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl. Set aside.

7. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.

8. Add the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.

9. For the topping, combine the cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to work the mixture into a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the loaf.

10. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy.

11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Slice and serve once fully cooled.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes one loaf, which serves about 8-10 people. The total time to make this bread, including preparation and baking, is around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a bit of crunch and flavor. You can also substitute the apples with pears or even diced peaches for a slightly different twist. If I want an extra touch of sweetness, I drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top after the bread has cooled. For a slightly healthier version, I’ve used whole wheat flour in place of half of the all-purpose flour and reduced the sugar by a small amount, and it still turned out wonderfully.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, I simply place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast them lightly for a warm treat.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. I often make it the day before and store it in an airtight container.

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Definitely! I’ve used Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples, and all work wonderfully. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp and Fuji apples offer a sweeter flavor.

Can I make this bread in a mini loaf pan?

Yes! You can divide the batter between mini loaf pans and bake them for about 25-30 minutes, but be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick. You may need to adjust the baking time depending on the size of the pans.

Can I freeze the bread?

Absolutely! This bread freezes very well. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave individual slices for a quick treat.

Can I use a different type of flour?

If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help the bread rise.

Conclusion

Country apple fritter bread is a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious treat that I love to bake whenever I need something sweet and satisfying. The soft, moist bread combined with the cinnamon-sugar apple filling and buttery topping makes it irresistible. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack with tea, or as a dessert after dinner. Plus, the house smells amazing while it’s baking! Whether I’m making it for family, friends, or just for myself, this bread is always a hit and one that will be enjoyed by everyone.

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