Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall but want something quick and satisfying, this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s like biting into a warm apple fritter in bread form — packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples tucked inside a moist, buttery loaf and finished with a sweet glaze that truly takes it over the top. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and it’s become my go-to for breakfast or a comforting afternoon snack.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how simple it was to make yet so packed with those familiar apple cinnamon aromas and flavors. Whether you’re baking for company or just craving something a little special with your morning coffee, this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Trust me, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is how the ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. From tart apples to cinnamon sugar, each component works in harmony to make the bread something special and memorable.

• Apples: I like firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so they hold their shape and add that perfect tartness.
• Dark Brown Sugar: It’s key for depth and richness both in the apples and cinnamon sugar topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for those classic apple fritter vibes.
• Butter: Use salted and softened butter for a creamy batter and to coat the apples.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the bread rise nicely.
• Eggs: Large eggs will bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch brings out warmth and balances flavors beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Milk: Adds tenderness to the crumb.
• Sour Cream: I discovered this trick to make the bread extra moist and rich without being heavy.
• Powdered Sugar: For the glaze—a sweet, smooth finish.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe can be. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or switch things up with seasonal produce or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Apple Varieties: I often swap in Fuji or Gala for a sweeter, softer bite.
• Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor, perfect for fall.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve played around with gluten-free flour blends with good results—just watch the moisture ratio.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom brings a warming complexity that my family adores.

How to Make Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan with nonstick spray—this ensures your bread pops out effortlessly once baked. Next, toss the peeled and diced apples with 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and drizzle 1 teaspoon of melted butter over the mixture. Stir this gently so every piece gets coated – this is the secret to that cinnamon-spiced apple magic inside the bread.

Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar and the remaining cinnamon. This mixture will layer beautifully on top and throughout the bread, creating that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch reminiscent of your favorite bakery fritters.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or an electric hand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes and is key to getting a tender crumb. I like to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to make sure everything’s fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If you rush this, your batter can split, so patience pays off here. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds that warm, inviting depth of flavor you want in this bread.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Whisk the milk and sour cream together, and in a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture on low speed, then drizzle in the milk and sour cream mix, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can make your bread tough, so be gentle.

Step 6: Layer Your Batter and Apples

Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently smooth it out. Then add half of the apple mixture on top, followed by half of that cinnamon sugar. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and topping. This layering traps the cinnamon sugar and apples in all the right places, so each slice is packed with flavor.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. I always start checking around 45 minutes because ovens can vary. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before moving on to the glaze.

Step 8: Whip Up the Glaze

Mix together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze all over the top. This adds sweetness and a shiny finish that reminds me of cinnamon sugar donuts—and that’s exactly what I want you to experience!

How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this bread with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. Sometimes a little butter spread on a warm slice takes things to heavenly levels. Fresh apple slices alongside add a crisp contrast that’s simple and beautiful.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese for breakfast, or for an indulgent dessert, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. I’ve also enjoyed it with a simple bowl of chai tea or spiced cider on colder days—makes for a cozy combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice this bread into thinner pieces and arrange them like mini sandwiches with cream cheese filling or apple butter. You can also serve small squares on a stout wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar and edible flowers for a charming brunch display that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Apple Fritter Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and fresh, though I usually warm slices slightly before eating to revive that freshly-baked softness.

Freezing

Freezing this bread works wonderfully! I slice it first and wrap each slice individually in parchment and plastic wrap before freezing. This way, I can pull out single slices as needed without thawing the whole loaf.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds and then add a small pat of butter or drizzle more glaze for that fresh-baked feel. I promise it’s almost as good as straight from the oven!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Bread Recipe has become such a warm comfort for me, bringing a little slice of autumn or a sweet treat anytime I need it. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it just as much as I have! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a favorite in your kitchen – it truly feels like a hug wrapped in a loaf.

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