I absolutely love this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe because it’s like having the perfectly cozy, cinnamon-spiced apple fritter you’d find at your favorite bakery—only in loaf form! When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed at how the layers of tender cinnamon apples and sweet, buttery batter come together so effortlessly. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but is really simple enough for a relaxed weekend bake or an afternoon coffee break.
You’ll find that this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe works beautifully as a snack, breakfast treat, or even dessert with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, the cinnamon sugar sprinkle and glaze on top add that irresistible bakery flair. I’ve made this for friends and family, and honestly, everyone goes crazy for it—so I can’t wait for you to try it, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-Style Flavor: This bread perfectly captures the warm cinnamon and tender apples of a classic apple fritter, right in your own kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh apples, so you can whip it up anytime.
- Moist & Tender Texture: The combination of sour cream and milk creates a soft, rich crumb you’ll want to eat slice after slice.
- Fun Layering Technique: The layered cinnamon sugar and apples inside and on top create a sweet surprise in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here work together to create that signature apple fritter flavor you love. Using fresh apples with a good pinch of cinnamon is the trick to that delicious aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes.
- Apples: I like using crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet batter.
- Dark brown sugar: It adds a deep caramel note — don’t skip it for the cinnamon sugar and apples.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that’s essential for that apple fritter vibe.
- Butter: Use salted, softened butter to add richness and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Pure or artificial both work; I love the hint of vanilla that compliments the apples.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the soft, tender bread.
- Baking powder: Key for a nice rise.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly.
- Sour cream: This is my secret weapon for extra tender crumb and slight tang.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
Variations
One of the great things about this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I often tweak it based on what I have or to suit different tastes.
- Nutty Crunch: I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts between the apple layers for a delightful texture contrast—my family loves the extra crunch.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon gives the bread a more complex spice profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: I experimented with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and it worked surprisingly well—just be sure to check the baking powder’s ingredients.
- Less Sweet: If you prefer, reduce the sugar in the batter slightly and keep the cinnamon sugar for a balanced sweetness.
How to Make Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Sugar Mixtures
Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small pieces—this helps them bake evenly and marries well with the batter. Toss them gently with some dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then drizzle melted butter over to bring out the sweetness and help everything caramelize as it bakes. Don’t rush this step; making sure all the apples are well coated is key to getting that classic fritter texture inside the bread. Separately, mix your cinnamon sugar blend that will sprinkle on top and between layers to create those tempting cinnamon pockets.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla
Use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer to cream your softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—that’s the foundation of a tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl so everything stays homogenous. Stir in vanilla extract last; it’s a small ingredient that makes a big flavor difference you’ll appreciate as you bake.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Mixture
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt separately to ensure everything is evenly mixed without any lumps. In another small bowl, whisk the milk and sour cream together until smooth; this mixture helps keep the bread wonderfully moist. Add the dry ingredients to your creamed butter mixture on low speed, then drizzle in the milk-sour cream combo and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—you want the batter to be just right for a tender, cakey bread.
Step 4: Layer Batter, Apples, and Cinnamon Sugar in the Pan
Grease your loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick spray, then spread half of the batter evenly on the bottom. Top this layer with half of your apple mixture, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar on top. This layering is what makes the Apple Fritter Bread Recipe so special, giving you flavorful pockets of apples and that crunchy cinnamon sugar bite in every slice.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Bake your bread at 350°F (175°C) for around 50 minutes or until golden and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean—some moist crumbs near the apples are okay. While it cools on a wire rack, mix your glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled loaf for that irresistible shiny, sweet finish. Trust me, this glaze is the cherry on top that makes everyone ask for more!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Use Crisp Apples: I always pick firmer apples like Granny Smith so they hold their shape instead of turning mushy inside the bread.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your bread light and tender rather than dense.
- Check for Doneness Early: Insert a toothpick or knife around 45 minutes—oven times can vary and you don’t want it drying out.
- Let It Cool Completely Before Glazing: I learned this the hard way—the glaze melts perfectly when the bread is cool but not cold, so don’t rush this step!
How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love dusting a little extra powdered sugar on top alongside the glaze for that picture-perfect bakery look. If you want to get indulgent, a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates it to a dessert-worthy experience.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a chai latte in the morning. For a brunch spread, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or creamy yogurt and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special occasions, I like slicing the Apple Fritter Bread and arranging the pieces in a basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin—adds a rustic, inviting vibe. You can also serve smaller slices as part of a dessert platter with cheese and nuts for a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist, but if you live in a humid climate, the fridge works too—just let it come back to room temp before eating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this bread several times by slicing first, wrapping each slice in parchment and foil, then placing them in freezer bags. When you want a quick treat, just grab a slice and thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
I recommend warming slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds. This brings back the soft texture and revives the flavors beautifully, especially if you add a little butter or cream cheese on top!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer tart and crisp apples like Granny Smith for their firmness and tangy flavor, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just remember that softer apples may turn mushier during baking, changing the texture slightly.
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How do I know when the Apple Fritter Bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown top and insert a knife or toothpick near the center. It should come out mostly clean with maybe a few crumbs but no wet batter. Because of the apples, some moisture near the knife is normal.
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Can I make this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt or cream substitute instead of sour cream. Just keep in mind this may slightly affect the texture and flavor, but it still turns out delicious!
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Is this recipe suitable to prepare ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and the apple mixture the day before and keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble and bake the next day for a fresher bake. The bread itself keeps well for a few days stored properly.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Fritter Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort bakes because it brings back those cozy flavors of homemade apple treats with minimal fuss. I love sharing it with friends and family because it feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a simple way to impress or just want to treat yourself to a slice of warmth and spice, this recipe is a must-try. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every cinnamon-spiced bite!
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 moist, flavorful quick bread layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and brown sugar. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert that captures all the delicious flavors of classic apple fritters in an easy-to-make loaf.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Apples
- 2 apples, peeled and cut into small dice
- 1 tbsp dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Batter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, pure or artificial
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Prepare the cinnamon apples. In a bowl, combine the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Drizzle the 1 teaspoon of melted butter over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar and the remaining 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, mixing well.
- Cream butter and sugar. Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
- Combine milk and sour cream. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the milk and sour cream until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix on low speed. Slowly drizzle in the milk and sour cream mixture and mix until just combined, taking care to scrape the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
- Layer batter and apples in pan. Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the apple mixture over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples.
- Add remaining batter and toppings. Spread the remaining batter over the layered apples. Top with the remaining apples and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly sprinkled on top.
- Bake until golden and set. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Prepare the glaze. While the bread bakes, mix together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and glaze. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, remove it from the pan and drizzle the glaze evenly over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives and substitute sour cream accordingly.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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