Apple Fritter Bread is like your favorite apple fritter pastry transformed into a soft, moist loaf you can slice and enjoy anytime. This bread is packed with tender chunks of apple, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze that gives it just the right touch of sugary goodness.
I love making this bread when apples are in season because it fills the house with the most wonderful smell of cinnamon and baking apples. One tip I’ve learned is to use crisp apples so you get that lovely bite in every slice, making it feel extra special. It’s such a fun way to enjoy the flavors of an apple fritter without the frying part!
My favorite way to eat this apple fritter bread is lightly toasted with a bit of butter melting on top. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. This bread always brings a smile when I share it because it tastes like a little slice of happiness wrapped in warmth and spice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji hold their shape and add a nice texture. If you prefer sweeter bread, go for Fuji. For a softer bite, softer varieties like Gala work too.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: These keep the bread moist and tender. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk are good substitutes.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices are essential for that classic apple fritter flavor. You can add a bit of ground cloves or ginger for a slightly different warm spice note.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch but can be left out if you want nut-free bread or don’t have them on hand.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: This creates the signature swirl and crunchy topping. If you want it less sweet, reduce the sugar or skip the swirl but keep some topping for texture.
How Can I Make a Beautiful Cinnamon Sugar Swirl in the Bread?
Creating that soft cinnamon swirl is key to apple fritter bread. Here’s how to do it easily:
- After pouring half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over it.
- Add the remaining batter gently on top without mixing.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar topping over the batter.
- Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the topping through the batter in a figure-eight motion. Don’t overdo it—just enough to give a marbled look without blending everything together.
This technique ensures pockets of cinnamon sugar in every bite and gives a pretty pattern. It’s easier than it looks and the subtle layers of cinnamon flavor make the bread special!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – Perfect for baking the bread evenly and shaping it nicely.
- Medium mixing bowls – For whisking dry ingredients and mixing wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk or spatula – To combine everything smoothly without overmixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise measurement of ingredients.
- Knife or skewer – To swirl the cinnamon sugar topping into the batter for that pretty marbled effect.
- Wire rack – To cool the bread evenly after baking without sogginess.
- Small bowl – To mix the cinnamon sugar topping and glaze ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or summarize with diced pineapple for a tropical twist that adds sweetness and flavor.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks into the batter for a richer treat with chocolate lovers.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon and apples.
- Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder with the cinnamon for a coffee-flavored spin that enhances the spices.
Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk or cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Fritter Bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 55-65 minutes to bake. Then allow about 15 minutes to cool before glazing. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your bread doesn’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture looks smooth and slightly thickened. Then stir in the vegetable oil, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.
3. Combine Ingredients and Add Apples
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—try not to overmix, or your bread might turn out tough. Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts if you’re using them, giving the batter a final, gentle stir.
4. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Pour about half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar topping. Sprinkle half of this topping over the batter in the pan. Then spoon the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
5. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Take a knife or a skewer and gently swirl the cinnamon sugar topping through the batter to make a marbled pattern. Don’t swirl too much—just enough for that pretty effect!
6. Bake and Cool
Bake your bread in the oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when done. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare and Add the Glaze
While the bread cools, mix the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. When your bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet, finishing touch.
Slice and enjoy your warm, cinnamon-spiced Apple Fritter Bread with a soft glaze that makes every bite feel like a treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Bread?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Fritter Bread?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For best flavor, warm slices slightly before serving.
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture. Baking times may vary slightly.
Is It Okay to Skip the Nuts?
Definitely! Nuts add crunch, but you can leave them out for a nut-free version or if you prefer a softer bread.
