If you’re a fan of bakery treats and cozy kitchen aromas, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread. Imagine a soft, buttery loaf studded with juicy apples and delicately laced with cinnamon sugar, all finished with a sweet, glossy glaze. This recipe is the best of apple fritters and homemade bread in one easy, irresistible package. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, every slice delivers pure comfort and nostalgia with a hint of fall magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread so special is how each ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect, bakery-style flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of basics that transform into something truly unforgettable.
- Light brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl, giving each bite its signature warmth.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of any apple fritter, cinnamon brings cozy spice and beautiful aroma.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures a moist, flavorful loaf and helps the batter come together smoothly.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a rich, cake-like texture.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, creating structure while staying soft.
- Baking powder: Gives the loaf its lift and airy texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the batter gently for a tender crumb.
- Peeled and chopped apples: Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness, plus juicy texture.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the simple glaze, making the loaf look and taste bakery-fresh.
- Milk (for glaze): Just a splash brings the powdered sugar together for a drizzle-worthy finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Let’s start by getting everything ready: preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread lifts right out of the pan, looking picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple combo creates that signature swirl and infuses the bread with layers of sweet, spicy flavor that everyone loves.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb, and you’ll notice the batter gets pale and airy as you mix.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic bakery aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps evenly distribute the leavening, so your loaf rises beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until everything is just combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender bread!
Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, then top with half of the chopped apples and sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar. Repeat the layers with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar. Lightly press the apples into the top and swirl gently with a knife for that signature marbled effect.
Step 8: Bake
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells like a dream.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf for that irresistible, glossy finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle the glazed loaf with a pinch of cinnamon or add a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving makes it look like it came straight from a bakery window.
Side Dishes
This bread is delicious all by itself, but it’s also wonderful alongside a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it as dessert. For a hearty brunch, pair it with a simple fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread thick and toasting it lightly—then add a bit of butter for a decadent treat. For a fun twist, cut the loaf into cubes and serve on a platter with toothpicks as a sweet party appetizer, or wrap individual slices in parchment for grab-and-go snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors only get better as they meld, making this bread even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread freezes beautifully! Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil (or use a freezer bag). It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just heated through. The glaze softens, and the bread regains that fresh-baked taste and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their flavor and texture, you can use any crisp, tart apple you have on hand. Just avoid softer varieties, as they may become mushy when baked.
Can I add nuts to the Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Simply sprinkle them in with the chopped apples for extra texture in every bite.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and check for doneness as baking times may vary slightly.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Your loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the aroma will fill your kitchen!
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeled apples create a softer, more uniform texture in the finished bread. If you prefer a bit of extra texture and color, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings all the comfort of a classic bakery treat right to your table, perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you’re craving a taste of fall any time of year, this loaf is sure to hit the spot!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread featuring tender apples and a sweet cinnamon swirl, topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for fall baking, it combines the comforting flavors of apple fritters in an easy-to-make loaf that’s great for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted 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 milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside for layering.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, ensuring even distribution of the leavening.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the chopped apples over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Repeat Layers and Swirl: Pour the remaining batter over the first layer, followed by the remaining apples and cinnamon sugar. Lightly press the apples into the batter for even distribution, then use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the top layer for a beautiful cinnamon effect.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, adjusting milk quantity to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled loaf. Allow the glaze to set briefly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld; wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Ensure apples are well drained to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Use fresh apples for best texture; avoid canned or pre-cooked apples.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
