If you adore the cozy flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples baked into something irresistibly sweet, the Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. This bread perfectly balances a tender crumb with pockets of spiced apple goodness and that luscious cinnamon swirl throughout. With a soft glaze drizzled on top, every bite delivers a lovely crumbly, sweet, and slightly tangy experience reminiscent of your favorite apple fritters, but in an easy-to-slice bread form. It’s the ultimate comfort-baking project that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and guarantees smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a bread that is moist, flavorful, and reminds you of fresh apple desserts. Each component—from the spices to the apples—plays a key role in building layers of texture and taste that make this recipe truly special.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and moisture for depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice here, giving warmth and fragrance that complements the apples perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a buttery softness that melts in your mouth.
- Large eggs: Bind everything and add a slight fluffiness to the bread’s texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The structure base that holds all the delicious ingredients together.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread rise and lightness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to the batter.
- Apples, peeled and chopped: Fresh fruit bits that burst with juiciness and natural tartness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing plus flouring a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread will release beautifully after baking without sticking, so your slices come out perfectly intact every time.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mix
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with ground cinnamon. This blend is the magical swirl that you’ll layer inside the bread, creating pockets of warm spice and sweetness as you bake.
Step 3: Toss the Apples
Next, mix the chopped apples with granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. This light coating helps the apples stay juicy while contributing a lovely caramelized flavor as they bake inside the batter.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until you get a light, fluffy texture. This aeration step is crucial for a tender, moist bread. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Whisk together your flour and baking powder separately, then add the dry mixture to the butter mix gradually, alternating with milk. Starting and finishing with the dry ingredients keeps the batter balanced—mix just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which keeps the bread soft.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Fillings
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar and apple mixture over it. Lightly press the apples into the batter so they don’t sink. Pour the remaining batter over the top, smooth it out, and finish with the rest of your cinnamon-sugar and apples. Swirl everything gently with a knife for that signature cinnamon ribbon.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to reach room temperature.
Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness and that classic fritter bread finish that everyone loves.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts over the glaze just before serving for elevated texture and an extra pop of flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese also pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Serve slices with a warm cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a cozy snack. This bread also complements vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced yogurt for a delightful dessert treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this bread into fancy French toast by soaking slices in an egg-milk mixture and grilling until golden. You can also cut it into thick chunks and use it as a base for bread pudding, enhancing its apple-cinnamon character even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed preserves its moisture and flavor perfectly.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it well in plastic wrapped and foil or place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months, making it a great make-ahead treat or gift.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Adding a little butter while warming enhances that freshly-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, but feel free to try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for varying sweetness and texture.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be mindful that texture might vary slightly. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the structure of gluten.
Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?
Yes, doubling is easy—just double all ingredients and bake in two separate pans to ensure even cooking. Baking time remains about the same.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can make a simple glaze by mixing some granulated sugar with a small amount of milk and heating gently to dissolve. The texture will be less smooth but still tasty.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
Coating the apple pieces in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps keep them suspended, along with gently layering and swirling instead of mixing fully.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to try this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe and experience the joy it brings firsthand. It’s a cozy, delicious way to welcome the flavors of fall or any day you crave a comforting homemade treat. Once you make it, I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire and family gatherings!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread, a moist and flavorful loaf that combines tender apples with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this bread balances sweetness and spice with a soft crumb texture.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Mixture
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Batter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this aromatic mixture aside for layering later.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In another bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will coat the apples with sweetness and spice.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, preparing the dry mix for the batter.
- Combine Batter Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender bread.
- Layer Batter and Fillings: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, followed by half of the apple mixture. Lightly press the apples into the batter to keep the layers intact.
- Finish Layering: Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and apple mixture. Lightly swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is fully baked and cooked through.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare Glaze and Drizzle: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread to add a sweet, glossy finish.
Notes
- Make sure the apples are peeled and chopped evenly for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Do not overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients to keep the bread tender.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness to avoid under- or over-baking.
- The glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar to thicken.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
