Introduction
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a moist, tender quick bread layered with juicy apples, warm cinnamon sugar, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. It tastes just like your favorite apple fritter donut—only baked and sliceable. Perfect for fall mornings, afternoon snacks, or even dessert, this bread brings comforting warmth and bakery-level flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Apple Mixture:
2 medium apples (peeled and chopped small, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp cinnamon
For the Bread Batter:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
For the Glaze (optional but recommended):
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Prepare Apple Mixture:
In a small bowl, toss chopped apples with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In another small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. Add this to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Assemble the Bread:
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
Layer half the cinnamon swirl over the batter, then half the apple mixture.
Repeat layers with remaining batter, cinnamon swirl, and apples.
Lightly press apples into batter and swirl with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect.
Bake:
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.
Cool & Glaze:
Let bread cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread.
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with spiced apple flavor. Each slice is layered with pockets of juicy apples and ribbons of cinnamon sugar, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s like eating an apple fritter donut in loaf form—perfectly cozy and bakery-worthy.
Tips
Chop Apples Small: Small pieces blend better into the batter and cook evenly.
Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith provides a great balance against the sweet cinnamon.
Don’t Overmix: Keep the bread tender by mixing until just combined.
Test with Toothpick: Check for doneness at 50 minutes and every 5 minutes after.
Variations
Add Nuts: Stir in 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Add Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze or mix some into the batter.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Muffin Version: Scoop into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Corrections
Too Dense? Make sure baking powder is fresh and eggs are room temperature.
Apples Sinking? Toss apples in a little flour before layering to help them suspend.
Dry Bread? Slightly underbake and don’t overmix the batter.
Enjoy
Serve this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread warm or at room temperature, with a mug of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need something sweet and spiced. Every bite is rich, moist, and cozy—just like a bakery apple fritter, but homemade with love.