If you love apple fritters, you’ll fall in love with this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread. It’s a moist, tender loaf filled with layers of cinnamon sugar and apple chunks, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Each slice tastes like a mix between apple pie and a bakery-style apple fritter, making it the perfect cozy fall bake.
This loaf is great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It also makes a beautiful homemade gift during the holidays. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and incredible flavor make this recipe a keeper.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixtures
- In one small bowl, combine diced apples with granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Step 3: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour and baking powder, alternating with milk, until a smooth batter forms.
Step 4: Layer the Bread
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon swirl and half of the apple mixture. Add the rest of the batter, then top with remaining apples and swirl mixture. Gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
- Let bread cool for 15 minutes, then drizzle with glaze. Slice and enjoy!
Variation
- Caramel Drizzle: Replace glaze with caramel sauce.
- Nutty Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add sweetened cream cheese between layers.
- Mini Loaves: Bake in mini loaf pans for gifts or party favors.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend.
Cooking Notes
- Apples should be diced small for even baking.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean.
- Bread tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for breakfast.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Perfect for brunch buffets or holiday gatherings.
- Wrap in parchment and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tips
- Use firm apples for best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter—this keeps bread tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Info (per slice, approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 170mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I freeze Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread?
- Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q2: Can I use oil instead of butter?
- Yes, use 1/2 cup vegetable oil for a slightly lighter loaf.
Q3: Can I make this in muffin form?
- Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 20–22 minutes at 350°F.
Q4: Do I need to peel the apples?
- Peeling gives a smoother texture, but you can leave skins on for rustic style.
Q5: Can I reduce the sugar?
- Yes, you can cut sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup without losing sweetness.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is everything you love about fall baking in one loaf—moist, buttery bread layered with spiced apples and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is a cozy, delicious way to celebrate apple season.