Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like a bakery-style apple fritter in loaf form
- Moist and tender with juicy apple chunks throughout
- Layers of cinnamon and brown sugar for rich flavor
- Easy to make with basic ingredients
- Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze for the perfect touch
- Great for fall baking, holidays, or year-round treats
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for gifting
- Delicious warm, room temperature, or chilled
- Versatile—enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bread:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter (melted) or oil
For the apple filling:
- Apples (peeled and chopped, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
For the brown sugar swirl:
- Light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, toss chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Top with half the apple mixture and half the brown sugar mixture.
- Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and brown sugar mixture. Gently swirl layers with a knife.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf (8–10 slices).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
- Apple Pie Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Chunky Applesauce Swirl: Use chunky applesauce in place of chopped apples for a smoother texture.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer.
- Caramel Apple Bread: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze.
- Mini Loaves: Bake in mini pans for 25–30 minutes.
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Use a muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
- Crisp Topping: Add a light streusel topping before baking.
- Double the Apple: Use extra apple chunks for more fruit in every bite.
Storage/Reheating
Store apple fritter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for apple fritter bread?
Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape and flavor well during baking.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the peel on for a rustic feel.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day and can be stored or frozen for later.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The bread is sweet and flavorful on its own, though the glaze adds a bakery-style finish.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the bread is underbaked or overmixed. Make sure it’s fully baked and gently combined.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans are a delicious addition to the apple or batter layers.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the bread may be denser. Use half all-purpose and half whole wheat for best results.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking?
Toss them with flour before layering to help them stay suspended in the batter.
Is this bread very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet, especially with the glaze. You can reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
Conclusion
Apple fritter bread is everything you love about a classic apple fritter—sweet, spiced, and full of apple flavor—baked into a moist, sliceable loaf. With its cinnamon-sugar layers and drizzle of glaze, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a seasonal gift, this bread delivers comfort in every bite.