Why This Apple Fritter Bread Is Special
- No yeast → faster and easier than traditional fritters
- Chunks of apple → soft inside, lightly caramelized
- Cinnamon sugar layers → beautiful swirls and deep flavor
- Vanilla glaze → glossy, bakery-style finish
- Keeps moist for days → ideal for make-ahead baking
This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or coffee breaks.
Ingredients (Exact & Tested)
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Swirl
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Bread Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (room temperature)
Vanilla Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Recommended Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Cooling rack
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes (about 1 cm).
In a bowl, toss apples with:
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
Set aside.
Why this matters
Coating apples with sugar and cinnamon before baking:
- Enhances sweetness
- Draws out juices
- Prevents dry apple chunks
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix:
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
This mixture creates the signature apple fritter flavor and those irresistible layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until:
- Light
- Pale
- Fluffy (about 2–3 minutes)
This step incorporates air, ensuring a soft crumb.
Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
This prevents uneven rising and bitterness.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
Add flour mixture to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with milk.
Mix gently.
Do not overmix—the batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 6: Layer the Bread
Grease and line your loaf pan.
Layering Order
- Spread ½ of the batter into the pan
- Sprinkle ½ of the apples
- Add ½ of the cinnamon sugar
- Repeat layers
- Lightly swirl with a knife (do not overdo it)
This creates:
- Even apple distribution
- Defined cinnamon ribbons
Step 7: Baking
Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 50–60 minutes.
Check for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center:
- It should come out mostly clean
- Moist crumbs are fine
- Wet batter = needs more time
If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
Step 8: Cooling (Important!)
Let the loaf cool:
- 15 minutes in the pan
- Then transfer to a rack
Glazing too early will cause it to melt and disappear.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
Consistency should be:
- Thick but pourable
- Adjust milk drop by drop
Step 10: Glaze the Bread
Drizzle glaze generously over the loaf.
Let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
This creates the glossy finish seen in your image.
Texture & Flavor Breakdown
- Crust: Golden, lightly crisp
- Inside: Moist, tender, cake-like
- Apples: Soft with caramelized edges
- Flavor: Cinnamon-forward, seeet-balanced
- Glaze: Sweet, smooth, aromatic
Expert Baking Tips
✔ Use firm apples to avoid mushiness
✔ Room-temperature ingredients blend better
✔ Don’t over-swirl → you want layers, not muddy batter
✔ Let the loaf rest before slicing
Delicious Variations
Caramel Apple Fritter Bread
Add caramel sauce between layers.
Nutty Version
Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Healthier Option
- Replace half flour with whole wheat
- Reduce sugar slightly
Mini Loaves
Bake in mini pans for gifting.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 2 days (covered)
- Refrigerator: 5 days
- Freezer (unglazed): 2 months
Serving Ideas
- Warm slice with coffee ☕
- Toasted with butter
- Dessert with vanilla ice cream 🍨
Why This Recipe Never Fails
✔ Balanced sweetness
✔ Moist texture
✔ Clear layering
✔ Bakery-style appearance
✔ Beginner-friendly
Final Thoughts
This Apple Fritter Bread delivers everything you love about apple fritters—without frying. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and guaranteed to impress with its rich cinnamon aroma and glossy glaze