If you love the warm, cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a soft, moist loaf, the Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This irresistible bread combines sweet chunks of tender apples with a playful cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout, creating pockets of spicy sweetness that melt in your mouth. Finished with a delicate glaze, it’s like biting into a homemade apple fritter but in an easy-to-slice bread form that’s perfect for sharing or savoring anytime. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert, this recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is part of the charm in this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe. Each component plays a vital role: the brown sugar and cinnamon bring that classic spice, fresh apples add juicy bursts of flavor, and a touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth. You’ll see how these humble items come together to create magic in your oven.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds rich molasses undertones and helps create that wonderful cinnamon swirl texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon): The star spice here, providing cozy warmth infused into both the swirl and apple mixture.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Sweetens the batter and the apples for perfectly balanced flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Ensures a tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth softness in the bread.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together while adding richness and lift.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle floral note.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The bread’s foundation, providing structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder (1 3/4 teaspoons): Helps the bread rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
- Milk (1/2 cup plus 2-3 tablespoons): Moisturizes the batter and is used in the glaze for a smooth finish.
- Apples, peeled and chopped (2 large): The juicy fruit surprise tucked in every slice that brings freshness and texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Creates a silky glaze to drizzle over the loaf for that final sweet touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick, which will make removal and slicing a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This fragrant mixture will create those delightful swirls of cinnamon sugar that make every bite a sweet surprise.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In another bowl, toss the chopped peeled apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This blend spices the apples perfectly and enhances their natural sweetness as they bake.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which lends your bread a tender, airy texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time for thorough incorporation, and stir in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate Adding Milk
Whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with milk: start with flour, then a splash of milk, and repeat, finishing with flour. This method keeps the batter smooth without overmixing, which keeps the bread light.
Step 6: Layer Batter, Apples, and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, followed by half of the apple mixture. Lightly press the apples into the batter so they settle nicely within the loaf.
Step 7: Add Remaining Batter and Swirl
Top the apples with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly. Then scatter the remaining cinnamon sugar and apple mixture on top. Take a knife and gently swirl the toppings into the batter—this creates those beautiful ribbons of cinnamon goodness throughout the loaf.
Step 8: Bake Your Bread
Bake it in your preheated oven for between 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack. This resting step helps the loaf hold its shape perfectly.
Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, glossy glaze. Drizzle it generously over your cooled bread for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish that perfectly complements the cinnamon and apple flavors.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of cinnamon or extra powdered sugar can elevate the presentation and flavor. You could also top slices with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese to add richness and contrast to the sweet bread.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it lightly before serving with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You can also use it as a base for quick French toast, where the cinnamon and apples add natural sweetness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and moist for about 2 to 3 days—perfect for enjoying later.
Freezing
To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe fresh longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 3 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
For a warm slice, reheat your bread in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop slices into a toaster oven for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and brings the flavors to life once again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith are great for tartness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp provide more natural sweetness. Mixing types can add interesting flavor and texture contrasts.
Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and swap the milk for almond milk or oat milk. The texture and flavor remain delicious with these alternatives.
Can I add nuts to enhance this bread?
Definitely try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar swirl or topping. They add a lovely crunch and nutty depth that complement the apples beautifully.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The best indicator is when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it has wet batter on it, give the bread a few more minutes to bake.
Can I make this bread into muffins instead?
Yes! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. They turn out moist and perfectly portioned for grab-and-go treats with the same delicious cinnamon and apple flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe soon. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a standout in any kitchen. Once you taste the sweet cinnamon swirls paired with tender apples in each slice, you’ll understand why this recipe is held so dearly. It’s a delicious way to bring a little warmth and joy to any day.
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf that combines tender apples with a sweet cinnamon swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it’s topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and a delightful finish.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Mixture
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the 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
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for layering in the batter.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In another bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will provide a sweet, spiced apple layer throughout the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a tender crumb in the bread. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk—start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Layer Batter and Fillings: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then distribute half of the apple mixture. Lightly press the apples into the batter to help them stay in place.
- Top with Remaining Layers: Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and the rest of the apple mixture. Using a knife, gently swirl the layers to create a cinnamon swirl effect.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable. Once the bread is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
