Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

There’s something truly heartwarming about a loaf of homemade Country Apple Fritter Bread fresh from the oven. This moist, cinnamon-swirled quick bread is bursting with layers of tender apples and a sweet, crackly glaze that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re starting your day with a cozy breakfast or winding down with a comforting treat, this Country Apple Fritter Bread delivers big on flavor—and fills the entire house with the nostalgic scent of apples and cinnamon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how the simplest pantry staples come together to create such a show-stopping loaf. Each ingredient adds its own magic: apples for freshness, cinnamon for warmth, brown sugar for lovely caramel notes, and that luscious glaze on top. Let’s break down how each one makes this Country Apple Fritter Bread unforgettable.

• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness, perfect for swirling
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, making the bread fragrant and flavorful
• Granulated sugar: Keeps the crumb sweet and tender, and helps the apples shine
• Unsalted butter (softened): Lends a rich, buttery taste and velvety texture to the loaf
• Large eggs: Add structure and help hold everything together for a fluffy result
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with comforting, aromatic depth
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the bread its soft, cake-like crumb
• Baking powder: Provides lift so your bread bakes up nice and tall
• Milk or almond milk: Makes the loaf moist and tender—choose your favorite
• Apples (peeled and chopped): The star ingredient! Choose a tart apple for the best flavor contrast
• Granulated sugar (for apples): Helps the apples soften and stew into dreamy morsels
• Ground cinnamon (for apples): Double the cinnamon means double the cozy vibes
• Powdered sugar: The secret to a silky-sweet glaze that finishes the loaf beautifully
• Milk or cream (for glaze): Whisked in just enough to make your glaze dreamy and pourable

How to Make Country Apple Fritter Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later—trust me, you’ll be glad you did when it’s time to admire your golden loaf.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mix

In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of light brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This is your cinnamon-sugar swirl that adds pockets of sweet spice throughout the bread. Set it aside for layering later.

Step 3: Toss the Apples

Peel and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. In another bowl, toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, coating every piece. This brings out the apples’ juices and ensures they bake up soft and flavorful in every slice of Country Apple Fritter Bread.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, cream together 2/3 cup granulated sugar and the softened butter until light and fluffy. This base creates the tender texture that sets this bread apart.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract. This step builds the bread’s rich, custard-like crumb.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and finish with flour for a well-mixed but not overworked batter. Stir just until combined for the softest result.

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then top with half the apple mixture and sprinkle on half the brown sugar-cinnamon mix. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon swirl. Gently press the apples into the batter and swirl the top with a knife for that signature marbled effect.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are totally fine). Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This prevents sogginess and keeps your Country Apple Fritter Bread beautifully intact.

Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy!

Stir powdered sugar with 1 to 3 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth and pourable. Once your bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top—then just wait for the oohs and ahhs when you slice in!

How to Serve Country Apple Fritter Bread

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of the vanilla glaze is classic, but you could also shower the loaf with a dusting of powdered sugar or sprinkle on a little extra cinnamon for a beautiful finish. Thin apple slices or even some toasted chopped pecans add a bit of sophistication and crunch if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This bread is wonderful all on its own, but if you want to round out your breakfast or brunch table, it pairs beautifully with Greek yogurt, crispy bacon, or a big bowl of fresh berries. For a café-style treat, serve warm slices alongside your favorite coffee or spiced tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, bake the batter into mini loaves or muffins—perfect for gifting or sharing at potlucks. Try slicing and layering the bread with whipped cream for an easy apple trifle, or cube leftovers to make a decadent bread pudding. Country Apple Fritter Bread looks stunning on a wooden serving board with a little pot of glaze for drizzling at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Country Apple Fritter Bread ultra-fresh by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap or storing the whole loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve glazed the bread, just let the glaze set before storing to avoid stickiness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled, unglazed bread tightly in plastic and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then glaze before serving so it’s just as delicious as day one.

Reheating

If you like your Country Apple Fritter Bread warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. The flavors deepen, the glaze gets dreamy, and the apples become even more tender—just heavenly!

FAQs

What kind of apples work best in Country Apple Fritter Bread?

Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for their tart flavor and firm texture, which stand up nicely during baking. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, try Honeycrisp or Fuji—just be sure to choose an apple that won’t turn mushy in the oven.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute vegetable oil or even melted coconut oil for the butter. The result will be slightly different in flavor and texture, but still moist and delicious.

Can I make Country Apple Fritter Bread gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The structure may change a bit, but you’ll still get loads of apple-cinnamon goodness.

How do I prevent the bread from being underbaked in the middle?

If you find your loaf is browning too quickly but still wet inside, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking and check with a toothpick in several spots to ensure thorough doneness.

Should I peel the apples before adding them to the bread?

For the best texture, do peel the apples before chopping and adding. The peel can become tough during baking, but if you don’t mind a bit of chew, it’s perfectly fine to leave it on for extra fiber and color.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a truly comforting treat, I can’t recommend Country Apple Fritter Bread enough. It’s the sort of recipe you’ll want to return to every apple season, and you’ll love sharing it with friends and family. Go ahead and give it a try—your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Print