Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Imagine everything you love about a classic apple fritter—warm, sweet, and bursting with flavor—transformed into a perfectly sliceable loaf. Apple Fritter Bread is truly the coziest fall treat, with juicy apple pieces tucked inside a moist crumb, fragrant cinnamon sugar swirling through every bite, and a dreamy vanilla glaze drizzled over the top. One slice is pure comfort, whether you’re sharing it over coffee, packing it for a picnic, or sneaking a late-night nibble straight from the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Fritter Bread relies on easy, familiar ingredients, each one playing a special part in what makes this loaf so irresistible. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the brown sugar, spices, and creamy glaze work together to create a crave-worthy result.

• Apples: Fresh Gala apples bring just the right amount of flavor and hold their shape beautifully while baking.
• Light brown sugar: Lends a caramel warmth that pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
• All-purpose flour: The structure of your bread depends on this kitchen staple; don’t substitute!
• Apple pie spice blend: Delivers instant autumn coziness with cinnamon and warm spices.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give your bread its lovely rise and tenderness.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors throughout the loaf.
• Unsalted butter: Adds tender richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a golden crust.
• Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a soft crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and enhances spice notes.
• Buttermilk: Brings moisture and a subtle tang for depth of flavor.
• Powdered sugar: The base for that decadent, glossy glaze on top.
• Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, pourable glaze that sets beautifully.

How to Make Apple Fritter Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan, give it a generous coat of baker’s spray, and set it aside. This step ensures your Apple Fritter Bread releases easily and bakes up with golden edges every time.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine your diced apples, brown sugar, flour, and apple pie spice blend. Toss everything together until the apple pieces are completely coated—this guarantees juicy bits of apple and flavorful ribbons in every bite of your bread.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these separately makes sure your batter bakes evenly and your loaf has the ideal tender crumb.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the granulated sugar for about a minute until it’s light and fluffy. This step introduces air, creating that beautifully soft texture we love in Apple Fritter Bread.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla until just incorporated. Take care not to overmix—stop as soon as the egg disappears and the batter looks smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of your dry flour mixture to the wet batter and gently beat on low until just combined, then pour in your buttermilk and mix again. Finish by folding in the last half of the dry ingredients. The trick here is to mix just until you don’t see streaks of flour—overmixing could make your bread tough.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Spread half the batter in your prepared loaf pan—it’ll be a bit thick, so use a spoon or spatula to help. Next, layer about two-thirds of your apple cinnamon filling on top. Cover with the rest of the batter, spreading evenly, and finish with the last of the apple mixture. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the top, just enough to create beautiful apple-cinnamon ripples without mixing everything together. Make sure most apple pieces are tucked under the batter so they don’t burn in the oven.

Step 8: Bake

Slide your loaf into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. To guard against over-browning, loosely tent the bread with aluminum foil and continue baking another 25 to 30 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean from the center. Let your freshly baked Apple Fritter Bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

While your bread cools, stir together sifted powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency if needed—add more powdered sugar to thicken, or a splash of cream to loosen it up. Once your loaf is completely cool, drizzle or spoon the glaze generously over the top and let it set for about 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your Apple Fritter Bread with a sprinkle of extra apple pie spice or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish. If you’re feeling fancy, add a handful of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for extra crunch and a touch of warmth.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs perfectly with a mug of coffee, chai latte, or a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat. If you’re serving it at brunch, offer fresh fruit or a tangy Greek yogurt parfait alongside to balance all that sweet apple magic.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Apple Fritter Bread thick and warm it ever-so-slightly before plating. Try serving it in a bread basket lined with a fall-themed napkin for a rustic, inviting look, or cut into cubes and serve as bite-sized treats at your next party. Top every slice with a little drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Fritter Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate for up to 4 days; just allow it to come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

Apple Fritter Bread freezes like a dream! Once fully cooled and unglazed, wrap the loaf well in plastic, then a layer of foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it reach room temperature before glazing and serving.

Reheating

Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore that right-from-the-oven taste and texture. If you’ve already glazed your bread, expect the glaze to melt a bit—deliciously messy!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Gala apples work beautifully for Apple Fritter Bread thanks to their sweetness and texture, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are all great choices. Each will bring a slightly different tang or crunch to the final loaf.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use as directed—your Apple Fritter Bread will be just as moist and tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check the consistency of your batter and watch your bake time (gluten-free loaves sometimes bake a bit faster).

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or a larger baking dish, keeping a close eye on the center for doneness. Apple Fritter Bread is always a hit, so making extra is never a bad idea!

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

Bread can sink if it’s underbaked, if there’s too much moisture, or if it was overmixed. Use a toothpick to check doneness, and remember not to overwork your batter—that keeps your Apple Fritter Bread light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake this Apple Fritter Bread as I am to share it. There’s something so special about that cinnamon-swirled crumb and freshly baked apple aroma filling your kitchen. Trust me: one slice and you’ll want to bake it again and again, so gather your ingredients and treat yourself—or someone you love—to this cozy classic!

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