Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread

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Instructions

Prepare for Baking

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan generously with butter or cooking spray, then line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the Apple Mixture

  1. In a small bowl, combine the diced apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg if using.
  2. Toss well to coat the apples evenly. Set aside.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

  1. In another small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
  2. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Set aside.

Make the Bread Batter

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ⅔ cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until combined.
  6. Pour in the milk and mix until incorporated.
  7. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix!

Layer and Swirl

  1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  2. Layer half of the apple mixture over the batter.
  3. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the apples.
  4. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread gently to cover.
  5. Top with the remaining apples and cinnamon swirl mixture.
  6. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the layers together by making figure-8 motions or zigzag patterns through the batter. Don’t overmix – you want distinct swirls!

Bake

  1. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  2. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil after 40 minutes.
  3. The bread should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
  4. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  5. Use the parchment paper to lift the bread out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack.
  6. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before glazing.

Make the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons), vanilla, and cinnamon if using.
  2. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  3. The glaze should slowly drip off a spoon.

Glaze and Serve

  1. Once the bread has cooled for at least 30 minutes, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
  2. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  3. Slice with a serrated knife and serve!

Tips for Perfect Apple Fritter Bread

Apple Selection:

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for best texture
  • Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work wonderfully
  • Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious – they’ll turn mushy
  • Dice apples small (about ¼-inch pieces) for even distribution

Swirl Technique:

  • Don’t over-swirl or you’ll lose the distinct cinnamon ribbons
  • Use a gentle hand – 8-10 swirls through the batter is plenty
  • A butter knife or chopstick works perfectly for swirling
  • The swirls will continue to spread during baking

Baking Tips:

  • Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a fluffier texture
  • Don’t overmix the batter – mix just until flour disappears
  • Check for doneness at 50 minutes – ovens vary
  • A few moist crumbs on the toothpick are fine – the apples keep it moist

Preventing a Soggy Bottom:

  • Make sure apples are well drained if very juicy
  • Don’t use too many apples – stick to the 2 medium apples
  • Let the bread cool completely before storing to prevent condensation

Variations

Flavor Twists:

  • Maple Apple: Use maple syrup in the glaze instead of vanilla
  • Caramel Apple: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of icing
  • Apple Pie: Add ¼ teaspoon allspice and cloves to the apple mixture
  • Nutty: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the layers
  • Cranberry Apple: Mix ½ cup dried cranberries with the apples

Different Fruits:

  • Pear Fritter Bread with diced pears
  • Peach Cinnamon Bread in summer
  • Mixed berry version with blueberries and raspberries

Mix-Ins:

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • White chocolate chips
  • Toffee bits
  • Raisins or dried cranberries
  • Coconut flakes

Glaze Options:

  • Cream cheese glaze (add softened cream cheese to powdered sugar)
  • Brown butter glaze for depth
  • Apple cider glaze
  • Skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar

Storage

Room Temperature: Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Freezer: Wrap unglazed bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add glaze before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with butter
  • Toast slices and spread with cream cheese
  • Pair with hot coffee or apple cider
  • Serve alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast
  • Top with vanilla ice cream for dessert
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream

Yield

Makes 1 loaf (8-10 slices)

Why This Bread is Special

This bread brings together everything we love about apple fritters – the tender apples, the cinnamon-sugar coating, and the sweet glaze – but in a much easier, less messy format! The cinnamon swirl creates pockets of concentrated sweetness and spice, while the apples add moisture and texture. It’s like having a warm apple fritter for breakfast, but you can slice it like bread!

Perfect For:

  • Weekend breakfast or brunch
  • Holiday mornings
  • Coffee klatch gatherings
  • Bake sales
  • Gift-giving (wrap in cellophane with a ribbon)
  • Fall celebrations
  • Using up extra apples
  • Anytime you want your house to smell amazing!

What Makes It Irresistible:

  • The swirls create surprise pockets of cinnamon sugar
  • Fresh apples in every bite
  • Sweet glaze adds bakery-style polish
  • Tender, moist crumb
  • Easier than making actual fritters
  • One bowl, one pan simplicity

The smell of this bread baking will have everyone gathering in the kitchen! It’s become a fall favorite in many households and is requested again and again. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this apple fritter bread never disap

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