Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread

Apple Cinnamon Fritter Bread

This recipe delivers the incredible flavor of an apple fritter donut in a sliceable loaf format. The top bakes into a beautifully crackled, sugary crust while keeping the center incredibly moist.

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Bake time: 50–60 minutes

  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)

Ingredients

For the Apple Mixture

  • Apples: 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely chopped

  • Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons

  • Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

  • Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup (packed)

  • Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon

For the Loaf Batter

  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 & 1/2 cups

  • Baking Powder: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons

  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

  • Granulated Sugar: 2/3 cup

  • Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature

  • Eggs: 2 large (room temperature)

  • Vanilla Extract: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons

  • Milk: 1/2 cup (whole or 2% milk)

Instructions

1. Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Layers

  • The Apples: In a small bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.

  • The Cinnamon Swirl: In another small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Batter

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  • In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream the softened butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar together on medium speed until smooth, light, and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  • Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined; do not overmix the batter.

4. Layer the Bread

  • Pour half of the prepared batter into the bottom of your loaf pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.

  • Evenly scatter half of the apple mixture over the batter layer.

  • Sprinkle half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the apples.

  • Carefully spread the remaining batter over the top (it’s okay if it feels a bit thick or moves the apples slightly).

  • Layer the remaining apples on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture.

  • Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the layers together by running it through the batter in a zig-zag pattern 2 or 3 times.

5. Bake and Cool

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check the loaf at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (no wet batter). If the top is browning too fast towards the end, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

  • Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes before gently transferring it out of the loaf pan to cool completely before slicing.

Kitchen Tips

  • Apple Choice: Mixing one tart apple (like Granny Smith) and one sweet apple (like Honeycrisp) gives the loaf an incredible depth of flavor and great texture contrast.

  • Storage: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • Optional Glaze: If you prefer an extra-sweet donut style finish, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and a splash of vanilla, then drizzle it over the top of the bread once it has cooled completely.

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