If you love the flavors of crisp apples, cozy cinnamon, and a soft, buttery crumb, you’re about to discover a new favorite in this Country Apple Fritter Bread. Imagine your kitchen filling with the inviting aroma of caramelized apples and warm spices, then slicing into a tender loaf topped with a sweet glaze that crackles just enough—this recipe is pure comfort in bread form! Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or treating yourself to an afternoon snack, Country Apple Fritter Bread will bring you right back to memories of autumn days and farmstand treats, anytime of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Country Apple Fritter Bread comes from a handful of simple, honest ingredients. Each item on the list plays an essential role, either adding rich flavor, tender crumb, or that signature apple-cinnamon swirl.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth and helps create that gorgeous cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of this bread, infusing warmth and spice throughout each bite.
- Medium apples, peeled and diced: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith for a juicy texture and tangy flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a soft crumb, making the loaf wonderfully moist.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the natural apple taste.
- Large eggs: Add structure and bind everything together—don’t skip them!
- Vanilla extract: Lends aromatic, sweet undertones that complement the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet tender loaf.
- Baking powder: Gives your bread just the right amount of rise and fluffiness.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds a touch of richness to each bite.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a sweet, velvety glaze that completes the bread.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Country Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your Country Apple Fritter Bread will release easily and bake evenly. While the oven heats, peel and dice your apples so they’re ready to go. Mixing and measuring everything in advance makes assembly a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with the ground cinnamon. This mixture is what will create those irresistible, swirled pockets of cinnamon happiness throughout your bread. Set this aside—you’ll use it for layering soon.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and cream the softened butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender texture and a light crumb in your Country Apple Fritter Bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is thoroughly mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will fill your batter with lovely, sweet aromas.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently pour in the milk, stirring until everything is smooth. The batter will be thick and rich.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle over half the diced apples and half the cinnamon-sugar. Repeat with the rest of the batter, apples, and cinnamon mixture. To get that classic swirl, use a knife to gently marble the layers. This step creates those lovely, cinnamon-laced streaks in every slice.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden on top and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy
While your bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk for a creamy, smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf, letting it seep into the crevices. This final touch truly elevates your Country Apple Fritter Bread into a showstopper!
How to Serve Country Apple Fritter Bread
Garnishes
Take your slice to the next level with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. A few thin apple slices on the side or a small dollop of whipped cream can make serving feel extra festive, especially when sharing Country Apple Fritter Bread for brunch or a special dessert.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, hot tea, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving for breakfast or brunch, some fresh fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt and berries alongside a warm wedge of Country Apple Fritter Bread makes a complete and satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For party platters, try slicing your loaf into thick “sticks” and serving with a small bowl of glaze for dipping. You can also cut the bread into cubes for a deconstructed, bite-sized treat—delightful for holiday gatherings or little hands at kid-friendly celebrations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Country Apple Fritter Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay moist and tasty at room temperature for up to 3 days, or keep it in the fridge for up to a week if you like it a bit more chilled and firm.
Freezing
This bread freezes incredibly well. Simply wrap the completely cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will retain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating
If you prefer your Country Apple Fritter Bread warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a toaster oven until just heated through. This brings back the softness and enhances all those comforting apple-cinnamon aromas.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Quick Bread
Absolutely! Granny Smiths are popular for their tartness, but feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Each apple variety will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to your Country Apple Fritter Bread, so use your favorite or a mix for more depth.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but if you prefer a bit of extra fiber or a rustic look in your Country Apple Fritter Bread, you can leave some peel on. Just make sure to dice them finely so they blend well into the loaf.
Can this bread be made gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The structure might be slightly different, but you’ll still get the signature cozy, sweet results of Country Apple Fritter Bread.
What’s the best way to get a perfect swirl?
For that bakery-worthy cinnamon swirl, layer the batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar as directed. Then, gently drag a butter knife in a zigzag pattern through the loaf before baking. Don’t overdo it—a few swirls are all you need!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! If you’re baking for a crowd, double all ingredients and divide between two loaf pans. Keep an eye on baking times, as you may need a few extra minutes for both to bake through. Double the Country Apple Fritter Bread means double the smiles!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about baking Country Apple Fritter Bread from scratch; every swirl, layer, and drizzle invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, round up those apples and treat yourself—the hardest part will be waiting for it to cool!
PrintCountry Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert, Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Country Apple Fritter Bread. A moist and tender apple-infused loaf, swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Bread:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 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 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder, then mix into the butter mixture.
- Stir in Milk: Mix in the milk until just combined.
- Layer Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer with half of the apples and cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Finish Layering: Add the remaining batter, then top with the remaining apples and cinnamon sugar. Swirl lightly with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more pronounced flavor.
- This bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to 2 months.