If you’re craving the cozy comfort of apple fritters but want the ease of a loaf cake, Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread will absolutely steal your heart—and your taste buds! Imagine tender chunks of apple and ribbons of brown sugar cinnamon nestled in a soft, buttery crumb, all topped off with a dreamy vanilla glaze. This loaf brings bold fall flavor and delightful texture to every slice, making it a showstopper for family breakfasts, afternoon coffee breaks, and festive gatherings. Trust me—Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is one of those bakes that vanishes before you know it, leaving everyone reaching for “just one more” piece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread earns its place, contributing to the irresistible aroma, moist crumb, and beautiful swirls throughout the loaf. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl, making every bite cozy and rich.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the bread with warmth, nostalgia, and a bakery-fresh scent.
- Granulated sugar: Lends clean, straightforward sweetness and helps cream the butter into a light, fluffy base.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a tender, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and add structure without weighing down the loaf.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, floral note that rounds out the apple and spice flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base—sturdy enough to hold all those apples, yet still soft and delicate.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its billowy rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a silky batter that bakes up beautifully tender.
- Large apple (peeled and chopped): Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for bites of tart, juicy fruit in each slice.
- Pinch of salt: Subtly sharpens and balances the sweet flavors, never skip it!
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): The base for a silky-sweet glaze that takes the loaf over the top.
- Milk or cream (for glaze): Loosens the glaze to a dreamy drizzle consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Lining the pan with a little parchment paper ensures your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread pops out without a hitch. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl—this fragrant duo will become your signature swirl. Set it aside and brace yourself for the warm, spicy aroma about to fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, whipped, and impossibly fluffy. This step gives your bread a tender texture and makes every bite taste like a hug. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should now be smooth and inviting.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This little moment of organization ensures even distribution—no pockets of flour or baking powder surprises! Alternately add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Gently fold it together until just combined for a delicate crumb.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Scatter half the chopped apple pieces across the surface, then sprinkle half your cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar. To create gorgeous swirls, run a butter knife through the layers just a few times—think gentle marbling rather than mixing all together!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean (apart from a few moist crumbs), your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is ready. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently run a knife around the edge and transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool fully. This little pause helps the flavors settle and the crumb set up beautifully.
Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with just enough milk or cream (start with 1 tablespoon, add more as needed) until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze all over the cooled loaf, letting it drip tantalizingly down the sides. Once the glaze sets, slice up your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread and savor that magical first bite!
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Garnishes
This bread looks stunning right out of the pan, but a little extra flourish never hurts! Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or even a few thin apple slices fanned across the top. The glaze already adds shine and sweetness, but you can always double the swirl for an extra eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, a steaming chai latte, or a cold glass of apple cider. For brunch, serve alongside a spoonful of Greek yogurt, some crispy bacon, or a simple fruit salad. Its sweet-tart flavor plays nicely with savory and fresh dishes alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn thick slices into over-the-top French toast, cube leftovers for bread pudding, or toast them with a pat of butter for an afternoon pick-me-up. At autumn gatherings, arrange slices on a rustic wooden board and let guests help themselves. No matter how you present Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread, it always wins hearts and smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra slices wrapped tightly in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The bread stays moist and flavorful, making it a fantastic snack or breakfast all week long. If your kitchen is especially warm, pop it in the fridge to extend freshness.
Freezing
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight on the counter or in the fridge, then re-glaze if you like that extra finishing touch.
Reheating
To enjoy that “just-baked” taste, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast in a low oven for a few minutes. The apples get extra fragrant, and the glaze softens up—you’ll think it was baked fresh that morning!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Absolutely! Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their firm texture and balanced flavor, but feel free to try Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala if that’s what you have on hand.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for the perfect Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread every time.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based butter and your milk alternative of choice. The slight flavor difference won’t take away from the bread’s deliciously spiced, fruity goodness.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon-sugar?
Use a butter knife or skewer and gently drag it through the batter in a zigzag motion after layering. This distributes flavor without over-mixing or muddling the design.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
Over-mixing can cause the bread to lose its lightness. To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread fluffy, mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined and avoid pressing down when layering apples and cinnamon sugar.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this beloved Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread recipe—it’s comfort in a loaf, complete with sweet cinnamon ribbons and juicy apples. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or save a few slices for later, this bread is guaranteed to make even an ordinary day a little more special. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share a slice with someone you love!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread. A moist and flavorful quick bread filled with cinnamon-sugar swirls and chunks of fresh apples, topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large apple (peeled and chopped, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- pinch of salt
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Layer half of the chopped apples over the batter, then sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar. Gently swirl with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer.
- This bread tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
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