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This apple fritter bread transforms simple ingredients into a heavenly cinnamon-apple treat that fills your home with the most inviting aroma. The layers of tender apple chunks and cinnamon swirls create a deliciously moist loaf that tastes like an apple fritter donut in bread form.
I created this recipe when I wanted something special for a weekend brunch but didn't want to leave the house. The intoxicating smell brought my entire family to the kitchen before it even finished baking.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes that complement the apples perfectly
- Cinnamon: Provides that classic apple fritter flavor; look for fresh cinnamon for the strongest aroma
- Apples: Can be any variety; use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness
- Butter: Must be properly softened; room temperature for 30 minutes works best
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors; use pure rather than imitation if possible
- Baking powder: Ensures a proper rise; check that yours is fresh for best results
- Milk: Creates moisture; choose whole milk for richness or almond milk for a lighter option
- Powdered sugar: Makes the perfect glaze; sift it first to avoid lumps
How To Make Apple Fritter Bread
- Prepare the pan:
- Coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with cooking spray, focusing on the corners where sticking often occurs. Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
- Create the cinnamon mixture:
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until completely integrated. The mixture should have no lumps and appear uniform in color. Separately, toss your peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to help them release their juices during baking.
- Make the batter base:
- Cream the softened butter and remaining granulated sugar for at least 3 minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in both color and texture. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Mix in vanilla until just combined.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and a small pinch of salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumping.
- Create the final batter:
- Add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture in three portions, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently, only until ingredients are combined; overmixing will develop gluten and toughen your bread.
- Layer the components:
- Spread half the batter in your prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even layer. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture, followed by half the apples. Repeat these layers, finishing with apples on top.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Finish with glaze:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, whisk powdered sugar with just enough milk to create a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle over the top, allowing it to run down the sides.
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The cinnamon in this recipe is truly the star ingredient. I once accidentally doubled the amount and discovered it created an even more intense apple fritter flavor that my family now requests every time. The warming spice creates the perfect complement to the sweet apples and makes the whole house smell like a bakery.
Storage Solutions
This apple fritter bread actually improves after sitting overnight as the flavors meld together. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds for a quick treat.
Make It Your Own
This versatile recipe welcomes customization. Try adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or substitute pears for apples during the winter months. For a more decadent version, stir 1/2 cup white chocolate chips into the batter. You can also experiment with different spices, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this apple fritter bread reaches new heights when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For breakfast, toast a slice lightly and spread with cream cheese for a rich treat. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot apple cider on cool mornings, or as part of a holiday brunch spread.
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The Perfect Slice
The key to getting clean slices is allowing the bread to cool completely before cutting. Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down. For the prettiest presentation, slice the bread just before serving and drizzle individual pieces with extra glaze. This ensures each slice shows off the beautiful layers of cinnamon and apple.