First, let me just say how grateful I am to have you here — it’s your love of homemade treats that keeps this kitchen warm and inspired! If you’re craving the cozy flavors of a country bakery but want to bake something easy and impressive right in your own oven, this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is your new go-to. Think warm apples, pockets of brown sugar cinnamon swirl, and a sweet vanilla glaze dripping down a tender loaf — anything but boring!!
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Bread
This is the loaf that disappears fast — trust me! It’s:
- Soft and moist: Thanks to sour cream and butter.
- Packed with apple flavor: Fresh Granny Smith chunks in every bite.
- Cinnamon-swirled: A brown sugar swirl gives you that bakery-style apple fritter taste.
- Topped with a sweet glaze: Just like a classic apple fritter donut!
What Does It Taste Like?
Every slice is buttery, soft, and spiced with warm cinnamon. The brown sugar swirl melts into the crumb for pockets of sweet cinnamon goodness. The apples turn tender and juicy while the glaze adds a hint of sweetness that makes it totally irresistible. Cozy fall mornings? Perfect. A sweet treat with coffee? Even better!
Why Make It?
- No yeast, no fuss — it’s a quick bread!
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Smells amazing while it bakes — your kitchen will thank you!
- Stays moist for days — if it lasts that long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Cake:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
- ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored & chopped into ½ inch cubes
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup icing sugar, sifted
- 1–2 teaspoons hot water
Tools You’ll Need
- Loaf pan (8½ x 4½ inch)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Wire cooling rack
Easy Additions & Substitutions
- Swap Granny Smith for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter loaf.
- Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- No sour cream? Use plain Greek yogurt instead!
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
1️⃣ Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined — don’t overmix!
4️⃣ Add Apples
Peel, core, and chop the apple. Fold all but a handful of the chopped apples into the batter.
5️⃣ Layer & Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth out. Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mix on top, then swirl through with a butter knife. Add remaining batter, smooth again, top with reserved apples and remaining cinnamon swirl. Swirl once more!
6️⃣ Bake
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7️⃣ Glaze
Whisk sifted icing sugar with hot water until smooth. Drizzle over the warm loaf and let set for 5–10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
What to Serve With It
Serve this sweet loaf with:
- A mug of hot apple cider or chai latte.
- Fresh fruit for brunch.
- A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert!
Tips for Perfect Apple Fritter Bread
- Use room-temperature eggs and sour cream for best texture.
- Don’t overmix — a few lumps are fine!
- Make sure the apples are diced small so they soften perfectly.
- Line your loaf pan to avoid sticking — trust me, you don’t want to wrestle this loaf out of the pan!
How to Store It
Keep leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temp for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months — thaw at room temp and drizzle with a fresh batch of glaze!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Bake two loaves side by side or use a 9x5 pan and adjust bake time slightly.
Can I make it gluten-free?
A good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend should work — just don’t skip the parchment lining.
Do I have to glaze it?
Nope! It’s delicious with or without glaze, but I say don’t skip it — it’s the final touch that makes it taste like a real fritter.
Final Thoughts: Bake This Today!
Warm, sweet, and so satisfying — this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is proof that simple bakes are sometimes the best. It’s like a hug in loaf form, and I know you’ll love every cozy bite.
If you bake it, I’d love to see your masterpiece! Leave a review, pin it, or tag me on Pinterest — your bakes make my day!
Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice, 1 of 10)
Calories: ~250 | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 10g | Protein: 3g
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