The Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is everything you love about a warm apple fritter in the form of a moist, loaf-style bread that will make your kitchen smell intoxicating. Packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a hint of brown sugar swirl, and topped off with a lush vanilla glaze, this treat is as delightful for breakfast as it is for dessert. It’s the ultimate way to usher in apple season or simply bring a little rustic comfort to any day.

Apple Fritter Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe irresistible is its collection of simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a key role in flavor and texture. From tart apples to the sweet, spiced sugars, every element works together to create magic with every slice.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bread without making it too dense.
Baking powder: Adds just the right lift for a soft, cakey crumb.
Salt: Balances out the sweet components and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Brings moisture and a rich, buttery background note.
Granulated sugar: Keeps the bread perfectly sweet without overpowering the apple flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a tender, cohesive texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma and brings out the apple’s natural sweetness.
Milk (whole or 2%): Ensures the batter is smooth and creamy—use whole for extra richness!
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweet cinnamon, and they hold their shape beautifully when baked.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice—warm, fragrant, and cozy in every bite.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes the glaze smooth and satiny for that bakery-style finish.

How to Make Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or a non-stick spray—this helps the bread release easily while keeping its gorgeous crust intact.

Step 2: Make the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking combines everything well so you get an even crumb throughout your loaf and ensures there are no sneaky pockets of baking powder lurking.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mixture

Chop the peeled Granny Smith apples and toss them in a bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon. Give them a good stir, making sure every apple piece is coated in that sugary-spiced goodness—this guarantees bursts of flavor in every slice.

Step 4: Make the Bread Batter

Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is a game changer: the air you whip in here creates a lighter loaf. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in the vanilla extract for a dreamy aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture: start and finish with the dry mix. Gently fold until just combined—you want a soft batter, so avoid over-mixing, which can make the bread tough.

Step 6: Assemble the Bread

Spread half the batter into your prepared pan. Layer with half the apple mixture, then sprinkle on half the cinnamon sugar mix. Add the rest of the batter, top with remaining apples and the final shower of cinnamon sugar—this creates that swoon-worthy swirl inside!

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Your home will start to smell like the best bakery in town. Check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes so it firms up, then transfer to a wire rack. When cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon for the glaze. Drizzle generously over the bread—prepare for happy sighs all around!

How to Serve Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on the glaze or a scattering of finely chopped toasted walnuts can give your Apple Fritter Bread Recipe an elegant finishing touch. For special occasions, a dusting of powdered sugar makes each slice look extra bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or pair them with thick Greek yogurt and honey for brunch. If you’re hosting, offer alongside a platter of fresh fruit—think berries and grapes to complement the apples.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Apple Fritter Bread Recipe into a showstopper by serving it on a rustic wooden board, sliced thick for sharing. Mini loaves make charming gifts wrapped in parchment and twine, or try making French toast with leftover slices for a truly special breakfast treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It keeps at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge up to five days. The flavors continue to develop, making every slice even better the next morning.

Freezing

This Apple Fritter Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Once the glazed loaf is completely cool, wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. For convenience, slice before freezing, so you can thaw just what you need.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven experience. If reheating a larger portion, wrap it in foil and heat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a lovely tartness and hold their shape when baked, you can experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for sweeter variations. Just avoid very soft apples, as they can turn mushy.

Can I make this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe gluten free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend—just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.

How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

Careful mixing is key. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, and be gentle when folding in the flour and milk. Over-mixing is the top culprit for dense bread, so stop as soon as everything comes together.

What can I do if my glaze is too thick or thin?

If your glaze is too thick to pour, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it drizzles easily. If it’s too runny, stir in a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up—consistency is personal preference!

Can I double this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Watch the baking time, as you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes, depending on your oven and the pan size.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to whip up something cozy and delightful, this Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time—there’s just something comforting and irresistible in every slice. Go on, treat yourself (and someone you love) to a loaf soon!