Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
A moist, tender loaf layered with sweet cinnamon-sugar swirls, juicy apples, and a buttery batter, finished with a luscious glaze.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Apple Mixture:
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. - Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.
- Add the milk and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the Apple Mixture
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- Mix the brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Bread
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
- Layer half of the apple mixture on top.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, cinnamon swirl, and apples. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tbsp), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Bread
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, firm apples for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly.
- Let the bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat. It stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.