Apple fritters are a beloved indulgence, with their warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a crispy, doughy shell. Imagine those same comforting flavors transformed into a moist, tender loaf—welcome to the magic of Apple Fritter Bread! This delightful recipe takes all the charm of the traditional fritter and turns it into an easy-to-make, sliceable treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
What is Apple Fritter Bread?
Apple Fritter Bread is a quick bread that layers spiced apples with a soft, buttery base, creating a swirl of autumn flavors in every bite. The bread is drizzled with a sweet glaze, reminiscent of the glaze on classic apple fritters. The result? A dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, blending the best of cake and pastry worlds.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside to allow the apples to release their juices.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Layer the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the apple mixture, gently pressing it into the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, then finish with the rest of the apple mixture. Swirl a knife through the batter and apples to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes.
- Glaze and Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While the bread cools, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm loaf.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Comfort of Apple Fritters, Without Frying: Enjoy the rich flavors of apple fritters in a healthier, oven-baked format.
Versatile and Convenient: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert.
Customizable: You can add a variety of ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or even a swirl of caramel for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the bread.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense loaf. Stir until the flour is just incorporated.
Double the Glaze: For extra sweetness, double the glaze recipe and pour half over the bread while it’s still warm.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Bread is the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, bringing the flavors of a classic pastry into an easy-to-make loaf. Whether you’re savoring it with your morning coffee or serving it as a cozy dessert, this bread will fill your home with the inviting aroma of apples and cinnamon. It’s a recipe that celebrates fall’s bounty but can be enjoyed any time of year.
So, grab those apples and get baking—deliciousness awaits! 🍎🍞✨