Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread 🍎🍞
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful twist on traditional apple fritters, combining the cozy flavors of cinnamon and apples into an easy-to-make loaf cake. With its tender, cinnamon-swirled batter studded with chunks of tart Granny Smith apples and topped with a sweet glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack any time of day. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like fall!
Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious bread step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Cozy : Warm cinnamon and sweet-tart apples create a comforting flavor profile.
- Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Sharing : Great for gifting, potlucks, or enjoying with family and friends.
- Versatile : Serve it plain, with a cup of coffee, or drizzled with extra glaze for indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for baking ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Makes 1 loaf)
Filling/Topping:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional )
Cake:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup sour cream , at room temperature
- 2 large eggs , at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk , at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Granny Smith apple , peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
Glaze:
- 1/3 cup icing sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons hot water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the pan if needed. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling/Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar , ground cinnamon , and pinch of nutmeg (if using ). Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar , melted and cooled butter , sour cream , eggs , milk , and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour , baking powder , baking soda , and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures a tender crumb.
Step 6: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apple into approximately 1/2-inch cubes . Reserve a small handful of chopped apples for topping.
Step 7: Add Apples to Batter
- Gently fold all but the reserved apples into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
Step 8: Assemble the Bread
- Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Use a flat butter knife to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Top with the remaining apple batter, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved chopped apples over the top, followed by the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use the butter knife again to swirl the top layer slightly.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–55 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Tip : If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Step 10: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the icing sugar and 1–2 teaspoons of hot water until smooth. Adjust the water as needed to achieve a drizzle-consistency glaze.
Step 11: Glaze and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes , then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Slice and serve.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients : Ensure the sour cream, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Apple Varieties : Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for balance, or try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
- Add Nuts : Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days .
- Freeze for Later : Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Perfect Pairings
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread pairs beautifully with:
- Coffee or Tea : Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or chai for a cozy treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream : Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or apple cider for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 8 servings)
- Calories : ~250 kcal
- Protein : ~3g
- Carbohydrates : ~35g
- Fat : ~12g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a celebration of cozy, comforting flavors that are perfect for any season. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this loaf is sure to be a hit. The combination of tender cake, juicy apples, and sweet cinnamon swirls creates a treat that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the spices, add mix-ins, or pair it with different toppings to make it your own. So grab your loaf pan, toss in those apples, and get ready to enjoy a bread that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.