Thank you so much for stopping by! I couldn’t be more excited to share this Apple Fritter Bread recipe with you. It’s a warm, cinnamon-swirled quick bread packed with tender apples and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze — basically, the cozy vibes of your favorite bakery treat in loaf form.
Whether you’re baking it for a fall brunch, a holiday table, or just to fill your home with the scent of spiced apples (yes, please!), this is the kind of recipe that gets requested over and over again.
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What Is Apple Fritter Bread?
Think of this as a cross between a classic apple fritter donut and a soft, tender loaf cake. You get layers of juicy apple chunks, buttery cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a light vanilla glaze that sinks into the cracks just perfectly. It’s a no-yeast, no-fuss quick bread that delivers big bakery flavor — and it’s all made in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with fresh apples in every bite
- Buttery soft and moist with a cinnamon swirl
- Tastes just like an apple fritter (but easier!)
- Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert
- Makes a beautiful gift for fall & holidays
What Does Apple Fritter Bread Taste Like?
It’s like biting into a warm apple fritter donut — but in loaf form. Each slice is soft and fluffy, with sweet apple pieces and pockets of cinnamon-sugar caramelization. The glaze seeps into the top, creating a slightly crisp edge and melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Pure comfort.
Benefits of This Apple Fritter Bread
- One-bowl batter — no mixer needed
- Uses pantry staples + fresh apples
- No yeast or proofing required
- Great way to use up extra apples
- Freezer-friendly for easy future treats
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Layer:
- 2 small apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Bread Batter:
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×5” loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Pastry brush or spoon for glaze
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
- Apples: Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith
- Gluten-free: Sub 1:1 gluten-free flour
- Vegan: Use non-dairy milk + flax eggs + vegan butter
- Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Add streusel: Mix ¼ cup brown sugar + 2 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp butter for a crumble topping
How to Make Apple Fritter Bread – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5” loaf pan with parchment for easy removal.
Step 2: Make Apple Filling
Toss chopped apples with cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, and sugars. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix!
Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the apple mixture over it. Repeat with remaining batter and apples. Swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil after 35 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm (not hot) loaf.
What to Serve with Apple Fritter Bread
- Hot coffee, chai, or apple cider
- Greek yogurt + honey for a balanced breakfast
- A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Slice it thick and toast it with butter — trust me!
Tips for the Best Apple Fritter Bread
- Use firm, crisp apples that hold shape
- Don’t overmix your batter — it should be slightly lumpy
- Swirl gently — too much mixing can muddy the layers
- Let it cool before slicing for clean, bakery-style cuts
- Add extra glaze after slicing if you’re feeling indulgent
Storage Instructions
- Room temp: 3 days in airtight container
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (best rewarmed slightly)
- Freeze: Wrap loaf or individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly
General Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Quick Bread / Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Fresh apples give better texture and flavor. Apple pie filling is too soft and sweet for this recipe.
Why did my loaf sink?
It may have been underbaked or overmixed. Be sure to bake fully and test with a toothpick.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes! It’s still delicious without it, or you can dust with powdered sugar instead.
Conclusion: A Fall Favorite Worth Baking All Year
This Apple Fritter Bread is sweet, cinnamon-swirled comfort in every slice. It’s simple to make, wildly delicious, and the perfect bake for anyone craving that classic apple fritter flavor — no frying required!
From cozy mornings to dessert-worthy evenings, this recipe is a true keeper.
You’ll Also Love:
- Pumpkin Bread – Moist, spiced, and fall-ready
- Garlic Butter Bread Rolls – Soft, savory, and perfect for the holidays
- No-Knead Artisan Bread – Crusty, rustic, and only 4 ingredients
Did you try this Apple Fritter Bread?
Tag me @easyrecipesteps on Pinterest or Instagram and leave a review — I love seeing your baking success!
Nutritional Info (per slice – approx.):
- Calories: 240
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5” loaf pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Toss chopped apples with cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, and sugars. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix!
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the apple mixture over it. Repeat with remaining batter and apples. Swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil after 35 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm (not hot) loaf.