The smell of Apple Fritter Bread baking in the oven is pure magic. That heavenly combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and tender apples swirled through soft, buttery bread makes every bite taste like your favorite bakery treat. My mom discovered this Amish apple fritter bread recipe years ago, and it's been a family tradition ever since. One loaf never lasts long in our house, especially when it's still warm with that sweet glaze dripping down the sides.
Why You'll Love This Apple Fritter Bread
This apple fritter bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary without any complicated steps. It delivers all the flavor of those classic apple fritters you love, but in an easy loaf form that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. The best apple bread recipe I've ever made, hands down. You get layers of cinnamon sugar swirled throughout, chunks of fresh apples in every slice, and that signature crumbly streusel topping.
My sister calls it her go-to for fall sweet breads because it impresses everyone but uses basic pantry staples. It's one of those country apple fritter bread recipes that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. Plus, it freezes beautifully and tastes amazing toasted with butter.
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What You'll Need
Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen. This homemade apple bread comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Extras
You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch, use apple pie spice instead of plain cinnamon for more depth, or drizzle with a cream cheese glaze instead of the traditional powdered sugar glaze. Some people love adding a handful of raisins, and if you want it sweeter, increase the brown sugar in the swirl.
Want perfect results? Use the measurements in the recipe card.
How to Make Apple Fritter Bread
Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper if you want easy removal. This step prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful apple cinnamon bread comes out perfectly intact. I learned this the hard way when my first loaf stuck to the pan.
Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix or you'll end up with tough bread instead of tender crumb.
Create the Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture becomes that signature apple fritter swirl throughout your bread. The combination smells incredible and creates those sweet pockets in every slice that make this one of the most delicious apple recipes around.
Q: Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Fresh apples work best because they hold their shape and don't add extra moisture. Canned filling can make the bread soggy and overly sweet. Stick with fresh for the best texture.
Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then layer half the diced apples on top. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, then add the rest of the cinnamon sugar and remaining apples. Use a butter knife to gently swirl everything together, creating those beautiful marbled layers that make this apple loaf so pretty when sliced.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and the edges pulling away slightly from the pan. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time prevents the bread from falling apart when you remove it.
Add the Glaze
While the bread is still slightly warm, whisk together powdered sugar and a tablespoon of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle it generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. This sweet glaze adds that final bakery-style touch that makes this breakfast loaf irresistible.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to perfect apple fritter bread is using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to all that sweetness.
Softer apples turn mushy and disappear into the batter.
Also, don't skip the swirling step.
That's what creates those gorgeous layers and ensures cinnamon sugar in every single bite.
One more trick: let the bread cool completely before slicing if you want clean cuts.
Warm bread is delicious but crumbly.
My husband can never wait though, so we usually eat half the loaf while it's still warm.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to add nuttiness, though the texture will be slightly denser. Greek yogurt works instead of milk for extra moisture and tang. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based butter and almond milk. If you want to try this as one of your apple baking ideas with less sugar, reduce the granulated sugar to ½ cup. Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
Storage and Reheating
This bread stays fresh at room temperature for three days wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to a week, though the texture is best at room temperature. You can freeze individual slices wrapped in foil and tucked into freezer bags for up to three months. Toast frozen slices straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast treat. My daughter loves taking slices in her lunchbox.
What to Serve With Apple Fritter Bread
This pairs beautifully with hot coffee or apple cider for breakfast using apples in the most delicious way. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete morning meal. It also works as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. My family loves it toasted with butter spread on warm slices, and it's perfect for fall brunch spreads.
FAQs About Apple Fritter Bread
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
Usually from opening the oven door too early or not baking long enough. Let it bake undisturbed for at least 40 minutes before checking.
How do I know when it's fully baked?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back when lightly pressed.
What if I don't have brown sugar?
Mix white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses, or just use all white sugar. The flavor will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and reduce baking time to about 20 to 25 minutes. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfast.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into dessert bread recipes, try my cinnamon swirl banana bread with its gorgeous ribbons of cinnamon throughout. For more apple cinnamon bread variations, my apple streusel coffee cake brings similar flavors in a different format. And when you want something simpler, the classic apple cinnamon loaf cake recipes deliver pure comfort.
You'll find even more seasonal treats in my Fall Recipes category, and explore Dessert Recipes for sweet baked goods my family requests constantly.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes and show off your delicious version!
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Pairing
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