If you have a soft spot for warm, cozy baked goods that feel like a gentle hug in every bite, then this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with tender chunks of apple and a perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl that dances through every slice, this bread is all about capturing the magic of an apple fritter in loaf form. Whether you’re baking it for a relaxed weekend brunch or a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe delivers that wonderful balance of soft crumb and melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon goodness that everyone will adore.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients may feel like a simple task, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of the butter to the natural sweetness of apples, every element brings something unique to this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe.

Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses undertone that deepens the bread’s sweetness and moisture.
Ground cinnamon: Provides warm, spicy notes that define the classic apple fritter flavor.
Granulated sugar: Offers the right level of sweetness and helps with the bread’s tender crumb.
Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures richness and a soft texture without overpowering other flavors.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients while contributing to the bread’s lightness and stability.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet notes and complements the cinnamon and apple beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the structure of the bread, keeping it sturdy but tender.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise to a perfect, fluffy height.
Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.
Apples, peeled and chopped: Deliver sweet, juicy bursts in every bite and keep the bread wonderfully moist.
Powdered sugar: Used to create a sweet glaze that brings everything together with an inviting shine.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking, helping your beautiful bread come out clean and picture-perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix Cinnamon-Sugar and Apples

In a small bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This mixture will create those irresistible swirls of spice and sweetness. In a separate bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples with the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Setting these mixtures aside allows you to incorporate layers of flavor throughout the bread.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is critical because it incorporates air, which gives the bread a soft texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time—making sure each is fully mixed in—before stirring in the fragrant vanilla extract that lifts the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour for perfect balance. Mix everything just until combined—overmixing can make the bread tough, so gentle stirring keeps it tender.

Step 5: Layer the Batter, Apples, and Cinnamon Swirl

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, creating a smooth base layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it, followed by half of the chopped apple mixture. Lightly press the apples into the batter so they nestle in perfectly. Repeat with the remaining batter, cinnamon sugar, and apples, then use a knife to gently swirl the top—this step transforms it into a delightful cinnamon swirl apple fritter bread masterpiece.

Step 6: Bake and Cool the Bread

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking time depends on your oven, so keep an eye on it! Once baked, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling is essential to let the structure set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

Step 7: Make the Glaze and Drizzle

Finally, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and slightly thick. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled bread for that perfect finishing touch. It adds a delicate sweetness and a lovely sheen that makes your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe not only taste incredible but look irresistible.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can elevate the bread’s appearance and add texture. Some fresh apple slices on the side tie in the star ingredient and give a fresh, crisp contrast to the moist bread.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent twist. For breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory or fresh notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread and toast lightly for a warm, crunchy exterior that makes the cinnamon swirl even more pronounced. For gatherings, cut into small squares and serve on a platter with coffee or spiced tea—the perfect bite-sized delight to share and impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap the leftover Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness without any loss of flavor or moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to three months without compromising taste or texture—perfect for busy days when you crave something homemade with minimal effort.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to its fresh-baked glory, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds. The gentle heat revives the tender crumb and amplifies those cinnamon apple notes you love so much.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance sweetness, softer apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp add more natural sweetness and hold up nicely during baking. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite apple combo in this Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe.

Do I have to use unsalted butter?

Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your bread more precisely. If you only have salted butter on hand, that’s fine—just reduce or skip any additional salt in your recipe to keep the flavors balanced.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If wet batter sticks to the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven, checking periodically to avoid overbaking.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

With a suitable gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder, you can enjoy this bread gluten-free. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be wonderfully rich and comforting.

What’s the best way to slice the bread?

Use a serrated knife for clean, even slices without squishing the loaf. Letting the bread cool completely before slicing also helps maintain its beautiful structure and moist crumb.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is more than just a loaf; it’s a warm invitation to slow down, savor, and share a little homemade joy. With its comforting cinnamon swirl and juicy apple goodness, it’s the kind of treat that feels just right with a cup of your favorite drink and good company. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your baking rotation.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

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4.3 from 80 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf featuring tender bits of cinnamon-spiced apples swirled throughout a soft, buttery batter. Topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar cinnamon layer and finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Layer

1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Apple Mixture

2 large apples, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Batter

2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk

For the Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick after baking.
Make Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup light brown sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for layering.
Prepare Apple Mixture: In another bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter until light and fluffy. This will incorporate air, creating a tender texture in the bread.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then scatter half of the apple mixture on top, lightly pressing the apples into the batter.
Repeat Layers and Swirl: Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar and apple mixtures. Use a knife to lightly swirl the layers together, creating a cinnamon swirl effect.
Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

Make sure apples are peeled and chopped uniformly for even distribution throughout the bread.
Lightly pressing the apples into the batter helps them stay in place and prevents sinking during baking.
You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative to make this recipe dairy-free if desired.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American