Description
Apple Fritter Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with tender chunks of apples and swirls of cinnamon sugar, topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. This delightful cinnamon apple bread combines the best elements of apple fritters and classic loaf bread into an easy-to-bake, comforting treat perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 apples (any kind), peeled and chopped
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup plus 1 to 3 tablespoons milk or almond milk, divided
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Milk, enough to achieve drizzling consistency (about 1 to 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix cinnamon sugar and apples: In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar and ground cinnamon and set aside. In another bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to coat and set aside. This helps the apples retain moisture and adds sweetness.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the remaining granulated sugar (about 2/3 cup) until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, beating well after each addition for even incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract to flavor the batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution and activation of leavening agents.
- Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk (starting and ending with the dry mixture). Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Layer batter, cinnamon sugar, and apples: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then layer half of the chopped apples on top. Repeat with the remaining batter, cinnamon sugar, and apples to create swirl layers inside the bread.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is fully cooked but remains moist.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, mix powdered sugar with enough milk to achieve a smooth, drizzleable glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread for a sweet finish.
- Serve: Slice the Apple Fritter Bread and serve as a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert treat. The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples you prefer, though slightly tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted with more or less milk according to preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
