Apple Fritter Bread

Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful, cinnamon-swirled quick bread that brings all the flavors of your favorite fall bakery treat right to your kitchen. With layers of tender apples, cozy spices, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, this homemade loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. Best of all, it uses basic pantry staples you likely already have, making it an easy and accessible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply indulging in something sweet, this bread is a cozy, flavorful favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Bread

This recipe combines the comfort of baked apples with the sweetness of a soft, moist cake and the nostalgic flavor of a classic apple fritter. Every bite is swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and the vanilla glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness. No deep frying needed, and no fancy equipment required—just simple ingredients, easy steps, and a delicious payoff that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall. If you love apple desserts, this one’s going straight to the top of your favorites list.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

  • ½ cup salted butter, softened

  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt

  • ¼ cup whole milk

For the Apple Mixture:

  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)

  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Mixture:

  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

  • ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Fritter Bread

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and smooth.

  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  4. Carefully mix in the flour and baking powder, stirring only until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

  5. Stir in the Greek yogurt and milk until the batter is smooth. Set aside.

  6. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until the apples are well coated.

  7. Mix together the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture in a small bowl and set it aside.

  8. Start layering by adding half of the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly.

  9. Add half of the apple mixture on top, followed by half of the cinnamon-sugar blend. Gently swirl with a knife.

  10. Add the remaining batter, then the rest of the apple mixture and cinnamon sugar. Swirl again for a beautiful marbled effect.

  11. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean from the center.

  12. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

  13. Once baked, allow the loaf to cool for at least 30 minutes before adding the glaze.

  14. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Adjust thickness as needed.

  15. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.

Helpful Tips

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.

  • Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.

  • If the apple mixture becomes too juicy, use a slotted spoon to prevent extra moisture in the batter.

  • Don’t skip swirling—it creates that signature bakery-style marbled look and flavor.

  • Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Substitutions And Variations

  • No Greek yogurt? Substitute with ⅔ cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

  • Want extra texture? Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture.

  • For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

  • Replace the glaze with a caramel drizzle for a rich, dessert-style twist.

  • Use different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, juicier variation.

Storage Instructions

Once cooled, secure the loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to two months. If frozen, thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Information

Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: 467

  • Carbohydrates: 78g

  • Protein: 6g

  • Fat: 16g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

  • Sugar: 58g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Cholesterol: 81mg

  • Sodium: 124mg

  • Calcium: 90mg

  • Iron: 2mg

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy a warm slice with your morning coffee or chai tea.

  • Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy fall dessert.

  • Serve on a brunch platter alongside other baked goods and fruit.

  • Toast leftover slices and spread with cinnamon butter for a cozy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Fritter Bread

Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, just add ¼ teaspoon of salt to balance the flavor.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can replace it with ⅔ cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the batter.

Do I have to use the glaze?
The glaze enhances the sweetness and gives it that true apple fritter feel, but you can leave it off if you prefer less sweetness.

What apples are best for this bread?
Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too.

What if the apples release too much juice?
Use a slotted spoon to drain the mixture slightly before layering it into the batter.

How can I tell when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

What if the top browns too fast?
Loosely cover the loaf with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for baking this Apple Fritter Bread with me! I truly love how simple it is to make and how every bite bursts with fall flavors—warm cinnamon, soft apples, and sweet glaze. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with a wonderful aroma and invites everyone to the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or just a sweet snack, this bread is always a hit. I hope it brings joy to your table and warmth to your kitchen. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!

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Apple Fritter Bread

Apple Fritter Bread


  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Apple Fritter Bread is a cozy quick bread filled with cinnamon-sugar apples, layered with brown sugar swirl, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. This fall-inspired loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat. Make it with simple ingredients and enjoy bakery-style flavor at home. Try it today!


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

½ cup salted butter, softened

⅔ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ cup Greek yogurt

¼ cup whole milk

Apple Mixture

2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)

½ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Mixture

¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray.

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and smooth.

  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  • Carefully mix in the flour and baking powder, stirring only until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

  • Stir in the Greek yogurt and milk until the batter is smooth. Set aside.

  • In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until the apples are well coated.

  • Mix together the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture in a small bowl and set it aside.

  • Start layering by adding half of the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly.

  • Add half of the apple mixture on top, followed by half of the cinnamon-sugar blend. Gently swirl with a knife.

  • Add the remaining batter, then the rest of the apple mixture and cinnamon sugar. Swirl again for a beautiful marbled effect.

  • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean from the center.

  • If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

  • Once baked, allow the loaf to cool for at least 30 minutes before adding the glaze.

  • While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Adjust thickness as needed.

  • Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.

Notes

Use a slotted spoon if the apple mixture becomes too juicy before layering.

Greek yogurt can be replaced with ⅔ cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tent with foil during baking if the top begins to brown too quickly.

Try using other apple varieties like Honeycrisp for a sweeter variation.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 467
  • Sugar: 58g
  • Carbohydrates: 78g
  • Protein: 6g

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