If there’s one treat that instantly feels like a warm hug from the inside, it’s this Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Recipe. Combining tender, moist bread swirling with cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a sweet glaze, it’s truly a slice of cozy comfort. The balance of sweet and spice, plus that little crunch from the apples, makes each bite a delightful experience whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Get ready to fall head over heels for this homemade favorite that’s surprisingly easy to whip up anytime you’re craving something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to bring this Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Recipe to life. Each component plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, texture, or that perfect golden color we all love.
- Brown sugar: Packed for sweetness and a hint of molasses richness that deepens the bread’s flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm spiciness that complements the tart apples perfectly.
- White sugar: Balances the flavor with clean sweetness and helps with the bread’s tenderness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring each slice melts in your mouth.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances depth and aroma, making the flavors pop beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives this bread its soft, fluffy texture.
- Baking powder: The magic leavening agent that makes the loaf rise light and airy.
- Milk: Adds tenderness and ensures the batter comes out smooth and easy to pour.
- Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped: Tart and crisp, they add freshness and a lovely bite to balance the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar and milk (for the glaze): A simple, sweet finish that adds a glossy, irresistible drizzle.
How to Make Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by warming your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan ensures your bread won’t stick, making removal a breeze after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create those signature swirled pockets of warm sweetness throughout your bread.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the white sugar and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to getting a light texture for the bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the fragrant vanilla extract, which enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gently fold them into the creamed mixture until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to a tough texture, so take it slow.
Step 6: Stir in the Milk
Add the milk to the batter, stirring just until smooth. This keeps the bread tender and moist after baking.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Apples
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the chopped apples over the batter, followed by half of the cinnamon brown sugar mixture. Give it a gentle pat to help everything settle.
Step 8: Add Remaining Batter and Toppings
Pour the second half of the batter over the apple layer. Repeat with the remaining apples and cinnamon sugar mixture, lightly patting again. This layering creates pockets of warm apple and spice in every slice.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 10: Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Step 11: Whisk the Glaze
While the bread cools, mix powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. This simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of elegance to your creation.
Step 12: Drizzle and Serve
Generously drizzle the glaze over the fully cooled bread. Let it set before slicing to enjoy that perfectly sticky, sweet finish.
How to Serve Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze. These add crunch and a cozy autumn vibe that complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a spread of creamy butter or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for added richness. For beverage pairings, think hot tea, fresh brewed coffee, or even a spiced cider for that perfect seasonal combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the bread and serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s an unexpected twist that turns your Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Recipe into a delightful dessert worthy of any special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For slightly longer freshness, moving it to the refrigerator can extend its life to about 5 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This revives the bread’s softness and brings out the aroma of those lovely spices and fresh apples, just like it’s freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples add tartness and hold their shape well, but other firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji will also work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might make the bread slightly sweeter overall.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but the flavors will remain delicious.
Can I skip the glaze?
Of course, the glaze is optional. The bread itself is flavorful and moist enough to enjoy on its own, but the glaze adds that perfect sweet finish that really elevates the taste.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about 2 days. Refrigerating can extend that up to 5 days, and freezing is best if you want to keep it longer.
Can this recipe be made into muffins or cupcakes?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and reduce baking time to around 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is great for single servings and quicker cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Recipe is a heartfelt classic that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. It’s wonderfully simple yet packed with cozy flavors that feel like a celebration of fall any time of year. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s easy to make and impossible not to love—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring in a quiet moment all to yourself.
Print
Spiced Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spiced Apple Fritter Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf packed with tart Granny Smith apples and a warm cinnamon-brown sugar spice blend. Topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for layering.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the white sugar and softened butter together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Milk: Stir the milk into the batter until smooth, ensuring the batter is well blended and creamy.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the chopped apples evenly over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture on top. Gently pat these layers into the batter.
- Add Remaining Batter and Layers: Pour the remaining batter over the first apple layer. Top with the remaining chopped apples and cinnamon sugar mixture, again patting lightly.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is done.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor and to prevent the bread from becoming too sweet.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the bread tender.
- Ensure the bread is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- You can store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For additional texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter or apple layers.
