Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread – The Cozy Loaf That Tastes Like a Bakery Treat
This is the kind of bread that makes the whole house smell like fall — even if it’s the middle of summer. Cinnamon swirl apple fritter bread has everything you love about a classic apple fritter: tender apples, warm cinnamon, sweet swirls, and a soft, buttery crumb… without the deep frying.
It slices like a loaf cake, swirls like a cinnamon roll, and tastes like you stopped at a small-town bakery on a cool morning. One slice turns into two fast — especially when it’s still warm.
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
-
2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)
-
2 tbsp granulated sugar
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Bread Batter
-
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1½ tsp baking powder
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ cup milk
Cinnamon Swirl
-
⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
-
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze (Optional but Classic)
-
¾ cup powdered sugar
-
1–2 tbsp milk
-
½ tsp vanilla (optional)
Instructions
1) Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2) Make the Apple Mixture
Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
3) Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
4) Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
5) Layer
Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
Add half the apples. Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon swirl.
Use a knife to gently swirl through the loaf (don’t overmix).
6) Bake
Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
7) Cool + Glaze
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then move to a rack.
Mix glaze and drizzle over cooled loaf.
Why This Bread Tastes Like an Apple Fritter
-
Apple-cinnamon filling mimics fritter flavor
-
Brown sugar swirl gives caramel notes
-
Moist crumb keeps it bakery-soft
-
Glaze finishes it like a donut shop treat
Tips for the Best Apple Fritter Bread
-
Use firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp)
-
Dice apples small so they bake evenly
-
Don’t over-swirl or the loaf will turn muddy
-
Let it cool before slicing for clean swirls
-
Glaze when loaf is mostly cool so it sets
Easy Variations
-
Extra spice: add nutmeg or cloves
-
Crunchy top: sprinkle coarse sugar before baking
-
Nutty: add chopped pecans or walnuts
-
Caramel: drizzle caramel instead of glaze
-
Muffins: bake in muffin tin 18–22 minutes
FAQ – Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Does this taste like real apple fritters?
Yes — it has that same cinnamon-apple flavor, just baked instead of fried.
What apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
How do I store it?
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature 2 days or refrigerate 5 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze slices or whole loaf up to 3 months.
