Name: Easy Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread – Delicious Homemade Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 10-12 servings)
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (approx. 1 ½ cups); ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted; 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread. Imagine the comforting warmth of a freshly baked apple fritter, complete with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet, sugary glaze, but in a conveniently sliceable loaf. This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to rediscover the joy of home baking without the deep-frying fuss. I’ve always cherished the nostalgic scent of apples and cinnamon wafting from the kitchen, a universal sign of comfort and cherished memories. This delightful creation beautifully merges the beloved elements of a classic fritter with the ease and structure of a pound cake, offering an unparalleled treat.

People adore this dish because it delivers on every front: the perfectly moist and tender bread, the bursts of sweet apple, the aromatic cinnamon, and that irresistible crackle of sugary glaze on top. It’s the ultimate solution for satisfying those fritter cravings at breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon snack, all while eliminating the mess of hot oil. You’ll be amazed at how this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread captures so much flavor in such a simple form. Get ready to bake a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature (or 1 cup whole milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Apple Filling:
- 2 medium-sized apples (about 1 ½ cups diced), such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl/Topping:
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparing the Cinnamon Apple Filling

Prepare the Apples: First things first, let’s get those delicious apples ready for our Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread. Begin by selecting your apples. I find that a mix of a tart apple like Granny Smith and a sweeter, crisper apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji works wonders, giving a lovely balance of flavor and texture. Peel, core, and then finely dice your two medium-sized apples. Aim for pieces about ¼ inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly and distribute nicely throughout the bread without creating large pockets of mushy apple.
Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced apples with ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. The flour here is a crucial component; it helps to absorb some of the moisture released by the apples during baking, preventing a soggy bread and ensuring that the apple filling stays beautifully suspended in the batter. Toss everything together gently until the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar-flour mixture. Set this aside while we prepare the other components of our fabulous Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread. The apples will start to release some of their juices, creating a syrupy coating that will be incredibly flavorful.

Crafting the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl/Topping

Mix Cinnamon Sugar: This simple step adds another layer of classic fritter flavor and a lovely texture to our Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until they are thoroughly combined. This mixture will be sprinkled between layers of batter and over the top, creating that iconic cinnamon swirl and a slightly crunchy, aromatic crust that is a hallmark of any great fritter-inspired bake. Set this bowl aside; it will be used during the assembly phase.

Whipping Up the Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread Batter

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Before we dive into mixing the batter, let’s get our oven and pan ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, generously grease and flour a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan. I find that buttering the pan and then dusting it with flour works best, ensuring your beautiful Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread slides out easily. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides to create a “sling” for easy removal. This is a crucial step to prevent sticking and heartbreak!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy), 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure to whisk them very well, ensuring that the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is important for a consistent rise and flavor in your Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter. Ensure the butter isn’t too hot, as we don’t want to scramble the eggs. Once combined, whisk in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Then, stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. If you don’t have buttermilk, simply measure out 1 cup of whole milk and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. This homemade buttermilk substitute works perfectly and contributes to a wonderfully tender crumb in our Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. It is absolutely vital not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a dense, chewy, and tough bread, which is the opposite of the light, tender, and moist Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread we are aiming for. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and even desirable; they will disappear during baking. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour.

Assembling Your Magnificent Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread

First Batter Layer: Now for the fun part – assembling our masterpiece! Spoon about half of the bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure it’s flat and covers the base.
First Apple & Cinnamon Swirl Layer: Evenly sprinkle about half of the prepared cinnamon apple filling over the batter in the pan. Try to distribute the apple pieces as evenly as possible. Then, sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. This layering is what gives our Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread its distinctive “fritter” character and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Second Batter Layer: Carefully spoon the remaining half of the bread batter over the apple and cinnamon sugar layer. It might seem tricky to spread without disturbing the layer below, but take your time. You can dollop spoonfuls of batter and then gently spread them out to meet in the middle, covering the apples.
Second Apple & Cinnamon Swirl Layer: Now, evenly sprinkle the remaining half of the cinnamon apple filling over the second batter layer. Don’t be shy; load it up with those aromatic apples! Follow this by sprinkling the remaining half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
The “Fritter” Swirl: For that beautiful marbled effect that makes this truly a Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread, take a butter knife or a thin skewer and gently swirl through the layers in the pan. Make sure not to overmix here either; just a few swirls are enough to create lovely patterns and ensure the cinnamon and apples are well distributed, but still distinct. This creates those pockets of apple and cinnamon goodness that define a true fritter. The goal is to marble, not fully combine.

Baking the Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread

Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the loaf pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 55-70 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
Check for Doneness: The Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread is done when a wooden skewer or a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the top browning too quickly before the inside is cooked through, you can loosely tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible, a true sign of a successful Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread.
Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period is important as it allows the bread to set and firm up, making it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. After 15-20 minutes, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack and remove the pan. Let the bread cool completely on the wire rack before glazing. This is crucial for the glaze to set properly and not melt into the bread.

Finishing Touch: The Vanilla Glaze

Prepare the Glaze: While your Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread is cooling, you can prepare the simple yet essential vanilla glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk or heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Achieve Perfect Consistency: Start with 2 tablespoons of milk/cream, and if the glaze seems too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk/cream, or even just a teaspoon more at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. The ideal glaze should be thick enough to cling to the bread but thin enough to drizzle beautifully. It should slowly run off the whisk when lifted, not drop in clumps. This glaze truly elevates the “fritter” aspect of our Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread, adding a lovely sweetness and shiny finish.

Glazing and Serving Your Perfect Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread

Glaze the Cooled Bread: Once your Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread has completely cooled (this is paramount!), generously drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze over the top. You can use a spoon to create rustic drizzles or get fancy with a piping bag for more controlled lines. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has firmed up slightly. The contrast of the sweet, creamy glaze with the warm, spicy bread is simply divine.
Slice and Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, slice your gorgeous Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread into thick pieces using a serrated knife. Serve it warm or at room temperature. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. The incredible aroma and delightful taste of homemade Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread are truly unbeatable. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, though I doubt it will last that long! You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked taste and soft texture.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the sweet end of our journey with what I truly believe will become your new favorite baked good. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this particular treat, and I promise you, the results are nothing short of spectacular. If you’ve been searching for that ultimate cozy, comforting, and undeniably delicious bake to fill your home with an aroma that will make everyone smile, then look no further. This is it. Seriously, this is the one.

Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Must-Try

What makes this recipe so incredibly special, you ask? Let me count the ways! First and foremost, it’s the magical combination of flavors and textures. Imagine a moist, tender crumb, infused with the warm, inviting embrace of cinnamon. Then, picture those tender, sweet apple pieces, perfectly softened, bursting with fruity goodness in every bite. And finally, that glorious, crisp, sugary topping – it’s like the best parts of an apple fritter, but in a wonderfully shareable loaf. It delivers all the nostalgic charm of a classic fritter without the fuss of deep-frying, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. The ease of preparation, considering the gourmet results, is truly astounding. You get all the comfort of a homemade apple pie, the spice of a cinnamon roll, and the delightful texture of a fritter, all wrapped up in one magnificent loaf of bread. It’s a true showstopper, perfect for everything from a leisurely weekend breakfast to an impressive dessert for guests. The aroma alone as it bakes will captivate your senses, promising a treat that lives up to its delicious scent. Trust me when I say, once you taste a slice of this, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. It’s an instant classic that transcends seasons and occasions, bringing warmth and joy to any table. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making.

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread embodies everything I love about baking: simple ingredients transforming into something truly extraordinary. It’s comforting, it’s exciting, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve such profound flavors. The careful balance of sweet and spice, the tender fruit, and that delightful sugar crust make every mouthful an absolute dream. It’s the kind of bake that makes you want to snuggle up with a warm mug of coffee or tea, letting the worries of the day melt away with each delicious bite. I’ve found that even those who claim not to have a sweet tooth find themselves reaching for a second slice of this incredible creation. It really is that good, hitting all the right notes for a satisfying and utterly delightful treat.

Creative Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

Now that you’re undoubtedly craving a slice (or three!), let’s talk about how to best enjoy this masterpiece and how you can personalize it even further. My absolute favorite way to serve a slice of this fresh out of the oven is simply as is, perhaps with a generous dollop of whipped cream that slowly melts into the warm bread. For a truly decadent breakfast or brunch, imagine it alongside a robust cup of freshly brewed coffee or a steaming mug of spiced chai. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert experience, especially if you warm the bread slightly before serving. The contrast between the warm bread and cold ice cream is simply divine! You could even toast a slice lightly and spread a thin layer of cream cheese for a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. For a special occasion, consider dusting it with a little powdered sugar or drizzling it with a simple vanilla glaze (a quick mix of powdered sugar and a touch of milk or cream) to add an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re feeling adventurous, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. While apples are classic, you could experiment with other fruits. Pears, peaches (especially when fresh and ripe), or even a combination of berries could add an interesting twist, though you might need to adjust baking times slightly for softer fruits. For an extra layer of spice, a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice could be folded into the dry ingredients. You could also try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful nutty crunch. Imagine a caramel drizzle over the top for an even richer, more luxurious experience – talk about next-level indulgence! The possibilities truly are endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own, tailoring it to your unique taste preferences and whatever fresh produce you have on hand. It’s a robust recipe that welcomes creativity, so don’t be shy about experimenting with your favorite additions.

Your Turn: Bake, Savor, and Share!

So, there you have it. My heartfelt plea for you to try this truly special recipe. I genuinely believe it will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen. Baking is about more than just food; it’s about creating moments, sharing joy, and indulging in simple pleasures. This particular bake delivers on all fronts, providing not just sustenance but a delightful experience. Don’t let another day pass without experiencing the sheer bliss of a slice of this homemade goodness. Grab your apron, preheat your oven, and prepare for a truly rewarding baking adventure. Once you’ve baked and savored every delicious crumb, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts, your photos, and any creative variations you came up with. Connecting with you, my fellow home bakers, and hearing about your culinary successes is one of the greatest joys for me. Your feedback and stories inspire me endlessly. Happy baking, everyone!