Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen on a cozy morning. This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread brings together the best of both worlds – the comfort of a traditional apple fritter and the convenience of a quick bread. Inspired by classic bakery favorites, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of swirled cinnamon and tender apple pieces, all crowned with a delicate vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (2.6g) ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (79ml) whole milk, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 medium apple (about 120g), cored and diced into ½-inch chunks

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (5.2g) ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) melted butter

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)
  • Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper
  • Leave paper overhang for easy removal
  1. Mix Dry Ingredients
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon
  • Set aside
  1. Prepare Wet Ingredients
  • In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar
  • Whisk until well incorporated
  • Add egg, milk, and vanilla extract
  • Beat until smooth and consistent
  1. Combine Mixtures
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients
  • Mix until just combined
  • Fold in diced apples gently
  1. Create Cinnamon Swirl
  • Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl
  • Pour half the batter into prepared pan
  • Sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture
  • Add remaining batter
  • Top with remaining cinnamon-sugar
  • Use a knife to create swirls throughout
  1. Bake
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes
  • Test with toothpick for doneness
  • Cool in pan for 10 minutes
  • Transfer to wire rack
  1. Glaze
  • Mix powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla
  • Drizzle over cooled bread

Nutritional Information

(Per slice, assuming 12 slices)

  • Calories: 265
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 38mg
  • Sodium: 185mg
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Protein: 3g

Timing:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Pro Tips and Tricks

  1. Use cold apples for better distribution in the batter
  2. Room temperature eggs and milk create a smoother batter
  3. Don’t overmix the batter to ensure tender crumb
  4. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly
  5. Test doneness in center, not just edges

Variations and Substitutions

  • Apple Options: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best
  • Milk Alternatives: Buttermilk or plant-based milk
  • Sugar Options: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar
  • Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
  • Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, raisins, or cranberries

Common FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Glaze just before serving.

Q: Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A: This usually happens from opening the oven door too soon or overmixing the batter.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Absolutely! Wrap unglazed bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Counter Storage: Up to 3 days in airtight container
  • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week, wrapped tightly
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months, double-wrapped unglazed
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare batter night before, refrigerate, bring to room temperature before baking