Apple fritter bread is everything you love about the classic apple fritter donut, baked into a warm, cinnamon-swirled loaf. It’s moist, sweet, and full of tender apple chunks layered with cinnamon sugar and topped with a light glaze that melts into every bite. This recipe captures that bakery-style flavor in a simple, homemade version that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s especially popular in the fall when apples are at their peak, but honestly, it’s too good not to make all year round. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this bread is comforting, satisfying, and full of nostalgic flavor.
Making apple fritter bread at home is a game-changer because you control the quality and freshness of the ingredients. It’s an easy one-bowl batter that layers up quickly with chopped apples and a rich cinnamon sugar mix. As it bakes, the house fills with a warm, spiced aroma that signals something amazing is on the way. The apple chunks stay soft and juicy, while the cinnamon sugar melts into pockets of flavor throughout the loaf. And just when you think it can’t get better, the vanilla glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.
If you’ve ever stood in line at a bakery just for one of those golden, glazed fritters, this recipe is your shortcut to enjoying that same delicious flavor without leaving your kitchen. Plus, it makes a wonderful gift or potluck treat that’s sure to impress. Serve it warm, room temperature, or even slightly toasted—every slice delivers pure comfort.
Storage Options
Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 6 days. Freeze the loaf for up to 2 months; thaw and warm before serving.
Summary
Moist apple bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with glaze. A comforting loaf that tastes just like a classic apple fritter donut.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-style taste at home, easy to make, loaded with fresh apples and cinnamon, and perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Toothpick for testing doneness
Tips for Success
Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
Chop apples evenly for consistent texture
Let the bread cool before glazing to avoid melting it off
Don’t overmix the batter to keep it tender
Ingredients
For the Bread:
1⁄3 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 apples, peeled and chopped
2⁄3 cup white sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1¾ tsp baking powder
½ cup milk
For the Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together white sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add to wet mixture alternately with milk, mixing until just combined.
Pour half the batter into the pan. Add half the chopped apples and half the cinnamon mixture. Lightly swirl with a knife.
Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar. Swirl again gently.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread.
Additional Tips or Variations
Add chopped nuts for crunch
Use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon for extra depth
Try substituting some flour with whole wheat for a healthier twist
Add a handful of raisins for more texture and sweetness
