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Close-up of a glazed apple fritter bread loaf on a wooden board, showing the apple filling and cinnamon swirl.

Apple Fritter Bread: Pure Joy in 1 Bake

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Written by Alex Hayes

August 15, 2025

When that crisp autumn air starts to bite, my kitchen just *begs* for the warming scent of cinnamon and apples. There’s something so incredibly comforting about fall baking, isn’t there? It reminds me of cozy sweaters and changing leaves. And if you’re looking for the ultimate treat to capture that feeling, then you absolutely have to try this apple fritter bread. Seriously, it’s like a hug in loaf form! My fondest memories are baking treats like this with my grandma, and this apple fritter bread brings all those joyful, simple moments right back. It’s got these amazing, chunky apple layers nestled into a cinnamon-swirled quick bread, all finished off with a sweet, dreamy glaze. It’s incredibly approachable, just like all the recipes here, and it’s become a total staple when apple season rolls around. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell like pure happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Bread

Honestly, why wouldn’t you adore this apple fritter bread? It’s a total winner for so many reasons:

  • Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is totally foolproof. It’s designed to be simple and stress-free, perfect for a cozy afternoon baking session.
  • Chunky Apple Goodness: Forget tiny, measly apple bits! We’re talking generous chunks of tender apple baked right into a beautifully spiced bread.
  • That Cinnamon Swirl: It’s got that gorgeous, rustic cinnamon swirl happening, making every slice look and taste amazing.
  • Dreamy Sweet Glaze: The simple cinnamon glaze drizzled on top? Pure magic. It adds that perfect finishing touch of sweetness.
  • Perfect for Fall: It’s the quintessential bake for apple season, bringing all those warm, comforting fall flavors into your home.
  • Great for Gifting: Wrap it up beautifully, and it makes a truly thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive!

Gather Your Ingredients for Apple Fritter Bread

Alright, time to gather our goodies! Having everything ready makes the baking process so much smoother, just like a well-planned meal delivery service you don’t have to cook. For our delicious apple fritter bread, you’ll need:

For the Apple Fritter Bread:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s softened, not melted!
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs – these give it that lovely richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – always pure vanilla for the best flavor!
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – these spices are key for that perfect fall flavor!
  • 1 cup buttermilk – this makes it so tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, a quick trick is to use 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • 2 cups chopped peeled apples – I love using firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Make sure they’re in nice, chunky pieces!
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans – this is totally optional, but they add a wonderful little crunch.

For the Sweet Cinnamon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk – just enough to get that perfect drizzly consistency.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

That’s it! Simple, good-for-you ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Let’s get baking!

Crafting Your Perfect Apple Fritter Bread

Alright, let’s get this beautiful apple fritter bread into the oven! This is where the magic really happens, and I promise it’s totally doable. Remember, we’re all about making great food without the fuss here, so just follow along.

Preparing the Batter for Apple Fritter Bread

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) and make sure your trusty 9×5 inch loaf pan is greased and floured. Now, grab your softened butter and that granulated sugar and cream them together in your biggest bowl. You want it to get nice and fluffy – think light yellow and airy. Then, one by one, beat in those eggs, followed by the vanilla. In another bowl, quickly whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and all those wonderful spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures everything is distributed evenly! Now, for the batter, we’ll add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix it *just* until it’s combined; you don’t want to overmix, or it can get a bit tough. Finally, very gently, fold in those delicious chopped apples and pecans if you’re using them. Don’t be rough here, we want those apple chunks to stay intact!

Baking and Cooling Your Apple Fritter Bread

Pour all that lovely batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Now, into the oven it goes for about 50 to 60 minutes. The best way to know it’s ready is to stick a wooden skewer or a thin knife right into the center. If it comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes. Once it’s baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes – this helps it set up. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here, you don’t want to glaze a hot bread, or it’ll just melt away!

Creating the Sweet Cinnamon Glaze

While our gorgeous apple fritter bread is cooling, let’s whip up that simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and that half teaspoon of cinnamon. Start adding the milk, just a tablespoon at a time, whisking as you go. You’re looking for a consistency that’s thick enough to coat the bread but still thin enough to drizzle nicely. If it gets too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, a tiny splash more milk will do the trick!

Tips for Apple Fritter Bread Success

Okay, let’s talk about making this apple fritter bread absolutely perfect every single time. It’s so simple, but a few little tricks can really elevate it. We want it approachable for everyone and packed with flavor, right? First, the apples! I really do recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape so well during baking and give you those lovely chunky pieces you want. If you use a softer apple, it might turn a bit mushy. Spice variations? Totally! If you love extra warmth, a pinch of allspice or ground ginger alongside the cinnamon is divine. And a super important tip for keeping this bread wonderfully moist: don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Just mix until the dry streaks disappear. That’s it! Overmixing develops the gluten too much, and nobody wants a tough quick bread. These little things make a big difference, trust me!

Storing and Sharing Your Apple Fritter Bread

This apple fritter bread stores like a dream, making it perfect for busy schedules or thoughtful gifts. For enjoying it fresh at room temperature, just wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It stays wonderfully moist for about 3 days this way. If you need it to last a bit longer, the refrigerator is your friend; it’ll keep nicely for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped so it doesn’t dry out.

And for those times when you bake a beautiful loaf but can’t possibly eat it all at once, freezing is a great option! Wrap it super securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil or pop it into a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep quite well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight on the counter when you’re ready for a slice of pure comfort. Sharing this bread is one of my favorite ways to show someone I care – it’s like giving them a little bit of homemade joy. It really simplifies things, much like how convenient meal planning services can take the stress out of busy weeks. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a delicious, homemade treat?

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Fritter Bread

Got questions about this yummy apple fritter bread? I’ve got answers!

Can I use different kinds of apples?

Absolutely! While I love Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their amazing texture and slight tartness, you can use other firm apples. Just avoid really soft apples like McIntosh, as they can turn a bit mushy. Fuji or Gala also work if you prefer a sweeter bread.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can easily make your own “cheat” buttermilk. Just measure out 1 cup of regular milk and stir in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks a little curdled. It works perfectly in this recipe!

Can I make this apple quick bread gluten-free?

You sure can try! For a gluten-free version, you’ll want to use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Sometimes, gluten-free baked goods can be a little denser, but it should still be delicious!

How can I make the cinnamon swirl more prominent?

A little trick for a more visible swirl is to make a simple cinnamon-sugar mixture (about 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon) and sprinkle half of it over the batter *before* you bake it. It creates this lovely crunchy topping and extra cinnamon goodness!

Can this be used as a loaf cake?

Oh, totally! This is pretty much the definition of an easy loaf cake. It bakes up beautifully in a loaf pan and has that perfect homemade, comforting vibe. It’s a fantastic easy loaf cake for any time of year, but especially during apple season.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Apple Fritter Bread

Just a little note for ya – the nutritional details below are estimates per slice. They can totally change depending on the specific ingredients you use and even the brands you pick, so think of it as a general guide!

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Fat: ~18g (with ~11g saturated)
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Carbohydrates: ~48g
  • Sugar: ~45g
  • Fiber: ~2g

Share Your Apple Fritter Bread Creations!

I just *love* seeing your baking adventures! If you make this amazing apple fritter bread, please share your creations. Leave a comment below with your thoughts, rate the recipe, or even tag me on social media if you post a pic. Seeing your delicious results makes my day and totally keeps the joy of cooking alive!

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Apple Fritter Bread

Close-up of a loaf of apple fritter bread with a sweet icing drizzle on a wooden board.

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Bake a cinnamon-swirled quick bread loaded with apples. This recipe features chunky apple layers and a sweet cinnamon glaze, perfect for fall baking and gifting.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 60 min
  • Total Time: 80 min
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups chopped peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans (if using).
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
  11. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.

Notes

  • For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • You can substitute other spices like allspice or ginger for a different flavor profile.
  • This bread stores well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or it can be refrigerated for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Consider this recipe as a great option for easy meal planning, similar to how meal delivery services simplify your week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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