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This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread captures all the cozy, spiced flavors of apple fritters in an easy-to-make loaf cake. Moist, tender bread is swirled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and tender apple pieces, then finished with a simple glaze for a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Ingredients
Filling/Topping
Cake
Glaze
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and set aside.
- Make Filling/Topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg (if using). Mix well to combine and set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients for Cake: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted and cooled unsalted butter, room temperature sour cream, room temperature eggs, room temperature milk, and vanilla extract. Mix by hand or use an electric mixer until all ingredients are combined and smooth. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk or mix well to combine.
- Combine Wet & Dry for Cake: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Prepare Apple: Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apple into 1/2 inch cubes.
- Fold in Apples: Add all but a handful of the chopped apples to the cake batter and gently fold them in. Reserve the handful of apples for the top layer.
- Layer Batter & Swirl (First Layer): Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth it out into a single, even layer. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over this batter layer. Using a flat butter knife, gently cut swirls through the batter to create a marbled effect (don’t overmix, just a few swirls).
- Layer Batter & Swirl (Second Layer): Top with the remaining batter and smooth it out again into a single layer. Add the handful of reserved apple pieces over this layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples and batter. Again, use the butter knife to cut swirls through this top layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the baked loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-20 minutes.
- Make Glaze: Meanwhile, make your glaze. In a small bowl, add the sifted icing sugar. Whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of hot water until you reach the desired consistency (start with 1 teaspoon and add more slowly if needed for a thinner glaze).
- Glaze & Set: Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the top of the warm (but not hot) loaf. Let the glaze set for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
To make your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread a guaranteed hit every time, here are a few expert baking tips:
1. Use the Right Apples
Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking because of their tartness and firm texture. They retain their shape and provide a delicious contrast to the sweet batter and glaze. However, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are great alternatives if you prefer a sweeter finish.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients can lead to a dense or tough bread. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain.
3. Check for Doneness
Since every oven is a bit different, begin checking your loaf around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
4. Cool Before Glazing
Letting the bread cool slightly ensures that the glaze sets nicely on top rather than melting into the loaf. The result is a picture-perfect finish and an added layer of sweetness with each bite.
Storage Instructions
This apple cinnamon bread is a wonderful make-ahead option and stores well both at room temperature and in the freezer.
Short-Term Storage:
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Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
Freezer Option:
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Let the loaf cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
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Freeze for up to 2 months.
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To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight or leave at room temperature for a few hours. Glaze can be added after thawing for a fresher presentation.
Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
1. Nutty Apple Bread
Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchier texture and nutty flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
3. Vegan Adaptation
Substitute:
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Butter with a plant-based spread or coconut oil.
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Eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
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Milk with almond or oat milk.
4. Apple Cider Glaze
Instead of water, use 1–2 teaspoons of apple cider in the glaze for a festive fall twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Sugars | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
This is an estimate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. For specific dietary needs, it is best to calculate nutrition using a verified food tracker or app.
When to Serve Apple Fritter Bread
This cinnamon swirl apple loaf is versatile and works for various occasions:
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Breakfast or Brunch: Paired with coffee or tea, it’s a cozy way to start your day.
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Afternoon Snack: Serve it warm with a bit of butter or honey for a comforting midday treat.
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Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a simple but crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Holiday Gatherings: This bread is a great addition to any holiday table, especially in fall and winter seasons.
Why Families Love This Recipe
The familiar, cozy flavors of cinnamon and apple make this bread a nostalgic favorite that’s loved by kids and adults alike. The swirled filling gives each bite a warm, bakery-style finish, and the tender crumb is incredibly satisfying.
If you grew up enjoying cinnamon apple treats made by your grandma or local baker, this recipe will feel like a warm hug in food form—perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holidays.
Baking With Kids? Try These Tips
Baking is a wonderful way to spend quality time with children, and this recipe is beginner-friendly:
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Let kids help with layering the batter and swirling the cinnamon filling.
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Supervise closely when handling knives or operating the oven.
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Allow them to help drizzle the glaze — it’s a fun, rewarding task they’ll enjoy!
Baking with kids also helps teach basic math, patience, and kitchen safety in a hands-on way.
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Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread brings together all the flavors of a classic apple fritter in the form of a moist, tender loaf cake. It’s simple enough for a weekday breakfast but impressive enough for a weekend brunch or holiday celebration. Whether you’re making it from nostalgic memories or discovering it for the first time, it’s a recipe that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy cravings.
