Apple Fritter Cinnamon Bread

This cozy apple fritter bread is a comforting treat I love to bake when apples hit their peak each autumn The tender crumb swirled with spiced apples and topped with a simple glaze makes it an irresistible addition to breakfast or dessert tables

My family first tried this on a crisp fall morning and now no season passes without us whisking up a loaf or two

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray: keeps the bread from sticking to the pan and ensures easy release
• Light brown sugar: brings molasses richness to the cinnamon swirl look for soft packed sugar for best texture
• Ground cinnamon: packs warm flavor and old fashioned charm choose fresh ground spice for brightest taste
• Apples: add natural sweetness and juicy bursts I like any crisp apple for baking especially Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the loaf evenly plus helps the apples become tender and glossy in the topping
• Butter: gives a rich flavor and a soft crumb use good quality real butter softened properly
• Eggs: add structure and richness choose fresh large eggs for consistent results
• Vanilla extract: gives a touch of aromatic sweetness pure vanilla is always worth it
• All purpose flour: the base for sturdy slices sift before measuring for lightness
• Baking powder: helps the bread rise evenly and creates a tender interior
• Milk or almond milk: adds moisture and binds the batter
• Powdered sugar: is the secret to that dreamy glaze sift well to avoid lumps
• Salt: deepens all flavors a little is all you need

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Lightly coat a nine by five inch loaf pan with nonstick spray so the bread releases easily after baking

Mix the Cinnamon Sugar and Apples:

Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined then toss chopped apples in two tablespoons of granulated sugar in another bowl so they will caramelize as the bread bakes

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl cream the softened butter and remaining granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy this ensures a light moist loaf

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in eggs one at a time making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next then stir in vanilla extract for flavor

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder and a small pinch of salt to evenly disperse everything and avoid lumps

Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:

Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter alternately with the milk always starting and ending with the flour use a spatula to fold gently until just combined so the bread stays tender

Assemble Layers in the Pan:

Spread half the batter into the loaf pan sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar then layer half the apples over top repeat with remaining batter cinnamon sugar and apples this creates that signature swirl

Bake the Loaf:

Bake in the preheated oven for fifty to sixty minutes test with a toothpick which should come out clean when done

Cool and Glaze:

Let bread cool in the pan for ten minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully in a small bowl mix powdered sugar with just enough milk until you get a pourable glaze then drizzle over the cooled bread

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice thick and serve at room temperature or slightly warm for a cozy treat at breakfast or dessert

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Cinnamon apples are my favorite part especially when they caramelize along the top My daughter once helped me sprinkle the layers and her smile at the first slice made this recipe a true family treasure

Storage Tips

This bread keeps best tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage keep it in the fridge up to five days Let come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving The glaze may soften but will still taste delicious

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of apples pears make a nice substitute Pears give a milder flavor and they hold their shape well Almond milk works just like cow milk in this recipe and can keep it dairy free For a deeper flavor try adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans into the apple layer

Serving Suggestions

This bread is delicious all on its own or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for dessert For breakfast serve with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt and a dusting of extra cinnamon I also enjoy it paired with an afternoon cup of hot tea

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Cultural and Historical Context

Apple breads like this one trace back to classic American farm kitchens where apples were preserved and folded into comforting loaves The cinnamon apple swirl is a throwback to spiced fritters found at fall fairs and brings a bit of that old fashioned flavor into your home

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples are best for this bread?

Any variety of apple works well, but firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a nice balance to the sweetness.

→ Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, almond milk is a suitable substitute for regular milk in both the batter and the glaze.

→ How do I store apple fritter bread?

Keep the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days for best freshness.

→ Can this bread be frozen?

Yes, cool the loaf completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ What’s the secret to a moist loaf?

Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly and alternating wet and dry ingredients helps create a tender, moist crumb.