Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is a delightful treat featuring tender, moist bread speckled with tart apples and a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl throughout. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, this loaf combines the flavors of classic apple fritters in an easy-to-make baked bread form, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

Apple Mixture

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor depth.
Combine dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk in two additions, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
Fold in the apples: Carefully fold in the peeled and diced apples ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them down.
Make the cinnamon sugar swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the swirl mixture.
Assemble the bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too fast, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.
Prepare the glaze: While the bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Cool and glaze: Once baking is complete, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the bread and serve. Enjoy the moist, sweet, cinnamon-infused apple bread that captures the flavors of apple fritters in a convenient loaf.

Notes

For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith as they hold their shape and add a nice tart contrast to the sweet bread.
If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the ground cinnamon slightly in the batter or the swirl mix.
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture in the batter.
You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and fluffier texture.
The glaze is optional but recommended to enhance sweetness and add moisture.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven before serving for a fresh-baked feel.