There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling the kitchen. This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread takes all the best parts of an old-fashioned apple fritter and transforms them into a soft, cinnamon-swirled loaf, drizzled with a sweet glaze.
It’s the perfect balance of tender, buttery bread, spiced apples, and a golden cinnamon-sugar crust that crackles slightly as you take a bite. Baked apple treats have surged in popularity, with searches for homemade apple bread rising by over 30% in the past year.
The reason? Comfort food nostalgia, the joy of baking from scratch, and a healthier alternative to deep-fried pastries. This recipe delivers all that warmth and indulgence—without the frying.
Serve a slice alongside a Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich for a sweet-and-savory contrast, or pair it with Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Bars for the ultimate fall dessert spread.
One of my favorite tricks for this bread? Using tart Granny Smith apples for the perfect contrast against the brown sugar cinnamon swirl. The result? A bakery-style treat that stays moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?
- It’s like an apple fritter in loaf form! The cinnamon-sugar swirl creates that signature crispy, caramelized edge while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
- It’s freezer-friendly: Make an extra loaf, freeze it, and enjoy homemade apple bread anytime.
- No deep frying required: All the cozy, spiced flavors of an apple fritter without the mess or extra oil.
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert: It’s just as good with a morning coffee as it is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Easier than you think: If you can mix and swirl, you can make this bread—no special skills required!
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled and chopped
- ⅔ cups sugar + 2 tablespoons divided
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 1-3 tablespoons milk divided
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar & Apples: Mix brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. In another bowl, toss chopped apples with 2 tablespoons sugar and remaining cinnamon.
- Prepare Batter: Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Bread: Pour half the batter into the pan, add half the apple mixture, and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar. Repeat layers and swirl lightly with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with 1-3 tablespoons milk until smooth.
- Drizzle & Serve: Pour glaze over cooled bread, slice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 222kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 334mg |
Smart Tips For The Best Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread!
- Use cold apples for the best texture: Chilling the apples before adding them to the batter helps them hold their shape and release less juice, preventing a soggy loaf.
- Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a soft, tender crumb.
- Layer strategically for the perfect swirl: Instead of dumping all the apples in one spot, spread them evenly and swirl gently with a knife—this creates a bakery-style marbled effect.
- Let the bread cool before glazing: If the loaf is too warm, the glaze will melt into it instead of forming a beautiful, slightly crisp drizzle on top.
- Try browning the butter for extra depth: Instead of using plain softened butter, brown it slightly in a pan first—this adds a deep, nutty flavor that takes the bread to another level.
- Store it the right way: Keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Toast a slice before serving for that fresh-baked taste!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
