Before we dive into today’s recipe, let me pause for a heartfelt thank you. Truly—your visits, your messages, your shared kitchen triumphs mean the world to me. I promised you easy, soul-warming, anything-but-boring recipes, and oh… this one is pure magic. I’m honestly kicking myself for not having filmed the moment I cut the first slice—it was THAT gorgeous.
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread takes everything we adore about a warm, fairground apple fritter—the tender fruit, the cinnamon-sugar crackle, the cozy aroma—and reimagines it into a loaf-pan masterpiece. Moist, sweet, ribboned with cinnamon, studded with bright-tart apples… and crowned with a glossy vanilla glaze that sinks into every swirl. Breakfast dessert at its finest.
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What This Recipe Is All About
This loaf captures the essence of an apple fritter—minus the deep fryer. No oil, no mess, no splatter. The batter mixes in one bowl (yes, ONE!), the swirl takes seconds, and thanks to just the right ratio of fruit to batter, the apples stay suspended like juicy, jammy jewels.
It’s comforting, nostalgic, beautifully fragrant… and dare I say it? Even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A bakery-style loaf—without the fuss
- One-bowl batter for easy prep
- Moist crumb from sour cream (never dry!)
- Jammy apple pockets that don’t sink
- Double cinnamon swirl for max coziness
- Vanilla glaze that melts beautifully into the crust
- Even better on Day 2 as the flavors meld
What Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread Tastes Like
Imagine a tender coffee cake, a classic apple fritter, and warm cinnamon sugar holding hands. The crumb is soft and moist, the apples bright and slightly tart, the swirl sweet and spiced, and the glaze a glossy whisper of vanilla sweetness. Every slice feels like a warm fall morning.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Kid- and adult-approved
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for gifting
- Great for breakfast or dessert
- Makes your house smell absolutely heavenly
Ingredients
For the Bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups peeled & chopped Granny Smith apples
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Small bowl for swirl
- Cooling rack
Additions & Substitutions
- Apples: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work beautifully.
- Add nuts: Pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Add warmth: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
- Gluten-free: Swap cup-for-cup GF flour.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter + coconut milk.
- Sweeter glaze: Add a drizzle of maple syrup.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x5 loaf pan.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla. Mix.
Stir in sour cream.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet and fold gently.
Step 3: Add Apples
Fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Layer the Swirl
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Spread half the batter in the pan.
Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar.
Add remaining batter.
Top with remaining swirl.
Using a knife, gently drag through the batter to create ribbons.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.
Step 6: Glaze
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm loaf. Let it sink in—bliss!
What to Serve With This Bread
- Hot coffee
- Apple cider
- Vanilla yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Fresh fruit
- Afternoon tea
Tips for the Best Apple Fritter Bread
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps it tender.
- Use tart apples for the best contrast.
- Let the loaf cool slightly before glazing so it melts beautifully.
- Bake until the center is fully set; fruit-heavy loafs need a full bake.
- Double the glaze if you love extra sweetness!
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 3–4 days, wrapped
- Fridge: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: 2–3 months (wrap tightly)
- Reheat: Warm slices in microwave for 10 seconds for a just-baked feel
General Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 55–65 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use applesauce?
Not in place of apples—it changes the texture. Stick to fresh apples.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but it adds the signature fritter vibe.
My apples sank—why?
You may have overmixed. Gently fold to keep the batter light.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use two loaf pans.
Can I make muffins?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread is the kind of recipe that warms your kitchen, your hands, and your heart. It’s simple, cozy, and wildly delicious—perfect for gifting, sharing, or quietly enjoying with your morning coffee. Once you try it, you’ll be making it all autumn long.
Love apple-forward treats? Try these next:
- Baked Apple Fritters
- The Ultimate Guide to Capirotada
- 3-Ingredient Pan-Fried Halloumi (for savory balance!)
Share the Love!
If you bake this loaf, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest—I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 3g
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